With 36 Seasons, Ghostface Killah tries to recreate the same narrative-based formula he worked with on his last album, but with only a portion of the appeal.
36 seasons
Ghostface Killah - "Double Cross" ft. AZ / "Blood In The Streets"
New TracksCommentKnown for his renowned membership of the Wu-Tang Clan, but also for his early solo works, Ghostface Killah is once again attracting major attention over the release of a forthcoming album. The title of this new one: 36 Seasons, which apparently includes a comic insert based on the album’s concept of the revenge of a deafeated and forgotten anti-hero. The new single “Double Cross” features Brooklyn-born rapper AZ, as do a few other tracks on the album, and includes a menacing bassline over kick and hat drum beats. Interrupted briefly by police commands and a slight build up to AZ’s verse--which contains a well-placed “C.R.E.A.M.” reference--the track is a bit unadventurous and expected, but still an exciting prelude to the impending project.
You can actually try another new track from 36 Seasons, "Blood In The Streets," right here.
- Fin Worrall
Ghostface Killah - "The Battlefield" ft. Kool G Rap, AZ & Tre Williams
New TracksCommentFollowing up his impressive collaborative concept album with Adrian Younge last year, Twelve Reasons To Die, Ghostface Killah is ready to drop another full-length this December titled 36 Seasons. It's another concept album, which is fine by me, and details a story of revenge.
"The Battlefield" is the second track to get released from this thing--here's the first--and it features verses from Kool G Rap and AZ. There's a sweet hook on this thing that's sung by Tre Williams, too. The track puts us right in the middle of the album's storyline, introducing us to an unhappy Ghostface Killah reacting to his old neighborhood going to hell after a 9-year hiatus spent somewhere else.
The track's instrumental has a head-bobbing rhythm, some righteous piano chords, and a driving guitar lead, too. While the lyrical content leaves a lot of questions about the storyline of the album, it's certainly a good cliffhanger for now.
Look for 36 Seasons via Tommy Boy on December 9th.
Ghostface Killah - "Love Don't Live Here No More" ft. Kandace Springs
New TracksCommentOne thing you can't deny about Ghostface: as an artist, he's never lacked for soulfulness in his music. "Love Don't Live Here No More" keeps that trend going over an altered soul music sample coupled with the velvety smooth vocals of Kandace Springs. Keeping it simple and straight to the point in the lyrics and story, Ghost spins a web about a lovelorn ex-con just released from lock up after 9 years, eager to see his one and only woman. Problem is, he soon discovers she's moved on even though he hasn't. The combination of Ghost's classic raspy, high-pitched delivery, Springs' unforgiving wailing on the chorus and a throbbing, bass-filled sample reminiscent of songs from 70's flicks like "Let's Do It Again" and "Claudine" make for prime lesson in grown folks hip hop heartbreak.
"Love Don't Live Here No More" is taken from Ghost's upcoming album 36 Seasons, due out December 9 via Warner Bros.
- Ron Grant