Ghostface Killah - FishscaleIntroducing the second of several gimmick posts, this is Shuffle [whatever]day. Basically, I click through shuffle until my clock goes to the next minute (today it was 7:30 to 7:31 yay...) and then whatever song is up there, that's the album I do. This time, it was Ghostface Killah's Fishscale.
Ghostface Killah, better known to his family as Dennis Coles, was born on May 9th, 1970. He was raised in the Stapleton housing projects in Staten Island. He made his debut on Protect Ya Neck, alongside the rest of his Wu-Tang brethern (albeit under the name "Ghost Face Killer"). After that, Ghostface appeared on the Wu-Tang debut albums, as well as the first four solo albums, before he got his own debut.
Ironman was released October 29, 1996 and was the last solo album of RZA's "five year plan." The album was followed by the conclusion of the plan, Wu-Tang Forever, a double disc CD. Ironman warranted Ghostface a seecond solo album, the final fo second batch of Wu solo albums, Supreme Clientele. The album was hailed as the best sophmore solo albums.
After Supreme Clientele, Ghostface dropped Bulletproof Wallets, an album that presumably attempted to draw paralells to Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... and Ghostface's own Ironman, by featuring Rae on the cover and on 5 of the 16 songs.
He followed that up with The Pretty Toney Album, released under the moniker "Ghostface." Which was itself followed up by Fishscale. Fishscale was received well with critics, and debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200, his highest placing since Ironman.
However, was it worth it? Well if I said it was my second favorite Ghostface album, would you keep on reading? (No.) Oh... well then...
1. The Return of Clyde Smith (Skit)
A really boring, unnecessary intro. Only thing slightly interesting is that Ghost is Clyde Smith this time around, as opposed to Raekwon from Supreme Clientele.
2. Shakey Dog
Produced by Lewis Parker
Can't really say I've heard anything else from Lewis Parker, but the beat is pretty good. Ghost's lyrics are on point, making a great opening song. Something worth noting, at the end, Ghost says "to be continued..." Could we see a Shakey Dog 2 sometime soon?
3. Kilo (feat. Raekwon)
Produced by MoSS
Who the hell is MoSS? The hook sounds like they pulled it straight off a Schoolhouse Rock special. However, Rae and Ghost both sound good. Though, Rae's last verse is just weird.
4. The Champ
Produced by Just Blaze
I like Just Blaze. And his beat sounds really good, plus Ghost is great over it. I'd be a much bigger fan of this if it weren't for WWE's Smackdown vs. Raw 2007. Damn them for having that song play for what seems like every 10 minutes, along with Lil' Scrappy's "Money in the Bank" (ugh) and Three Days Grace's "Riot" (again, ugh). However, still a great song.
5. Major Operation (Skit)
Did this really need a spot on the tracklisting? IT'S 6 FUCKING SECONDS.
6. 9 Milli Bros. (feat. Wu-Tang Clan)
Produced by MF DOOM
I still don't understand why RZA didn't provide a beat for this... and why he didn't provide a verse. I mean hell, ODB has a verse on here (though, it's only five lines, two of which contain two words, "Brooklyn," and "zoo")... Cappadonna has a verse on here, surely RZA couldn't dropped 16 bars. MF DOOM's production is "Fenugreek," taken off Special Herbs, Vol. 1. All-in-all, it sounds good, though.
7. Beauty Jackson
Produced by J Dilla
Dilla's production here is "Hi." taken from Donuts, an amazing album. Ghost hops on the beat for a good verse.
8. Heart Street Directions (Skit)
This skit is just stupid.
9. Columbus Exchange (Skit) / Crack Spot
Produced by Crack Val
Columbus exchange would be another skit in the same vein as Major Operation from up above. Never heard of Crack Val, but he provides a decent beat for a decent, nothing special song.
10. R.A.G.U. (feat. Raekwon)
Produced by Pete Rock
R.A.G.U. obviously stands for "Rae(kwon) and Ghost United." I wonder if these two will ever collaborate for a full album. Though, now, there are talks that we could get a Ghost/Rae/Method album. This song is great... like pretty much every Rae/Ghost collabo.
11. Bad Mouth Kid (Skit)
Another boring skit.
12. Whip You With a Strap
Produced by J Dilla
Like the previous Dilla contribution, the beat is taken from Dilla's Donuts, this one being "One for Ghost." As the title hints to, Ghost discusses his childhood punishments. Well, that wasn't what I was expecting (back when I first heard it of course).
13. Back Like That (feat. Ne-Yo)
Produced by Xtreme
Who's Xtreme? I'm gonna admit it, as far as Ghost's contractually-required songs for the radio go... I like this one. Presumably because I enjoy Ne-Yo on the hook, since I've always thought he was a great singer. However, I don't think I've ever heard Ne-Yo swear like that. So much for that gentlemen style he had going on, you aren't a gentleman when you call her a bitch, Ne-Yo... (ikid). Oh, but I find the fact that he's saying him cheating on her was completely fine... but when she dates/fucks someone he hates, it's like she just ordered a hit on Ne-Yo's family... heh.
