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.
Saturday Nite
Ghostface Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yo,
Saturday night, Uptown
Riding past Kansas Fried Chicken
What's popping kid? We in the mix
It's chilly 40 below
Gate's closed gotta catch Dr. J's
Blowing my hand, rub on my nose
Look I got loot, eleven in the Bass boots
Heard a screech pull up, these Jakes flashed me 5 pictures
One had my man's mug, Semi stepped brother hugs
You asked the wrong guy son
I'm from Melina, yeah we know Mr. Coles
Flew in two days ago to see his fam'
But we been watching you, crazily
The whole Staten Island shitting on you
Wisdom Bird's pregnant out in Baisley
Hold up snow in your ear, fresh baldie tried to change up
Not trunk today, still looking fly, still slammed up hung
Your mom pop in your trunk, slow your pace
Starks fixed your face, copped out the 6, five years probat'
You dealing with a lot of science, motherfucker we're watching you
Make me want to lick shots at you
You disgust me, screwing me down, grab my gun
Go 'head bust me, heard you hate Jake that's what it must be
Hands behind your back, spread your legs
Just found a roach in your tray
It's not mine fucker, what I said
You met the 13th nigga
A multimillion dollar operation is based upon it yo
Where in the Hell's the RZA?
He's selling mics, wildest joints
Special made to go up in your hand and which went out on point
Switched to the next scene, I'm at the crib bugging out
On how po' live, hating plus harassing the kid
Park the truck in the double face garage
Dial 1-900-Raekwon, tell the God shit's mega
Reel flashing me on BET, Planet Groove, Rap City News
NAACP committees
The lyrics of "Saturday Nite" by Ghostface have a vivid portrayal of a night out in Uptown Manhattan. In the beginning, he describes coming across Kansas Fried Chicken and greeting his friends. It is evident that the night is cold, as he is rubbing his nose and blowing his hands to stay warm. However, as the verse progresses, it becomes clear that the night is anything but relaxing. Ghostface encounters some cops who show him pictures of his friend's mug, and they ask him about his recent whereabouts. The rapper makes it clear that he is not the one they should be asking, but the cops are not convinced.
The second verse switches to Ghostface's thoughts as he reflects upon the events of the night. He is now in his crib, frustrated by the "po'" lifestyle and oppression. He also mentions dialing 1-900-Raekwon and tells him that "shit's mega," possibly referring to the upcoming release of their album. As the song ends, he flips through TV channels, seeing himself on BET, and the NAACP committees highlighting the racial issues of the time.
Overall, "Saturday Nite" captures the feeling of a chaotic and challenging night, full of tension, friends, cops, and societal issues.
Line by Line Meaning
Saturday night, Uptown
Ghostface is setting the scene for when this story takes place; it is a Saturday night uptown.
Riding past Kansas Fried Chicken
Ghostface is indicating he is driving by Kansas Fried Chicken and potentially just got something to eat there.
What's popping kid? We in the mix
Ghostface is asking what's happening, and he is involved in the excitement or conflict happening around him.
It's chilly 40 below
Ghostface is saying that it is very cold outside.
Gate's closed gotta catch Dr. J's
Ghostface needs to get to Dr. J's, but the gate is closed.
Blowing my hand, rub on my nose
Ghostface is attempting to warm his hand up in the cold and rubbing his nose to keep it warm as well.
Tap the glass, stop fronting Duke, fresh pair of jeans
Ghostface is telling someone to stop being flashy and showy with their new jeans.
Look I got loot, eleven in the Bass boots
Ghostface is boasting that he has a lot of money and eleven in his Bass boots.
Heard a screech pull up, these Jakes flashed me 5 pictures
Ghostface noticed the police pulled up with five pictures to show him, potentially of suspects they are after.
One had my man's mug, Semi stepped brother hugs
One of the pictures shown by the police had his friend in it, and he gives a greeting to his other friend.
You asked the wrong guy son, I'm from Melina, yeah we know Mr. Coles
Ghostface is pointing out that he is not the person to ask about what the police are inquiring about and referencing someone they know in their hometown.
Flew in two days ago to see his fam'
Ghostface flew in two days ago to see his family.
But we been watching you, crazily
The police have been closely observing Ghostface for some time.
The whole Staten Island shitting on you
Everyone in Staten Island is talking negatively about Ghostface, and the police are using this to their advantage.
Wisdom Bird's pregnant out in Baisley
Someone called Wisdom Bird is pregnant in Baisley.
Hold up snow in your ear, fresh baldie tried to change up
Someone has cocaine in their ear, and someone else is trying to switch up their appearance by shaving their head.
Not trunk today, still looking fly, still slammed up hung
Ghostface is not putting his drugs in the trunk of his car today but still looks stylish and draped in gold.
Your mom pop in your trunk, slow your pace
Someone's mother found something in their trunk, and they should slow down and be careful.
Starks fixed your face, copped out the 6, five years probat'
Starks helped someone out of a situation with their face and provided them with six years probation.
You dealing with a lot of science, motherfucker we're watching you
Ghostface is dealing with a lot of intense and complex situations, and the police are closely monitoring him.
Make me want to lick shots at you
The police's actions are angering Ghostface to the point where he wants to take physical action.
You disgust me, screwing me down, grab my gun
Ghostface is ready to take out his frustration on someone with his gun.
Go 'head bust me, heard you hate Jake that's what it must be
Ghostface is taunting someone, daring them to shoot him and assumes it is because of their hatred towards someone named Jake.
Hands behind your back, spread your legs
The police are making an arrest and asking Ghostface to put his hands behind his back and spread his legs.
Just found a roach in your tray
The police found a roach, which is typically a small amount of leftover marijuana, in the tray of the car.
It's not mine fucker, what I said
Ghostface is denying ownership of the drugs found in his car.
You met the 13th nigga
Ghostface believes he's encountered an unlucky, or dangerous, person.
A multimillion dollar operation is based upon it yo
Something significant is happening, potentially with a lot of money involved, and it is the basis of a larger operation.
Where in the Hell's the RZA?
Ghostface is wondering where RZA is, potentially a friend or collaborator.
He's selling mics, wildest joints
RZA is selling microphones and joints.
Special made to go up in your hand and which went out on point
The microphones sold by RZA are specially made to fit in your hand and have excellent sound quality.
Switched to the next scene, I'm at the crib bugging out
The story moves to the next scene where Ghostface is at home obsessing over something.
On how po' live, hating plus harassing the kid
Ghostface is upset about how people who are poorer than him treat him, hating and harassing him because he has more money.
Park the truck in the double face garage
Ghostface parked his truck in a double-faced garage.
Dial 1-900-Raekwon, tell the God shit's mega
Ghostface is calling Raekwon and telling him that something is very significant.
Reel flashing me on BET, Planet Groove, Rap City News
Ghostface is being heavily featured on various TV shows and news sources.
NAACP committees
Ghostface is being recognized by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ARTHUR G MINSHEW, DAVE MARTIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@oneelrockwell79
Yo this beat go fukn KRAZY!!!!!
@user-jh6kx1fw9h
For those that don't know, this is: Pharoahe Monch - Mayor (off of Soundbombing 2) and he mentions Monch on the track, very nice! :)
@nuckymancini7013
Wherez the hellz da rza
@trueskool68
YA'LL DEALIN' WIT A SCIENTIST!!!!!
@irragrams
So sick corona headbangs to this beat
@iamalec101
Nite*
@BrooklynZooWu
Right.