In the second part in this comic-book–inspired album trilogy, a supernatural Mafia story set in 1970s New York, Ghostface Killah stars as his Tony Starks alter ego alongside his Wu-Tang Clan cohorts Raekwon, RZA and of-the-moment- rapper Vince Staples, among others.
Ghostface and Raekwon (who appears on five tracks) have an easy rapport that reminds us why they’re one of hip-hop’s most endearing duos, but it’s really Adrian Younge’s soul-fired analog production and its near-constant barrage of dusty percussion that set the mood for the album’s Tarantino-esque blood lust and fetishistic nostalgia.
What it lacks is an interesting emotional – and thus truly cinematic – dimension. The vast majority of lyrics are either narrative exposition or revelling in the primordial thrill of gangsterism, and Ghostface rarely delves beneath the violent macho facade. When he does, it’s only during the climactic and clichéd moment of rebirth.
Top track: Death’s Invitation, featuring Scarub Lyrics Born and Chino XL