14. Be Easy (feat. Trife da God)
Produced by Pete Rock
I think this was the first single. Whatever it is, this song is fucking awesome.
15. Clipse of Doom (feat. Trife da God)
Produced by MF DOOM
Am I the only one who thinks that this name would be good for a Clipse/DOOM collabo? Like DOOM's previous contribution, the beat is swiped from his Special Herbs series, this time it's "Bergamot Wild" from Volume 3. This is the second song in a row where Trife handles chorous while Ghost dominates the verses.
16. Jellyfish (feat. Theodore Unit)
Produced by MF DOOM
"Sumac Berries" from Vol. 1. And Ghost singing in the beginning of his verse kinda stands out. His verse is the best here, while Cappadonna has the worst. A meh song.
17. Dogs of War (feat. Raekwon & Theodore Unit)
Produced by Pete Rock
Theodore Unit make their second consecutive appearance (Trife's fourth), but this time, they bring back Raekwon. Sun God and Trife sound good, Ghost and Rae have the best verses on here, look above to see my thoughts on Cap's verse.
18. Barbershop
Produced by Studio Steve
I'm gonna guess Studio Steve just appeared out of thin air and provided Ghost a beat when he needed one, because I don't know who the hell he is. This is pretty much a skit with an added verse.
19. Ms. Sweetwater (Skit)
The sixth skit.... ugh.
20. Big Girl
Produced by Ghostface Killah
Ghost's self-produced track. No chorus, just Ghost rhyming... and then talking. I like it.
21. Underwater
Produced by MF DOOM
"Orange Blossoms" from Vol. 5. This song is just weird. Ghostface is lost underwater... and one line describes him meeting up with SpongeBob... what the fuck?
22. The Ironman Takeover (Skit)
Skit #7. Please refer to track #5.
23. Momma (feat. Megan Rochell)
Produced by The Hitmen
Not that bad... but not that good, either.
I guess this is a bonus track...
24. Three Bricks (feat. The Notorious B.I.G. & Raekwon)
Produced by Cool & Dre
Apparently, this was cut from that horrible Duets album that was put out a couple of years ago. That should give an idea of this song's quality.
Conclusion: Buy this. No, seriously, go do it. This is probably gonna be the best Wu-related album of the 2000s (only Raekwon has the chance to top it, come on OB4CL2).
Blah blah blah new blog coming tonight blah blah if I'm not tired blah blah.
Ghostface Killah, better known to his family as Dennis Coles, was born on May 9th, 1970. He was raised in the Stapleton housing projects in Staten Island. He made his debut on Protect Ya Neck, alongside the rest of his Wu-Tang brethern (albeit under the name "Ghost Face Killer"). After that, Ghostface appeared on the Wu-Tang debut albums, as well as the first four solo albums, before he got his own debut.
Ironman was released October 29, 1996 and was the last solo album of RZA's "five year plan." The album was followed by the conclusion of the plan, Wu-Tang Forever, a double disc CD. Ironman warranted Ghostface a seecond solo album, the final fo second batch of Wu solo albums, Supreme Clientele. The album was hailed as the best sophmore solo albums.
After Supreme Clientele, Ghostface dropped Bulletproof Wallets, an album that presumably attempted to draw paralells to Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... and Ghostface's own Ironman, by featuring Rae on the cover and on 5 of the 16 songs.
He followed that up with The Pretty Toney Album, released under the moniker "Ghostface." Which was itself followed up by Fishscale. Fishscale was received well with critics, and debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200, his highest placing since Ironman.
However, was it worth it? Well if I said it was my second favorite Ghostface album, would you keep on reading? (No.) Oh... well then...
1. The Return of Clyde Smith (Skit)
A really boring, unnecessary intro. Only thing slightly interesting is that Ghost is Clyde Smith this time around, as opposed to Raekwon from Supreme Clientele.
2. Shakey Dog
Produced by Lewis Parker
Can't really say I've heard anything else from Lewis Parker, but the beat is pretty good. Ghost's lyrics are on point, making a great opening song. Something worth noting, at the end, Ghost says "to be continued..." Could we see a Shakey Dog 2 sometime soon?
3. Kilo (feat. Raekwon)
Produced by MoSS
Who the hell is MoSS? The hook sounds like they pulled it straight off a Schoolhouse Rock special. However, Rae and Ghost both sound good. Though, Rae's last verse is just weird.
4. The Champ
Produced by Just Blaze
I like Just Blaze. And his beat sounds really good, plus Ghost is great over it. I'd be a much bigger fan of this if it weren't for WWE's Smackdown vs. Raw 2007. Damn them for having that song play for what seems like every 10 minutes, along with Lil' Scrappy's "Money in the Bank" (ugh) and Three Days Grace's "Riot" (again, ugh). However, still a great song.
