It is without a doubt that the Wu-Tang Clan is upheld among the greatest rap groups of all time. That being said, it comes as no surprise that a legendary storyteller rose among its own ranks—and his name was Ghostface Killah.
Becoming highly regarded both in Wu-Tang and as a solo artist, Ghostface Killah is critically-acclaimed for his magnum-caliber hooks slicing through his machine-gun flow. His most renowned asset, however, that sets him apart falls unto the category of his relentlessly-passionate, stream-of-consciousness-driven narrative skills.
“Ghostface has unparalleled storytelling instincts; he might be the best, most colorful storyteller rap has ever seen,” mentioned Pitchfork along the lines of their critique.
This distinct characteristic began shaping even during his earliest years under the Wu-Tang insignia, but it was when the clansmen each took to his own way that the legend of Ghostface the storyteller ultimately began, specifically through his 1996 debut album, Ironman.
Recognized for its soul-driven ambience and praised for Ghostface's ingenious lyricism, the album sold over 156,000 copies in its initial weak, and debuted at #2 off of both the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. The album also stuck RIAA-certifed Gold, three months after.
Since then, fans and critics alike, attest to the Wu-Tang clansman's persistent provision of ground-breaking albums, such as Supreme Clientele in 2000, and 2006's Fishscale, all catering to Ghostface's myriad of successful singles and projects, and more importantly, all anchored upon his rise from humble Wu-Tang member, to legendary storyteller.
Until now, Ghostface Killah has continued traversing through the Hip-hop realm, with 2015's Twelve Reasons To Die II as his latest magnum opus. However, fans remain ever-vigilant, as speculations foretell of another album looming beyond the horizon.
By Jods Arboleda for RAPStation.com
