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.
Flowers
Ghostface Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tranquilise, tranqulise
Yeah, yeah
Yo Ghostface! (c'mon)
Raekwon!
Meth!
[Raekwon]
Select paper and invade all the illest niggas
Tally up pen, yo, Live Crew meetin'
Layin' in the lab with rolls o' fly mo-e ho
All niggas eatin'
Wreckin' Ball Gangsters, unleash the law
Straight up, colorful drawers, bad whores
On the weekend eat a raw style like Flounder
Fuckin' wit' mine or how we design
My niggas might find ya
Layin' in the Tropics, big dick shit on park
They way his Khak's look, niggas on ?chocolates?
Movin' out, color "gorangos" switch to me, bro
That's how I picture rich niggas with the same coats
All rich niggas with the same coat.
[Method Man]
You can catch this crew, and fall in a ship
Fully equipped, on a star tack, callin' a bitch
How much you get, when that Absolute and Hennesey mix
(Ultimate, ultimate) Wu shit, my whole click (Ultimate, ultimate)
Rubba-dub, ass in the club, showin' me love
Sayin' "Peace" to the nigga that thug, I got the drugs
And the .38, snub-nose, strikin' a pose
Baby girl, throw the drink on my clothes, then meet ya ?bos?
Lewis Fritz, Hot Nikks, nigga what's happenin'?
Any shit, holdin' my dick, smokin' a clip, thanks for askin'
Mashin', the latest fashion,
Dance floor packed with whites, blacks and Latins
All N Together, together for worship better
Now I put it down whether it's Methy but they don't Meth-Tical
Prop, skate, roll, bounce
I'm bound to wreck ya body as they turn the party out.
[Raekwon]
Oh magazine's slipped, kinda like we lit
Deliver was a lit, ya niggas know
High niggas rent , I'm set like nuh Purple and the new Lex
Trifle and work, let's murder eveything that Wu wanted sent
I'd better pay Big Momma for usin' his lyrics
Pay Big Momma for usin' his lyrics
(You betta) Pay Big Momma for usin' his lyrics
Pay Big Momma for usin' his lyrics (come on, come on)
[Superb]
And my mouth stay dry ''cause I swallow the struggle
I might connect you to a VCR, add delay, bug you
I'm not a gangsta, I hate thugs too
I'm just a nigga that painted a picture without a paintbrush too
Without a paintbrush too
[Ghostface Killah]
Bulletproof Wallets, 20 t'ya kids that says made outta Korea
Top Sear, pass the beer, last to see a raj
(be beamed up behind the stove askin' how Maria pop Leer)
Cursed style near, burst out a purse with the gods you jeer
From Star's Pizzeria, police hate the veer
Especially when the shots ring off in slow motion, when yo' head hit the
Meter
You lost two leaders, at the same case speeder
Peter Slim Duch shook 'em down for his reefer
James chased the recent with a hatchet on Easter
Two murders in the 'hood, we call it double ?faeces?
Watch how I eat this, freak the best teacher
At the prayer with the preacher, I get (?) in the bleachers
And your girl, I might eat her
I'm a lover, not a biter (well, yeah)
I still catch her for a piece
[Superb]
He's as good as the rest of 'em
And as bad as the worst
So don't hate me
You'd better move over, yeah (yeah, yeah)
[Ghost]
Fuckin' idiots!
[Ghostface Killah]
Yo, Wallets motherfuckers
That's right, all my shit is Bulletproof
Stoop for the Bulletproof (yeah)
Yeah, Projects (yeah) Bulletproof Wallets (DJ! DJ!)
On yo' ass nigga, you heard?
Dirt-ass niggas, ya niggas ain't got a chance *echoes*
(Stadio)
(One-three)
(Word up!)
(Ya now dead)
In "Flowers," Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Raekwon, and Superb showcase their signature style of gritty raps over a haunting beat. The lyrics of the song revolve around the everyday hustle and grind of life in the streets, with each rapper taking their turn to show off their unique flow.
Raekwon starts off by describing his position as a top dog in the streets, with a gun always on his leg and surrounded by the most prominent people. Method Man then jumps in with his cool and collected flow, boasting about his wealth and popularity as he cruises around town with his crew.
Superb then comes in with a more introspective verse, reflecting on his journey and how far he has come in life despite all the struggles he faced. Ghostface Killah closes the track with a trademark high-energy verse, full of wordplay and metaphor, and delivering a message of resilience and determination to his peers.
Line by Line Meaning
See me in the club, got a gun on my legs
I carry protection and don't take any chances
Select paper and invade all the illest niggas
Money is power and can get you what you want
Tally up pen, yo, Live Crew meetin'
Counting your money to make sure everything is in order
Layin' in the lab with rolls o' fly mo-e ho
Working hard in the studio on your craft
All niggas eatin'
Enjoying the fruits of your labor with your team
Wreckin' Ball Gangsters, unleash the law
Being a powerful force to be reckoned with and demanding respect
Straight up, colorful drawers, bad whores
Living a flashy lifestyle with money, women, and material things
On the weekend eat a raw style like Flounder
Partying hard with drugs, alcohol, and women
Fuckin' wit' mine or how we design
Don't mess with me or my team because we have each other's back
My niggas might find ya
If you cross me or my team, there will be consequences
Layin' in the Tropics, big dick shit on park
Enjoying the finer things in life and being proud of your manhood
They way his Khak's look, niggas on ?chocolates?
