It seems like an eternity since Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah certified himself as a superior MC--kicking lyrics of steel on Raekwon's sleeper classic, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... (Loud, 1995), and his own CD, the bulletproof Ironman (Razor Sharp/Epic, 1996). But mixed reviews of recent solo offerings from clan members GZA, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Ol' Dirty Bastard, and Rae have some doubters whispering their speculation of Wu's demise. Fortunately, like his laser-toting cartoon alter ego Tony Starks, Ghost saves the day with the naysayer-silencing Supreme Clientele. Championing the cause of Wu dominance, Supreme Clientele exemplifies Ghost's lyrical dexterity. While his thunderous light-speed delivery hasn't changed much, his jagged wordplay is at its zenith. One minute, he breaks down street-survival tactics on "We Made It"... then he takes you on a rough ride down memory lane as he reminisces about adolescent crushes on "Child's Day"... Then there are those Ghostface-isms we love. You know, the muddy treat, "One," where he brags about his "rhymes made of garlic." But it's this banger's luscious linguistics and potent production that support its claim of supremacy. Everybody will be catching Saturday-night fever when they hear "Cherchez LaGhost," Ghost's brilliant remake of Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band's 1976's classic, "Cherchez La Femme/Se Si Bon." But for those of you used to those subterranean street-sweeping beats, "Buck 50," featuring Method Man, Redman, Masta Killa, and Cappadonna, is pure delight. - Vibe, '00.
Here's some additional promo + the full article in Vibe (April, 2000)...
