Career
Ghostface Killah debuted with the rest of the Wu-Tang Clan on "Protect Ya Neck" and "Tearz" from the Clan's critically acclaimed debut, 1993's Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). A roommate of Wu-Tang founder The RZA, Ghostface helped bring together the other seven members, and would function as executive producer on all the Wu-Tang Clan releases.
In 1995, Ghostface would guest star extensively on fellow Clan member Raekwon's debut album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.... He also contributed songs to the Sunset Park and Don't Be A Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice In The Hood soundtracks, which would be included on his first solo LP, Ironman, in 1996. The album, which debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, had a more pronounced soul influence (particularly 1970s soul) than previous Wu-Tang releases, and Ghostface's future albums would continue this stylistic trait.
Ghostface became well-known for both his up-tempo, seemingly indecipherable stream-of-consciousness rap and, later in his career, for his emotionally charged raps. In 1996 he would discover that he was diabetic, a condition that would severely weaken his health. According to "Trials of Life", a 2007 song with fellow New York rapper Prodigy (himself a sickle-cell anemic), Ghostface assumed he had been stricken by a sexually transmitted disease until he received the diabetes diagnosis. This assumption was brought on by a rapid weightloss he experienced and that he had "went raw on plenty".[3]
He would return in 2000 with his follow-up to Ironman, Supreme Clientele, which was critically acclaimed by both hip hop enthusiasts and mainstream critics, and largely credited as reviving the waning Wu-Tang dynasty. "Cherchez LaGhost", a single off the album, became a minor club hit, and the sentimental "Child's Play" brought numerous comparisons with Slick Rick.
Ghostface wasted little time in recording his next album, the heavily R&B-influenced Bulletproof Wallets, released a year after Supreme Clientele. He had another minor club hit with "Flowers", which features guest vocals from fellow Wu-Tang members Method Man and Raekwon, although the album would be met with disappointing sales and reviews.
Signing with Def Jam Records, Ghostface (officially but temporarily dropping the "Killah") released The Pretty Toney Album in April 2004. The album, while containing two RZA productions, featured none of the Clan; instead, it featured collaborations with Missy Elliott, D-Block and Jacki-O. The singles "Tush" and "Run", the collaborations with Missy and Jadakiss respectively, achieved moderate success in the clubs and charts, and the album was featured on numerous "best of the year" lists, including number nine on Pitchfork Media's.[4] Ghostface also appeared on the track "On My Knees" by UK R&B group The 411, which became a hit in the UK and Australia, and released an album titled 718 (after the Staten Island area code) with a group of his Protégés, the Theodore Unit. In November 2005, Ghostface and Theodore Unit's breakout star Trife Da God released a joint project, Put It On The Line.
In 2006, Ghostface teamed up with underground favorite MF DOOM for a still unreleased album entitled Swift & Changeable. MF DOOM also produced several songs for Ghostface's 2006 album Fishscale, which was once again attributed to "Ghostface Killah". The album debuted strongly, in the #4 position on the US Billboard 200 and at #2 on the R&B charts,[5] the rapper's most auspicious chart showing since the heyday of the Wu-Tang Clan and the release of his solo debut. The album also nearly unanimously received positive reviews. Ghostface embarked on a limited-date tour of US venues in support of the album, performing several of his concerts together with most members of the Wu-Tang Clan.
Also in 2006, Ghostface opened an online-poker room, GFK Poker. He has worked with 4Cast to produce his own action figure.
Technique
During Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... he focused chiefly on imagery and the use of Wu-Tang's distinctive half-Five Percenter half-slang lyrics.
Ghostface is sometimes considered the least understandable lyricist of the Clan, but also as one of the best. His verses are sometimes stream of consciousness rants. He developed his style, including his storytelling ability, during his solo career and, with the aid of a hand held tape recorder, while making drug deliveries. Ghost often eschews the use of punchlines or similes for metaphors.
Jewelry and fashion
Ghostface has an eccentric collection of unique jewelry that he mentions frequently in verse and interviews. Items heavily referenced are his "eagle bracelet", a golden eagle statuette worn on his forearm (which has since been melted down), as well as the "Versace Plate" medallion. He also has an affinity for Clark's Wallabee shoes. On the cover of his debut album Ironman, he is pictured with Raekwon and Cappadonna holding several pairs of brightly colored Wallabees. Ghostface actually devised a way of dying Wallabees different, interesting colors, which were the height of fashion at the time. Ghost can be heard discussing this technique on the Cuban Linx record, where he describes dying a pair blue and cream. Often at shows, Ghostface will make a point not to remove his copious layers of clothing, despite the sweltering heat of the stage lights and venue.