Being stylish and fashionable with expensive clothing
Movin' out, color "gorangos" switch to me, bro
Changing up your look and style to stand out and be unique
That's how I picture rich niggas with the same coats
Even the rich sometimes blend in and follow the same trends
You can catch this crew, and fall in a ship
You don't want to mess with my crew because we will sink you
Fully equipped, on a star tack, callin' a bitch
Being ready for anything, even while on the move and pursuing women
How much you get, when that Absolute and Hennesey mix
Enjoying the pleasures of life with expensive drinks and good company
(Ultimate, ultimate) Wu shit, my whole click (Ultimate, ultimate)
Giving a shout-out to the Wu-Tang Clan and being proud to be a member
Rubba-dub, ass in the club, showin' me love
Enjoying the attention of women dancing and showing affection
Sayin' "Peace" to the nigga that thug, I got the drugs
Acknowledging other gangsters with respect while also being involved in illegal activities
And the .38, snub-nose, strikin' a pose
Carrying a concealed weapon for protection and showing off your intimidating persona
Baby girl, throw the drink on my clothes, then meet ya ?bos?
Being confident and ready to pick up women, even if it means getting a drink thrown on you
Lewis Fritz, Hot Nikks, nigga what's happenin'?
Shouting-out to acquaintances and being social
Any shit, holdin' my dick, smokin' a clip, thanks for askin'
Being care-free and enjoying life while also being prepared for danger
Mashin', the latest fashion
Being stylish and trendy with your clothing choices
Dance floor packed with whites, blacks and Latins
Being inclusive and enjoying music and culture with people from different backgrounds
All N Together, together for worship better
Believing in the power of unity and working towards a common goal
Now I put it down whether it's Methy but they don't Meth-Tical
Being confident in your abilities and talents
Prop, skate, roll, bounce
Having fun and being care-free while also being fashionable
I'm bound to wreck ya body as they turn the party out.
Being entertaining and keeping the energy high at a party or social gathering
Oh magazine's slipped, kinda like we lit
Feeling like you're being overlooked or not given the recognition you deserve
Deliver was a lit, ya niggas know
Having the advantage or upper hand in a situation
High niggas rent , I'm set like nuh Purple and the new Lex
Being financially stable and having a good quality of life
Trifle and work, let's murder eveything that Wu wanted sent
Working hard to achieve your goals and dominate the competition
I'd better pay Big Momma for usin' his lyrics
Being respectful and giving credit where credit is due
Pay Big Momma for usin' his lyrics
Acknowledging the contribution of other artists to your work
He's as good as the rest of 'em
Being confident in yourself and your abilities
And as bad as the worst
Acknowledging your flaws and weaknesses
So don't hate me
Asking for forgiveness or understanding
You'd better move over, yeah (yeah, yeah)
Being assertive and standing up for yourself
Bulletproof Wallets, 20 t'ya kids that says made outta Korea
Boasting about the quality of your material possessions
Top Sear, pass the beer, last to see a raj
Being the life of the party and enjoying good times with friends
(be beamed up behind the stove askin' how Maria pop Leer)
Pretending to be an extraterrestrial or paranormal being
Cursed style near, burst out a purse with the gods you jeer
Being unique and standing out from the crowd, even if others judge you for it
From Star's Pizzeria, police hate the veer
Avoiding the attention of law enforcement and being cautious
Especially when the shots ring off in slow motion, when yo' head hit the
Describing a violent or dangerous situation
Meter
Referring to the sound of gunshots
You lost two leaders, at the same case speeder
Paying tribute to deceased friends or colleagues who were important to you
Peter Slim Duch shook 'em down for his reefer
Describing someone being robbed or intimidated for their property
James chased the recent with a hatchet on Easter
Talking about someone doing something extreme or unexpected
Two murders in the 'hood, we call it double ?faeces?
Discussing violence or criminal activity in your community
Watch how I eat this, freak the best teacher
Being innovative and creative in your approach to something
At the prayer with the preacher, I get (?) in the bleachers
Being spiritual or religious and attending services
And your girl, I might eat her
Boasting about your sexual prowess or attractiveness to women
I'm a lover, not a biter
Being respectful and honoring other artists and their work
Fuckin' idiots!
Being frustrated or angry with someone or something
Yo, Wallets motherfuckers
Asserting dominance and being confrontational
Stoop for the Bulletproof (yeah)
Being proud of your material possessions and accomplishments
Projects (yeah) Bulletproof Wallets (DJ! DJ!)
Giving a shout-out to your neighborhood and your lifestyle
On yo' ass nigga, you heard?
Being threatening and confrontational towards someone else
Dirt-ass niggas, ya niggas ain't got a chance *echoes*
Being superior and confident in your abilities while also putting others down
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Spirit Music Group
Written by: ROBERT F. DIGGS, CLIFFORD SMITH, COREY WOODS, DENNIS DAVID COLES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Kevinguth
If you know about this version you’re a champion!! 🔥
@L.P.-7
I guess im a Champion!😆😆😆
@Young-M
Yes, we're champions for real 🔥🏅👑
@adamgordon2572
I’m a champ 🔥🔥
@julianmorris3357
Facts
@700backflip4
Bro this my top ten favourite Wu tang Clan songs so underrated.
@seancagney8897
After I heard this version I could not even listen to the other one... It's not bad but this one here is just epic.
@johnarobinson5640
@Sean Cagney That means you have a great ear I first heard this over 20 years ago on a DJ Clue tape in High School and Never Forgot it.
@psychedelicfright85
Yeah. The other one is very stripped down.
@dlbook
@@johnarobinson5640 still got it on a old hardsrive even still says clue all through it popped the clue tape playing this so much 😂😂