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Killah sets high standard in latest
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f nothing else, Ghostface Killah has been quite efficient lately. In the past 20 months, he has put out three albums, not to mention contributing to the new Wu-Tang album The 8 Diagrams, which is scheduled for release this Tuesday. Ghostface's two previous releases, Fishscale and More Fish, were very well-received critically, and he has arguably the most critically successful solo career of the nine Wu-Tang Clan members. To say the least, the rapper has set a high bar for his most recent album, The Big Doe Rehab. Despite his relative success, the question still remains: Can Ghostface do it again?
At first listen, The Big Doe Rehab takes on the same structure as Ghostface's other releases. The album has its usual cast of featured artists: Wu-Tang members Method Man, Raekwon, and Masta Killa, along with Wu-Tang affiliates Trife da God and Sun God, add their lyrics. In fact, there are only three songs on the album in which Ghostface appears alone. This is a considerable change from More Fish, his best album to date, in which only two artists other than Ghostface contributed their rhymes. Still, Ghostface's lyrics, and the style and charisma with which he delivers them, are above and beyond the other artists who make guest appearances on his album. It's hard not to imagine what Ghost might have used in certain spots instead of Trife or U-God.
That said, some most of the best cuts on Rehab feature other artists. "Yolanda's House," a narrative about running from the cops and hiding out at a girl's house, features Method Man and Raekwon. The song has a simple drum-and-bass beat, allowing the listener to pay extra attention to the lyrics. They rap, "You think I'm lying?/ May God strike me if you don't like me/ I'm tired and I'm outta breath/ The weed got me paranoid/ My heart's pounding through my chest." Following "Yolanda's House" is "We Celebrate," which hosts a catchy, bass-heavy sample of "I Just Want to Celebrate" by Rare Earth. "Killa Lipstick," featuring Method Man yet again is another gem, with its R&B-inspired beat.
However, the genius of the album really comes out on the three Ghostface-only tracks. "Walk Around" seems to be a one-on-one confession by Ghost about his fears of going insane. "Supa GFK" features a straight-forward sample of funk artist Johnny "Guitar" Watson's "Superman Lover." Lastly, the ballad "I'll Die for You" shows off an excellent sample of layered keys by producing team The Hitmen, while Ghostface delivers his vulnerable side with an intensity only he can provide.
Regrettably, Rehab does have its annoying moments. "White Linen Affair (Toney Awards)" seems to be an excuse for Ghost to namedrop as much as possible, not to mention it lacks a definitive beat. It's unfortunate that one of the best rhymes of the album ("Paris Hilton and Lindsay/ Holding down Britney's skirt/ No more free looks/ You gotta put in the work") comes from this song. Additionally, "Slow Down" features the beautiful voice of Chrisette Michele, but the entire track is thrown off by continuous and ill-advised changes in time signature.
There is no doubt that Ghostface delivers once again with The Big Doe Rehab, but the only problem is that there is not enough of him. All the featured guest artists don't take away from the album — it would be almost impossible for Method Man to take anything away from an album he raps on — but the listener is left wanting more of Ghost's charisma and energy. Still, Ghostface was correct in asking Wu-Tang to push back the release of The 8 Diagrams, as The Big Doe Rehab sets another high bar.
3 1/2 stars out of 5
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Ghostface Killah? Is this a joke name you just made up?
While I slightly disagree about the overuse of guest spots (best Method Man verses in years, and I ain’t mad at more Beans in my life), accurate review.
The only knock I’ve got on this review is that you said More Fish was Ghost’s best work… I’d say you need to do your homework, dog. Check his classic earlier records: Ironman, The Pretty Toney Album, Bulletproof Wallets, etc. More Fish was more of a commercially released mixtape.
More Fish had many, many more than 2 guests. Every Wu solo album, particularly the ones creamed over in the hip-hop critical canon, is crawling with features… can’t fault Ghost for rolling that deep. It’s not like he’s ever in danger of being outshined. And no, More Fish isn’t even close to Supreme Clientele, which is in the discussion for best Wu album period.
Wu-Tang Clan?
The RZA, The GZA, ODB, Inspectah Deck, Raekwon the Chef, U-God, Ghostface Killah and the M.E.T.H.O.D. Man
More Fish his best work….wow you really havent listened to Ghost have you?
You cant forget Masta Killa man!!!
You cant forget Supreme Clientele, which I think is the best ghost album, and one of the best wu slo albums.
Every solo Wu album is loaded with guests, like pretty much every solo wu album is gonna feature most of the rest of the clan.