Aliases
Coles' stage name is derived from the alias of the primary villain from Ninja Checkmate, also known as The Mystery of Chess Boxing (martial arts films had been a major influence on the group).
* Ghost Face Killer
His original stage name, which has undergone a number of variations:
* Ghostface Killer
* Ghostface Killah
* Ghostface
* Tony Starks
Ghostface's Wu-Gambino name, adopted on Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... (1995), is derived from the secret identity of the Marvel Comic's character Iron Man, Tony Stark.
* Ironman
Ghostface particularly identified with Tony Stark's reliance on the Iron Man armor for sustaining his health, particularly while Ghost was battling diabetes.
* Pretty Toney
* P Tone
* Paisley Fontaine
* Clyde Smith
* Theodore Deini
* Talk of New York Tony
* Captain America
* Starkey Love
* Wally Champ
* Tony Starks
* Ironman
* Ghost
Ghostace has a love for Clark's Wallabees shoes, as well as custom dieing them different colors, evident on the cover of Ironman (1996).
* Ghost Deini
* Chunky Mario Delight And The Rapp-Rappin' Crew
Rivalries
[edit] The Notorious B.I.G.
Ghostface and Raekwon "subliminally" dissed The Notorious B.I.G. in several songs, most notably on 1995's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... skit, "Shark Niggaz (Biters)", wherein the pair make angry references to Bad Boy Records' use of cover art motif from Nas' debut (a portrait of the artist as a child) for B.I.G.'s Ready To Die album. Nas refers to this episode in his song "Last Real Nigga Alive" (from 2002's God's Son), where he confirms the tensions between Raekwon, Ghost and Biggie. On "Ice Water", also from Cuban Linx, Raekwon raps, "to top it all off, beef with White/ Pullin' bleach out, tryna throw it in my eyesight." The Notorious B.I.G., who often referred to himself as "The Black Frank White", would respond on "Kick in the Door" by saying "Fuck that, why try? Throw bleach in your eye." Despite this conflict, Biggie was a fan of the Wu-Tang Clan, collaborating with Method Man and The RZA on his first and second albums respectively and performing live with Ol' Dirty Bastard on occasion. As Method Man would say in a 2004 XXL interview, Ghostface and Raekwon "don't like anybody". Despite this, perhaps out of respect for the dead, a bonus track featuring the late B.I.G. (as well as Raekwon) was included on Ghostface's 2006 album Fishscale.
[edit] Mase
After badmouthing Wu-Tang at a concert, Bad Boy recording artist Mase had a run-in with Ghostface and his entourage at New York City club. There was a physical altercation between the two camps, and Mase was left with a broken jaw. This incident became a point of reference for various rappers, including Kanye West on "Through The Wire", "If you could feel how my face felt you would know how Mase felt", and fellow Wu-Tang Killa Bee Shyheim, who witnessed the incident and referred to it in freestyle as the time "Ghostface retired Mase". Ghostface touched on it himself on the track Malcolm "Yo I champunch Mase in his face over some bullshit the other night". In the June 2007 issue of Hip Hop Connection, Wu-Tang affiliate Cilvaringz stated that Ghostface had in fact done jail time for "beating up" Mase.
[edit] 50 Cent
Ghostface also had a feud with 50 Cent in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but unlike other beefs involving Fifty which are typically played out in front of the media, this was not as highly-publicized. On 50 Cent's debut record How To Rob (An Industry Nigga), in which he aims insults at many high-profile rappers and R&B singers, he threatens to rob Ghostface, Raekwon and RZA of their pointed, "funny ass rings"; he would rob Ol Dirty Bastard, "but that'd be a waste of time". Shortly after the release, Ghostface, Superb, Killa Sin and others were accused of attacking several of 50 Cent's associates at the Hot 97 radio sation; another of 50's associates named "Zoo" was robbed by a member of Killarmy. The Wu-affiliated American Cream Team recorded a diss, a song that was widely distributed on the Internet credited to the Wu-Tang Clan. A skit on 2000's Supreme Clientele, "Clyde Smith", features a low-pitched recording (of Raekwon) naming 50 Cent and derisively making comments on his behavior and methods of attracting media attention through publicized "beef" with other rappers. Around this time, a 50 Cent freestyle dissing the Wu-Tang Clan began circulating; in his ad-libs at the end of the song, he derides them for their frequent use of the term "god" and the poverty of their hometown Staten Island. There have been various rumors of altercations between Ghostface and 50 Cent: one describes Fifty being thrown down a flight of stairs by Ghostface, another claims members of Wu-Tang's entourage robbed Tony Yayo and 50 Cent at gunpoint. However, none have been verified. Since 50 Cent's rise to fame, both he and Ghostface have discussed the supposed beef in interviews, both saying that nothing serious had ever happened.
