Everyone know the Wu Tang ain’t nothing to f**k with – but when it comes to making consistently dope albums, none of the Wu members can step to the Ghostface Killah. Hands down the Shaolin rapper with the most satisfying catalog, Tony Starks has been releasing empirical material for well over a decade now and looks to continue well into another. His newest release bears the name of a classic Ghost track from his Supreme Clientele album as Apollo Kids hopes to recapture the past magic of the Staten Island general.
The successful formula of rich soul samples and shattering beats returns on this release as Ghost’s abstract verses run riot from the jump. “Purified Thoughts” offers stories of riches and grandeur from Ghostface alongside GZA and Killah Priest, as their legacy of telling intricate stories remains unmatched. Ghost remains on point with his ravenous flow and shrill tones and although he performs alone on three of the twelve tracks, Ghost’s performances still mesmerise with off-the-wall energy and hysteria.
Ghostface gives a 101 in his dealings with the opposite gender on “2getha Baby” and “Starkology” is a throwback to some of the emcee’s previous classics. As well as expected appearances from various Wu affiliates, Ghost also invites some of the toughest lyrical juggernauts today to collaborate – or compete – with him.
The ’70s funk infused “Superstar” pairs the Iron Man with collab rapper extraordinaire, Busta Rhymes, each dropping finesse bars to go along with the groove. Joell Ortiz and The Game bring hood mentality to the sinister, street joint “Drama,” whilst Black Thought hops on “In Tha Park” to enlighten listeners intricately of his early experiences of Hip Hop.
Instead of embracing a post-modern sound, Apollo Kids mirrors the mid-nineties sound of classic East Coast rap, which will appease nostalgic fans but may be scorned upon by those wishing for a revamped sound from the Staten Island warrior.
Fitting snugly amongst a clutch of his better works, Apollo Kids recaptures the raw, uncut essence of Ghostface’s Wu-Tang offerings from the mid nineties. Resembling some of the standout material from the 2000 album Supreme Clientele, Ghostface Killah’s ninth studio album re-introduces the world to the abrasive, extrovert rapper who had gone missing for some time (if his last few offerings had anything to go by).
Bringing together the hardest and most gifted on the mic, Ghost and friends assault the brilliant (Wu-esque) productions on offer from the likes of Scram Jones, Frank Dukes and Pete Rock. Apollo Kids is reassurance that the Wu-Tang/Ghostface brand remains prominent in Hip Hop’s ongoing history.
Apollo Kids is out now via Def Jam; iTunes UK / US Amazon UK / US.