Link: Official Ghostface Page on Def Jam Website
The Inside Pulse:
When history writes the final word on The Wu-Tang Clan, will they be remembered as the collective that changed the course of Hip Hop history in the mid-90s or as individual artists whose impact(s) within the industry is still felt today? In the case of Dennis (Ghostface Killah) Coles, it’s a wonder he’s still remembered at all. These days, rap anonymity seems to be inversely proportional to the amount of one’s lyrical skill. And, with platinum (1996’s Iron Man) and gold (2000’s Supreme Clientele) albums under his belt, Ghostface shouldn’t need any introduction. Still, even his hardcore fans were turned off by the rushed-to-shelves 2001 follow-up Bulletproof Wallets, while Ghost’s criminally underrated Pretty Toney Album remains one of the most slept-on albums of all time. If we’ve heard one rapper’s rise n’ fall story, then we’ve heard them all. But, then a funny thing happened on the way to obscurity…
Positives:
Ghostface Killah’s frenetic flow has been intertwined with the RZA’s board work for so long, that it’s impossible to comprehend an album where RZA’s production is nowhere to be found. And, damned if he’s not missed one bit. The storytelling on Shakey Dog is worth a dozen rewinds by itself and that’s just the opening track. Meanwhile, the tongue & cheek joyride called Kilo recruits Raekwon over an understated, yet playful beat and an infectious hook. Pete Rock produces the mixtape banger Be Easy, then makes room for MF Doom, who produced the phenomenal Clipse of Doom. It almost seems that the two producers are out to one-up each other, as they’re featured on the next two tracks: Doom laces Jellyfish, with Rock just killing it on Dogs of War. Lyrically, Ghostface absolutely goes for broke with a sound that conveys a hunger and urgency to reclaim his greatness.
Negatives:
There’s a lot of love going around for his first single Back Like That, but that’s probably only praise when the cut’s compared to 2004’s Tush. Ghostface brought in Ne-Yo for this one, but the lyrical results can’t match soulful feel of the beat. Also, Momma is a clichéd reach that’s been done to death. By the way, how did the MF Doom-produced Charlie Brown not make this album?
Cross-Breed:
The original, often groundbreaking sound, blended with the best of the vibes from the ’70s, ’90s and today.
Reason to Buy:
For God’s sake, people…Ghostface has a track on here that reminisces on getting an ass whipping from his mom. There’s another that features spot-on impressions of characters from Rocky III. Seriously, the beats are deep and diverse, with an A-list of producers, while Ghostface brings it like he never has before. This album was first released with a sale price of $6.99. Tack on the standard post-first week $3 and it’s still a steal.
