#45 - Phil

Ghostface Killah

Fishscale

2006

Considering how into hip-hop I am, it really surprises me how unfamiliar I was with Ghostface Killah prior to this album. I had heard his work on the Wu-Tang Clan’s classic debut Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), but his solo projects that followed never interested me. It wasn’t until sophomore year of college when my roommate Steve (yes, the same Steve whose reviews you’ve been reading) told me how great of an album Fishscale was that my attitude changed. I didn’t even think Steve liked rap, so I knew for him to go crazy over this record meant it had to contain something truly profound.

Fishscale blew me away after just one listen. I can’t tell you how rare it is to hear an album where an MC never takes a breather (doesn’t bring his A-game) for a single track, but that’s just what Ghostface achieves here. The record’s opening song, “Shakey Dog” has no chorus; it’s simply Ghost rapping for 64 straight bars describing in exquisite detail the makings of a cocaine deal turned ugly: “Off came the latch, Frank pushed me into the door / The door flew open, dude had his mouth open / Frozen, stood still with his head bulgin’ / Told him Freeze! Lay the fuck down and enjoy the moment / Frank snatched his gat, slapped him, axed him / Where’s the cash, coke, and the crack? / Get the smoke and you fast!” It sets the stage perfectly for an album that covers everything from attempting to pick up women at the bus stop to getting whipped by family members to what Ghostface says to his boys at the barbershop. It’s a stunner. -P.W.

Probably my favorite member of the Wu Tang Clan. Fishscale was one of the first rap records I really got into and was one of my favorite records of 2006. It’s usually pretty difficult for me to enjoy the more “hardcore” rap as I’m definitely more interested in the production side of hip hop. However, when I noticed Ghostface’s friendship with MF Doom on The Mouse & the Mask and his excellent delivery he definitely won me over. On Fishscale, Ghostface really removed himself from the straight hardcore rap with some really interesting production work from Jay Dee and Doom. Obviously, I love the tracks with Doom’s work on them (see “Underwater”). - Ryan

What else is there to say about Ghostface? One of the most consistent members of the Wu-Tang Clan still putting out great records even into the new decade. "Fishscale" is a diverse affair, jumping from the giant and triumphant "The Champ" all the way down to the tripped out & surreal MF Doom-produced "Underwater". A thrilling record front to back. - Steve