In July 2007, during a Spin magazine interview with 50 Cent, Tony Yayo alleged that Ghostface did not write his critically acclaimed album Supreme Clientele, but that it was written by long-time Ghostface collaborator Superb. Along with saying Ghostface had a ghostwriter, Yayo also made statements that Wu-Tang Clan's success is over, and that their creativity and lyrical skill doesn't matter anymore since it does not sell to the mainstream. 50 Cent however denied the stronger allegations: "I don't know nothing about any of that. He's the writer. I'm not gonna say he ain't write it."[7]
In an interview with hiphopdx.com Raekwon, who also appears on the album responded saying: "He [Tony Yayo] know damn well he [Superb] ain’t write that fuckin’ album. I don’t even wanna get into shit like that, because it just makes me upset that muthafuckas be running they mouth all kinda ways. But at the end of the day, I think Ghost gonna have to really say what he gotta say."[1]
[edit] D4L
Ghostface ridiculed the "snap" group D4L throughout his 2005 tour, mocking the "snap dance" while his DJ played their hit song "Laffy Taffy".[citation needed] Ghostface, however, neglected to do this routine when he performed in their hometown of Atlanta.[citation needed] D4L refused to respond in interviews.
Come On
Ghostface Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[Posdonus]
Down, like water, fresh out the clouds, clown.
Drown you like terrible weather.
Nobody does it better than I, so approved by Carly Simon.
Most rappers is real hard, but still hardly rhymin'.
To all - rise and shine; give God the glory.
And still got bills and employees to pay.
So excuse me, Lord, we'll settle up towards the end of my days.
My ways of control is hard to swallow.
Known to lead, but some would rather see me follow behind.
Sorry to dis-appoint, but dis joint's mine.
Dis-play your indie, but say no more or I'll blind you like spit did to Remo.
To the dirt, and edit the clip and lost Kano.
My mens wear problems like Timbs.
See it all in they face; ask Mase, he got wars to win,
Scores to settle, crews to crush.
You rush right in to see him do it with a smile.
It's Long Isle y'all; longevity sustainin' my celebrity status.
From A-M to P-M, you see him on file, y'all.
I was told to step righteous, so when it's done
Everyone will say I stepped right.
And whether through religion, or stopped by the cop,
Shinin' his flash in my face, I'm bound to see the light.
"A few short words, and whaddya know?"
"Oh, whaddya know? He comes."
[Dave]
Aiyyo, I'm up against these walls; here's my back, stiff, straight up.
Dazzle and razzlin' broads like I'm little Juan Magic.
Magnetically handle mics, they don't drop.
Top drama every time these commas don't drop.
Pop spots like lint on your shirt; the net worth.
To shoot the rock homey in many courts of ball;
Four couldn't do it, so we bring all six.
I circumcise the track; you just a dick, overlapped and hooded.
Skin repeated like Stutterin' John.
I repeat like yesterday; it don't stop.
George of this poor life, pop, put to Scarlet;
In a place she believes much better than your lies.
She say she lookin' better in my eyes; bullshit!
Same crock she done ran to duck, crammin' to fuck.
I put the pudding on her like Bill Cosby.
I tried to speak my piece in court, but Judge Mills paused me.
Bifocusedly die, hopeless sometimes.
Yo, cry your poker face; you oughta try it one time.
When God is an non pos' you stand to download.
Demanded like slaves on trial; we want free.
Man, cock aim ready; it's time you MC.
So you rappers bust bibi guns; graffiti runs
Through my veins, since cable with the wired remote.
Woodgrainin' like you wired his float.
[Ghostface Killah]
C'mon, Pretty Toney and De La Soul.
We was rhymin' through the frozen street since eight years old.
Take us back to eighty-eight; you couldn't catch our flow.
A group of kids so original.
[Ghostface Killah]
You heard?
[Ghostface Killah]
Tony 'Tana with big hammers for bad manners; who got 'em?
We kiss cannons for Scrangelous crew and his whack dancers.
Bitin' is forbidden, pah, pay that tax.
And don't you ever look at us funny, boy, we'll bring rap back.
And that'll hurt you like Superman, chased by a group of men.
With dyna-mics, real hip-hop'll do you in.
For you like Loo Goo Kim, or Moo Loo Inn.
Hula hoop all bitches; crew full with brand new Keds.
Cutmaster kill 'em; make sure we cut classics.
Buck bastards in broad day and tuck caskets.
Next to Uday and Qusay, how can the group shoot the P-A,
And just lay whooptay, whooptay?