5. Major Operation (Skit)
Did this really need a spot on the tracklisting? IT'S 6 FUCKING SECONDS.
6. 9 Milli Bros. (feat. Wu-Tang Clan)
Produced by MF DOOM
I still don't understand why RZA didn't provide a beat for this... and why he didn't provide a verse. I mean hell, ODB has a verse on here (though, it's only five lines, two of which contain two words, "Brooklyn," and "zoo")... Cappadonna has a verse on here, surely RZA couldn't dropped 16 bars. MF DOOM's production is "Fenugreek," taken off Special Herbs, Vol. 1. All-in-all, it sounds good, though.
7. Beauty Jackson
Produced by J Dilla
Dilla's production here is "Hi." taken from Donuts, an amazing album. Ghost hops on the beat for a good verse.
8. Heart Street Directions (Skit)
This skit is just stupid.
9. Columbus Exchange (Skit) / Crack Spot
Produced by Crack Val
Columbus exchange would be another skit in the same vein as Major Operation from up above. Never heard of Crack Val, but he provides a decent beat for a decent, nothing special song.
10. R.A.G.U. (feat. Raekwon)
Produced by Pete Rock
R.A.G.U. obviously stands for "Rae(kwon) and Ghost United." I wonder if these two will ever collaborate for a full album. Though, now, there are talks that we could get a Ghost/Rae/Method album. This song is great... like pretty much every Rae/Ghost collabo.
11. Bad Mouth Kid (Skit)
Another boring skit.
12. Whip You With a Strap
Produced by J Dilla
Like the previous Dilla contribution, the beat is taken from Dilla's Donuts, this one being "One for Ghost." As the title hints to, Ghost discusses his childhood punishments. Well, that wasn't what I was expecting (back when I first heard it of course).
13. Back Like That (feat. Ne-Yo)
Produced by Xtreme
Who's Xtreme? I'm gonna admit it, as far as Ghost's contractually-required songs for the radio go... I like this one. Presumably because I enjoy Ne-Yo on the hook, since I've always thought he was a great singer. However, I don't think I've ever heard Ne-Yo swear like that. So much for that gentlemen style he had going on, you aren't a gentleman when you call her a bitch, Ne-Yo... (ikid). Oh, but I find the fact that he's saying him cheating on her was completely fine... but when she dates/fucks someone he hates, it's like she just ordered a hit on Ne-Yo's family... heh.
14. Be Easy (feat. Trife da God)
Produced by Pete Rock
I think this was the first single. Whatever it is, this song is fucking awesome.
15. Clipse of Doom (feat. Trife da God)
Produced by MF DOOM
Am I the only one who thinks that this name would be good for a Clipse/DOOM collabo? Like DOOM's previous contribution, the beat is swiped from his Special Herbs series, this time it's "Bergamot Wild" from Volume 3. This is the second song in a row where Trife handles chorous while Ghost dominates the verses.
16. Jellyfish (feat. Theodore Unit)
Produced by MF DOOM
"Sumac Berries" from Vol. 1. And Ghost singing in the beginning of his verse kinda stands out. His verse is the best here, while Cappadonna has the worst. A meh song.
17. Dogs of War (feat. Raekwon & Theodore Unit)
Produced by Pete Rock
Theodore Unit make their second consecutive appearance (Trife's fourth), but this time, they bring back Raekwon. Sun God and Trife sound good, Ghost and Rae have the best verses on here, look above to see my thoughts on Cap's verse.
18. Barbershop
Produced by Studio Steve
I'm gonna guess Studio Steve just appeared out of thin air and provided Ghost a beat when he needed one, because I don't know who the hell he is. This is pretty much a skit with an added verse.
19. Ms. Sweetwater (Skit)
The sixth skit.... ugh.
20. Big Girl
Produced by Ghostface Killah
Ghost's self-produced track. No chorus, just Ghost rhyming... and then talking. I like it.
21. Underwater
Produced by MF DOOM
"Orange Blossoms" from Vol. 5. This song is just weird. Ghostface is lost underwater... and one line describes him meeting up with SpongeBob... what the fuck?
22. The Ironman Takeover (Skit)
Skit #7. Please refer to track #5.
23. Momma (feat. Megan Rochell)
Produced by The Hitmen
Not that bad... but not that good, either.
I guess this is a bonus track...
24. Three Bricks (feat. The Notorious B.I.G. & Raekwon)
Produced by Cool & Dre
Apparently, this was cut from that horrible Duets album that was put out a couple of years ago. That should give an idea of this song's quality.
Conclusion: Buy this. No, seriously, go do it. This is probably gonna be the best Wu-related album of the 2000s (only Raekwon has the chance to top it, come on OB4CL2).
Blah blah blah new blog coming tonight blah blah if I'm not tired blah blah.
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