“Paragraphs Of Love” - Review Of Ghostface Killah’s Ghostdini: The Wizard Of Poetry In Emerald City
ALBUM REVIEWS By David D. on September 15, 2009 at 1:34 pm
We should have all seen an album of this nature coming from Ghostface. While Brother Starks has had his feet planted firmly in the Shaolin slums with legendary street tales, his catalogue has always featured a smattering of songs displaying the triumphs and tragedies of attempts to conquer the fairer sex. From the unrepenting “Wildflower” to becoming mesmerized by the likes of “Beauty Jackson,” Ghostface has been known for stacking his escapades with honesty and sharp detail. Going all in for the gusto, Mr. Coles’ latest endeavor, Ghostdini: The Wizard of Poetry in Emerald City, is a smorgasbord of R&B flavored tunes with that special Ghost twist.
The album truly shines as Ghostface uses his patented knack for episodic tracks and proves yet again that he can weave a story with the best of Hollywood’s writers. “Lonely” is a true gem as Ghostface spends four minutes driving himself crazy over the thought of another man moving into his old house with his old wifey: “Under my covers and changing my channels/playing my CDs in my robes another man is burning my candles/my cologne’s almost gone, a fake don my old whiz fell for…” Lyfe Jennings adds a superb backdrop as his voice never fails at conveying sheer agony. For the most part, the guest vocalists hit their marks as one would expect from singers like Raheem DeVaughn and John Legend.
Increasing the LP’s commercial stock, tracks like the “Let’s Stop Playin’” with a crooning John Legend riding shotgun and L.T. mOE-concocted “I’ll Be That” hit the radio-friendly tropes one would expect from Hip-Hop/R&B collaborations. And perhaps the most spotless of collabos comes in form of the age-old “Back Like That (Remix)” with Ne-Yo & Kanye West present for audio support. True, the mid-tempo jam already secured an appearance on More Fish, but its DNA is so akin to the rest of WOP, fans shouldn’t seem to mind much.
But Ghostface is a man man’s and simple Rap/R&B ditties are for mere mortals. Turning up the heat, “Stapleton Sex” is as vivid of a depiction of…well…sex you’re going to hear on wax with enough detail to make Uncle Luke blush. Paragraphs of Love,” complete with cinematic interaction between Starks & Estelle and “Guest House (co-starring Fabolous & Shareefa), are a one-two punch of excellence with swooping horns adding to the drama of each scenario. Not to ruin the story, but the detail and paranoia from “Guest House” oozes through each bar, creating an edge-of-your seat adventure as only Ghost can provide.
All in all, Ghostdini: The Wizard of Poetry makes its mark as Ghostface’s most idealistic album furthering its distinction against Ghost’s previously renowned offerings. While the thought of a whole R&B-flavored album can lead to horrendous results, it’s a testament to Ghost’s mastery of his craft that he is able to provide such a varied and stellar project.
Previously Posted — Ghostface Killah - “Stapleton Sex” Video | Ghostface Killah Feat. Raheem DeVaughn - “Baby” Video
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL — Tags: Estelle, Fabolous, Ghostface, Ghostface Killah, John Legend, Kanye West, Lyfe Jennings, Ne-Yo, Raheem DeVaughn
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24 Comments
ggggghostdini!!!!!
Awesome. Ghost has always been good at these types of songs. I don’t know why people thought he couldn’t pull it off.
Hello I recently started back listening to your music so glad I did ..you have skills.
lol, Ghost said he got “4 blunts” from TSS hahaha
TONY!
i can’t wait to give it a listen.
cant wait for this shit.
thanks for the review.
Can’t wait
LOVING THE REVIEW-JUST ONE THING-
#11 ON THE ALBUM “ILL BE THAT” FT Adrienne Bailon WAS PRODUCED BY L.T. mOE NOT SCOTT STROCH.
Lyfe Jennings adds a superb backdrop
and after Rae’s Catalina, it’s not a surprise !
congratulation, can’t wait to heard that rythm’n'blues lp
NOT SCOTT *STORCH
Introducing the Ghost… face… Killaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!
It’s not the disaster I assumed it would be but not what I’ve come to expect from a Ghostface LP. Still, very well produced and Ghost can make any subject matter entertaining.
I wanna hear this now.
Got my $15 saved for this joint.
i don’t think Lyfe is on this…credit on Lonely goes to Jack Knight
Just heard it…it’s quality.
Ghost just invented Lover’s Rap
i’m hoping for another pretty toney album
yea…i just bought this joint…its a different kinda ghost most are used to, but this goes hard…me and my lady friend was feelin this to this….yea this is some Sade for hip-hop heads for sure..yea that Rea is fire asw well if u checked it..I got my uzi back u dudes is wack face it the wu is back!!!
GHOSTFACE DID IT AGAIN! ONE OF THE BEST RAP/HIPHOP ALBUMS OUT THERE NOW!
Does anyone hear the “hissing” noise in the background of every song? Like “tape” quality? Knowing Ghost, it’s intentional to achieve the “old school” effect. I just wanna make sure I’m not lunchin’…
I LOVE this sh**! The Big Doe Rehag ressurected me w/Ghostface this album makes me pink! Listen I’m not an r/b chick but Ghost’s grimy reality mixed w/it makes me EUPHORIC!
damn I meant REHAB! Big Doe Rehab!