Use the ruse, sport beads, and snatch a dude's toupee.
Since tunin' into T-La Rock'n A-J,
Ghostface gats is freshed squeezed, like a glass of O-J.
Girls, you can go cruisin' in my O-J.
"A few short words, and whaddya know?"
"Oh, whaddya know? He comes."
The Ghostface song "Come On" features three different rappers – Posdonus, Dave, and Ghostface himself – spitting out verses that mix intense battle raps with musings on the rap game and their respective histories. The lyrics are organized in a random order, jumping from one rapper to another without a chorus, making it a highly unconventional song structure. The opening line, "Oh, whaddya know? He comes," frames the verses as a sort of rap battle, signaling that each rapper is vying to outdo the other with their rhymes. Posdonus sets the scene with rain metaphors and boasts that he's the best rapper in the game, while also acknowledging his faith and financial responsibilities. Dave comes in with a highly dextrous flow, boasting about his ability to control the mic and his wealth, while also referring to Bill Cosby and other pop culture figures. Ghostface closes out the song by shouting out De La Soul and reflecting on his past, as well as taking shots at other rappers who Bit his style. Throughout the song, the rappers show off their lyrical abilities, with intricate rhyme schemes, verbal dexterity, and wordplay.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, whaddya know? He comes.
Here comes the person in question.
Down, like water, fresh out the clouds, clown.
I will drown you easily, just like how someone drowns in bad weather.
Nobody does it better than I, so approved by Carly Simon.
I am the best rapper and even Carly Simon has approved of my work.
Most rappers is real hard, but still hardly rhymin'.
Many rappers may seem tough, but they can't actually create good rhymes.
To all - rise and shine; give God the glory.
Everyone should wake up and praise God.
I already give a percent of mine to Bert and Cory,
I already donate a portion of my earnings to charity.
And still got bills and employees to pay.
Even after donating to charity, I still have financial obligations to fulfill.
So excuse me, Lord, we'll settle up towards the end of my days.
I will make sure to pay back any debts I owe to God before I pass away.
My ways of control is hard to swallow.
My methods of leadership may be difficult for others to accept.
Known to lead, but some would rather see me follow behind.
Although I am a good leader, some would prefer for me to take a back seat.
Sorry to dis-appoint, but dis joint's mine.
I am sorry to disappoint you, but this song belongs to me.
Dis-play your indie, but say no more or I'll blind you like spit did to Remo.
You can showcase your own work, but be careful not to talk too much or I will do something to stop you.
To the dirt, and edit the clip and lost Kano.
I will defeat anyone who opposes me, and erase them from history like Kano.
My mens wear problems like Timbs.
My crew faces challenges just like people wear Timberland boots.
See it all in they face; ask Mase, he got wars to win,
You can see the struggles my crew faces just by looking at their faces, just like how Mase has battles to fight.
Scores to settle, crews to crush.
I have rivals to defeat and enemies to overcome.
You rush right in to see him do it with a smile.
You come to see me perform with enthusiasm and a smile on your face.
It's Long Isle y'all; longevity sustainin' my celebrity status.
I am from Long Island, and my long-lasting success is keeping me famous.
From A-M to P-M, you see him on file, y'all.
I am visible and known throughout the day, from morning until night.
I was told to step righteous, so when it's done
I was advised to lead well, so that when it is over people will think positively of me.
Everyone will say I stepped right.
Everyone will agree that I led well.
And whether through religion, or stopped by the cop,
People will recognize my leadership abilities whether they are religious or law enforcement officials.
Shinin' his flash in my face, I'm bound to see the light.
Even if a police officer shines a flashlight in my face, I will still be successful.
"A few short words, and whaddya know?"
Something is about to happen or someone is approaching.
Aiyyo, I'm up against these walls; here's my back, stiff, straight up.
I am facing challenges and obstacles head-on, with my back straight and my posture strong.
Dazzle and razzlin' broads like I'm little Juan Magic.
I am charming and impressing women like a famous magician named Juan Magic.
Magnetically handle mics, they don't drop.
I can work with microphones as if they are magnetically attracted to me, without ever dropping them.
Top drama every time these commas don't drop.
There is always drama whenever I don't receive the money I am owed.
Pop spots like lint on your shirt; the net worth.
I make money quickly and easily, like how lint appears on your clothing.
To shoot the rock homey in many courts of ball;
I have played basketball in many different locations.
Four couldn't do it, so we bring all six.
Four people couldn't win, so we bring six to ensure victory.
I circumcise the track; you just a dick, overlapped and hooded.
I dominate the track like a surgeon performing circumcision, while others are just inferior genitals.
