Ghostface Killah----Twelve Reasons to Die

Ghostface Killah-Twelve Reasons to Die-Soul Temple-(2013)

Artist: Ghostface Killah

Album: Twelve Reasons to Die

Label: Soul Temple Records

Producers: Adrian Younge   

Ghostface Killah is the unique emcee from the coveted Wu-Tang that can bring you with slick wordplay, storytelling and braggadocios rap delivery. From the Wu-Tang albums to his solo albums of the impressive debut Ironman and classic Supreme Clientele, Ghostface has tailored into one of the most memorable emcees in the game. Tag teaming with Raekwon and introducing the world to the Clark Wallabe shoes, Ghostface now teams up with producer Adrian Younge with the new opus Twelve Reasons To Die.

            Twelve Reasons to Die is a composing reference to the comic book. Even if the comic book is not familiar, the album keeps its theme of superior lyricism and tight production which is listenable. Average Wu-Tang listeners will get a good deal of a typical Wu-Tang solo album: eerie production samples, gritty storytelling street lyrics and of course the Wu-Tang members to hold him down as guest appearances. “Beware of the Stare”, “Rise of the Black Suits” and “The Rise of Ghostface” brings out Ghostface at his highest moments. The Center of Attraction featuring Cappadonna is the sure shot where the two rap over a slow melodic beat; two different perspectives over a female that is either ride or die or untrustworthy based on love, trust and jealousy. Speaking of guest appearances, tracks like “Blood on the Cobblestones” and “Murder Spree” bring out the intensity from the Wu-Tang members.

             Twelve Reasons to Die is a superb album to be added to Ghostface’s stellar collection; it’s definitely not a disappointment. It was skeptical at first due to many criticisms of the lack of RZA presence, poor quality of the mastering and Younge’s production didn’t blend well with Ghostface’s subject matter but this is a great album from start to finish. It has the same sound as his previous work with the tailored production from Adrian Younge, this is one of the albums to listen to this year. Despite a few minor pitchy problems, after an impressive album twenty years of solo work combined with the Wu-Tang series, Ghostface scores another winner.

            Strong Tracks: “Rise of the Black Suits”, “The Center of Attraction,” “Blood on the Cobblestones”, “Murder Spree”, “Enemies All Around Me”

            Average Tracks: “Beware of the Stare “, “An Unexpected Call”, “Revenge is Sweet”

            Weak Tracks:  None

            Rating:out of