Ghostface Killah Album: “Fishscale [Edited]”

Description :

Recording information: 2005. <p>FISHSCALE, the fifth solo album by Wu-Tang Clan's Ghostface Killah, is a brilliantly cryptic album drenched in complex ghetto slang that reinforces the MC's status as a master wordsmith. Ghostface doesn't disappoint with lines like, "Ay-yo I should just bark on you/burn your car on you/'cause I'm too much man to leave a mark on you." His voice is mellifluous even when he's shouting, and the infectious beats (provided by Pete Rock and MF Doom) and rare soul and funk samples (a staple of any Ghostface venture at this point) provide the perfect backdrop for the unveiling of Ghost's enigmatic persona. FISHSCALE, packed with gritty tales of the inner-city coke trade, occasionally meanders into tired Tony Montana-posturing, yet occasionally hitting par for the course can be forgiven when the game is being played by a proven champ like Ghostface.

The Wu-Empire may be a thing of the past. Maybe so, but if you were to ask the Ghostface Killah, he would probably disagree. And with an album like Fishscale out a couple months ago, it's obvious that the Clan - or at least Ghost for that matter - has no plans of slipping into obscurity. Even in 2006, Fishscale makes the Clan sound as relevant as ever.

Lyrically, Ghostface has always been on that drug-dealer-turned-rapper tip, but never in a cliched Young Jeezy-type way. Ghost's vivid abstract storytelling has always been his trademark, as evident on well-done tracks like "Shakey Dog" and "R.A.G.U.", the latter being a Pete Rock-produced duet with Raekwon that sounds straight out of the Ironman/Only Built 4 Cuban Linx era in terms of quality. Ghost and Rae also duet on "Kilo" and pull it off nicely, considering the bizarre, yet suitable sampled hook. Other highlights include Just Blaze-produced "The Champ", Pete Rock's other musical contributions "Dogs of War" (featuring the Theodore Unit & Raekwon) and the certified banger "Be Easy", and "Whip You With A Strap", produced by the late J-Dilla.

As for flaws in the album, there are only a few. MF Doom contributed four beats on the album, and they're decent at best (his best beat being on the very brief "Underwater"). Also, the so-called Clan reunion track "9 Milli Bros." sounds too thrown-together, but it's still kinda tight, and it sounds good to hear them all on one track again. Finally, the last track "Three Bricks" featuring Raekwon and vocals from Biggie is a HUGE disappointment, mostly due to the track's lethargic Cool & Dre beat. It does go without saying though: these flaws end up being VERY minor.

Bottom line: Fishscale is most definitely Ghost's most focused album since his 2000 classic, Supreme Clientele. With slightly better production here and there, Fishscale could've been a classic, but near-classic status ain't bad either. Make no mistake and cop this because 2006 might not see any stronger rap releases than this one.