Skin repeated like Stutterin' John.
My lyrics are memorable and repeatable, like a famous person named Stutterin' John.
I repeat like yesterday; it don't stop.
I continue to be successful, just like how yesterday's events continue in memory.
George of this poor life, pop, put to Scarlet;
I am like the character George from It's a Wonderful Life, and I am bringing color to a previously poor existence.
In a place she believes much better than your lies.
I have brought someone to a place that they believe is better than what others have promised them.
She say she lookin' better in my eyes; bullshit!
Someone claims that they look better in my presence, but I know that it is not true.
Same crock she done ran to duck, crammin' to fuck.
The same lie that she has used to avoid someone else, she is now using to try and sleep with me.
I put the pudding on her like Bill Cosby.
I am seducing her like Bill Cosby is accused of seducing women.
I tried to speak my piece in court, but Judge Mills paused me.
I attempted to express my opinion in court, but the judge interrupted me and did not allow me to speak.
Bifocusedly die, hopeless sometimes.
I am intensely focused on my goals, but sometimes feel hopeless.
Yo, cry your poker face; you oughta try it one time.
People should attempt to remain composed, even in difficult situations.
When God is an non pos' you stand to download.
When someone has access to God, they can gain knowledge and wisdom.
Demanded like slaves on trial; we want free.
We are demanding freedom, just like slaves on trial for their rights.
Man, cock aim ready; it's time you MC.
It's time for you to become a successful rapper.
So you rappers bust bibi guns; graffiti runs
Other rappers try to act tough with fake guns, but I have true artistic talent.
Through my veins, since cable with the wired remote.
The art of graffiti has always been a part of me, even since the invention of the wired remote for televisions.
Woodgrainin' like you wired his float.
My car is designed with a woodgrain finish, as if I have a remote control for it.
C'mon, Pretty Toney and De La Soul.
I am calling out to Pretty Toney and De La Soul, asking them to come and work with me.
We was rhymin' through the frozen street since eight years old.
We have been rhyming together since we were children, even in the toughest of conditions.
Take us back to eighty-eight; you couldn't catch our flow.
Our rhyming abilities were already impressive in 1988, and few could keep up with us.
A group of kids so original.
We were a unique group of young performers.
Tony 'Tana with big hammers for bad manners; who got 'em?
I have big guns to deal with people who have poor manners, and I am asking who else has them.
We kiss cannons for Scrangelous crew and his whack dancers.
We use guns to intimidate rival gang members and bad dancers.
Bitin' is forbidden, pah, pay that tax.
Copying another rapper's style is not allowed, and anyone who tries must pay the consequences.
And don't you ever look at us funny, boy, we'll bring rap back.
If anyone dares to disrespect us, we will make sure that the true essence of rap is brought back.
And that'll hurt you like Superman, chased by a group of men.
Our retaliation will be so powerful that it will hurt others, like Superman being chased by a group of villains.
With dyna-mics, real hip-hop'll do you in.
With our dynamic abilities, we will take over the world of real hip-hop.
For you like Loo Goo Kim, or Moo Loo Inn.
We will beat our rivals just like how Loo Goo Kim and Moo Loo Inn were defeated.
Hula hoop all bitches; crew full with brand new Keds.
We will charm all the women, and our crew is made up of people with new and stylish shoes.
Cutmaster kill 'em; make sure we cut classics.
Our DJ will make sure that our music is unforgettable and classic.
Buck bastards in broad day and tuck caskets.
We will defeat our enemies during the daytime, and make sure they are buried after we do.
Next to Uday and Qusay, how can the group shoot the P-A,
Compared to notorious figures Uday and Qusay Hussein, how could our group lose in a fight?
And just lay whooptay, whooptay?
We will win the battle without breaking a sweat.
Use the ruse, sport beads, and snatch a dude's toupee.
We will use a deceptive tactic to overpower someone, by pretending to give them beads and then stealing their wig.
Since tunin' into T-La Rock'n A-J,
Since learning from the successful rappers T-La Rock and A-J, we have become even more talented.
Ghostface gats is freshed squeezed, like a glass of O-J.
My guns are ready for action, like a freshly squeezed glass of orange juice.
Girls, you can go cruisin' in my O-J.
Ladies are welcome to enjoy a ride in my fancy car with my freshly squeezed orange juice.
Lyrics © JELLYBEAN MUSIC GROUP, Universal Music Publishing Group, Spirit Music Group
Written by: David J. Jolicoeur, Vincent Mason, Kelvin Mercer, Dennis Coles, Eugene Record, David West
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Solarisxx
this has the same instrumental as cormega's sugar ray and hearns with large professor. I like both songs though