Decades of dominance. Such a phrase can be firmly etched onto Ghostface Killah’s tombstone when it’s all said and done and would forever ring true.
Despite the documented (and undocumented) rifts between the multiple personalities found within the Wu-Tang Clan, nearly all of Ghostface’s contributions have resulted in some kind of fanfare.
His latest — the humorously titled Ghostface Killahs — serves as his 13th studio album and yet another win for both the Wallabee Champ and the Clan as a whole with its fairly strong concept storyline. The solid offering crash lands into CD players when the Clan is enjoying a bit of resurgence thanks to TV shows and engrossing a documentary.
Packed with sticky blaxploitation hymns and seedy topics galore, Ghostface Killahs often ignites humor but does show Tony Starks’ sword has dulled a bit over the years. Noticeably missing is the razor-sharp Dolemite outbursts from his formidable years.
A smooth number like “Flex” actually humanizes Dennis Cole as his beat-riding and unfocused lyrics (“Them Caribbean seminars, he flashy like menopause/Bet you get hit with the best shot like Pat Benatar”) come off as forgettable in spite of all their animated glory. And the overall creativity takes a dip on “Waffles & Ice Cream,” as Ghost and Cappadonna go half on an “Ice Cream” sequel no one asked for.
The hard-knock singalong “Party Over Here” fares much better on the catchy tip, as does the reggae-dipped closer “Soursop,” which features a stellar Masta Killa performance. The song will make Wu heads recall the magic heard on 2000’s infectious “One Blood.”
While the imperfections do exist, there’s still plenty of GFK greatness to indulge in. The album is peppered with ominous news broadcasts warning of various capers and heists that neatly tie-in with the material. On “The Chase,” Ghost and Sun God engage in some father-son bonding time as they evade the jakes in hyper fashion. Cappadona has a better cameo on the banging “Me Denny & Darryl” (as does Method Man) and the grungy guitar that permeates “Burner to Burner” reeks of vintage Ghostface.
Best described as padding for the discog, Ghostface Killahs won’t shake up the current Hip Hop ecosystem but does offer a gritty detour down those commercial highways. But longtime fans could argue the project is his strongest since 2006’s Fishscale.
Do remember, Ghostface does have decades of masterful work under his championship belt.
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Longtime Fans won’t argue that “12 Reasons to die” from 2013 isn’t less impressive than “Fishscale”.
Nonethless is this new album a solid effort.
fireeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
who still uses homophobic slurs in 2019? fucking die already
Shut up you sensitive bitch.
You must not be familiar with Hip-Hop slang. Just because dude calls someone a f*ggot doesn’t mean they’re referring to a homosexual. If I call you a f*ggot it can mean that I think you’re a p*$$y, an @$$hole, a b*tch @ss n*gga; a punk mother f*cker, or that I simply don’t like you. And, if he WAS referring to a homosexual please explain to us what is homophobic about that? How does that show that he, or anyone for the matter, who uses that word is “scared of” or fears homosexuals? Please let us know.
You new n*ggas need to stop being voluntarily stupid, step your vocab game up and stop wearing your shaved testicles on your sleeves. You n*ggas are sensitive AF. Learn what words mean and learn some new ones while you’re at it. Knuckle heads.
A homophobic slur is a homophobic slur homie. Just like the N word is the N word. Context doesn’t matter in this case. The word is the word and it still being tossed around in hip hop is unjustifiable.
No one could or would argue that this is his best since Fishscale
So this guy hasn’t heard the first 12 reasons.
Ghostface is always ill!!!!
Tony always bring the heat. He has more dope albums than most HIP HOP ARTISTS. Just another WU BANGA!
All members of the clan should hang the hang the mic up at this point—its over—Jus sayin_PHil
Say less bitch. All you lame fucks stay saying it’s over. Please. Wu tang is one of the most well known hiphop groups ever period. Keep dreaming. Hang yourself.
#thankyou!
Just saw them all perform in September. I was front row and can tell you whole heartedly that you are a fucking clownfish
5 out of 5!!! Divine heat fosho!!! Peace to da God!!!
Album is fire I was in the video 2 out of 3 of the videos but overall it’s straight fire
I almost agree with this article. Point blank! Ghost does surprise us with a new concept by being painted all over his face and bringing a Wu veteran Soloman Childs on the album. Conditioning is my favorite because you hear a hungry Ghostface on a track that has beat like you won’t stop hearing to it.
As a long time Wu fan I will throw 4 ninja stars at this album. Ghost almost never disappoints…
The god the Ghostface did it again
Soursop track is a banger!!!!
Ghostface Killah has delivered an incredible album from start to finish.
The GOAT
Sh!ts a banger, the only thing is its a little bit short. Fishscale was like 5 hours
Classic just from a raw materials perspective. I love a (Artists) That stay in there lane & do what they do that makes them who they are. (Artist) You may not like or agree with all the work ? Respect the craft!!.?⚡
GFK brings those street bangahs with him and unique MC skills that very few can match.
Fire in morning playlist!!!!
Ghostface new album is ? I can’t get enough!! Can’t wait to see what after this!! I love all of Wu-Tang Clan!!??????
Great album, my favorite this year easily. The reviewer could tone down with the grandiloquence though. No such thing as formidable years. A lot of flash, not quite as much substance – even though I agree with the score!
Goat
This album is fire as hell! It mixes some millennial talk with gritty hip hop and they made a sequel for ice cream that’s marvelous. I love it I’ve been banging it everywhere I go regardless of where I go.
Man this is CRACK!!
Ghost ain’t lost a step
Dope but not great
The hulu series sucks as well….I saw RZA was producing it—no wonder it sucks balls
There’s a liar in the comments section..See below
Average
i always thought Fishscale was overrated 12 reasons to die 1 n 2 are incredible and 36 seasonz was great concept Best in the Clan