Ghostface Killah - The Big Doe Rehab Review

Posted by Patrick Robinson on 12.04.2007

Amidst the confusion and tension amongst the Wu-Tang Clan, Ghostface Killah releases his seventh album, The Big Doe Rehab which will very likely end up on many Album Of The Year lists for 2007.

At the beginning of October this year, Ghostface Killah announced his new album The Big Doe Rehab was to be released in December through his MySpace page. This came as a surprise for many as Ghostface had released two albums in 2006 and the Wu-Tang group project was due for release in December.

Amidst much frustration upon discovering both albums were to be released on the same day (December 4), RZA decided to push the Clan’s group project back a week in order for Ghostface to have the 4th to himself.

Ghostface’s last two albums, Fishscale and More Fish were received positively with many citing superb production combined with Ghost’s frantic yet precise delivery and word play.

Despite not initially being thought of as the breakout solo star of the Clan (he was the fifth to release a solo album), he has certainly been the most consistent with each of his albums being truly enjoyable listening experiences. At his worst (Bulletproof Wallets), Ghost has only ever been restricted by his production and remains one of the most lyrically developed and matured artists in hip-hop today.

That being said, his latest album, The Big Doe Rehab almost appears rushed, after all, the announcement was made in October and released less than 2 months later with the lead single receiving little airplay. Yet, having listened to the album, I’m pretty sure that this is Ghost’s best work since Supreme Clientele. Yes, we have another Album Of The Year candidate on our hands.



Tracks

1. At The Cabana (Skit)
2. Toney Sigel a.k.a. Barrel Brothers Ft. Beanie Sigel & Solomon Childs
3. Yolanda’s House Ft. Method Man & Raekwon
4. We Celebrate Ft. Kid Capri
5. Walk Around Ft. Anthony Acid
6. Yapp City Ft. Trife Da God & Sun God
7. White Linen Affair (Toney Awards) Ft. Shawn Wigs
8. Supa GFK
9. Rec Room Therapy Ft. Raekwon & U-God
10. The Prayer Ft. Ox
11. I’ll Die For You
12. Paisley Darts Ft. Raekwon, Sun God, Trife Da God, Method Man & Cappadonna
13. Shakey Dog Starring Lolita Ft. Raekwon
14. ! Ft. Rhythm Roots All Stars
15. Killa Lipstick Ft. Method Man & Masta Killa
16. Slow Down Ft. Chrisette Michele

Don’t let the cover fool you, Ghost certainly hasn’t sold out and begun to make commercial rap music. In fact, the album rarely touches upon ‘getting money’ topics and instead plays to one of Ghostface’s many strengths, his diversity and ability to make almost any issue he addresses relatable to the buying public.

Looking at the production notes, this is Ghost’s third album in a row to feature no RZA production (and given their recent disagreements this is no surprise) yet is easily one of the best produced albums of the year. The majority of the production is handled by The Hitmen who also worked on Jay-Z’s American Gangster album. The result is a beautifully produced collection of songs ranging from soulful reminiscing songs to jazzy songs about life.

After a brief skit to start the album, “Toney Sigel” follows and whilst Solomon Childs’ verse is brief and ultimately forgettable, Beanie drops easily one of the best verses he has done in a while.

”It’s the Broadstreet Bully and the Killah with no face
My mack bullets burn like Tequila with no chase…

I kill a n**** at the drop of a dime,
Just imagine what I’d do for a quarter,
Ain’t no tellin’ what I’d do for a dollar”

Coming down from the frantic pace of the previous song, “Yolanda’s House” is another fantastic song featuring Ghost’s vivid storytelling as all three rappers tell their perspective of the story. The production is a lot smoother with a laidback string sample in the background, which provides a nice contrast to what’s actually going on in the story.

Next up is the lead single “We Celebrate” featuring Kid Capri featuring a similar sound to “Clipse Of Doom” on Fishscale with a well used sample for the hook. The song itself is an ode to enjoying life, partying and having fun in general.

“Walk Around” again features Ghost’s stunning storytelling with a tale of a gunfight in the hood. Production by Anthony Acid uses a sample by Little Milton effectively throughout the song and helps create a fitting backdrop for the song, equal parts soulful and somber.

“Yapp City” is the album’s first misstep as the plodding production is a bit of a letdown after the last few songs. I’m not sure who it is exactly in the chorus, but they reminded me a bit of King Gordy from Bizarre’s album, and not in a good way either. Still, Trife Da God and Sun God deliver with some strong verses.

“White Linen Affair” really does play out like an Award Show and is well-executed and quite creative as Ghost name checks many of the artists currently in the game. The flow of the song however, is a little interrupted by skits at the beginning, middle and end of the song. They do add to the feel of the song, but could have been better handled in my opinion.

U-God and Raekwon support Ghost on “Rec Room Therapy” with sparse drum claps intertwined with flute and other instrumental samples throughout. The song is on the surface, a typical ‘money’ song but naturally, the three rapper’s charisma and clever wordplay make it a worthwhile listen.

“The Prayer” is an a cappella performance by Ox. Whilst lyrically strong, it possibly would have been better to be cut a little shorter and combined with the following song, “I’ll Die For You” rather than as an individual track as the break in music disrupts the flow of the album thus far. “I’ll Die For You” is another outstanding song as Ghost raps from the heart about the loved ones in his life.

“Paisley Darts” is another minor misstep as the production again has a plodding feel, which becomes a little tiring. Method Man and Cappadonna deliver strong verses, which possibly would have been suited better with a more aggressive beat. The song is another that has a skit attached to the end of it, a sample of Ghost at a concert (having listened to it, presumably from the Rakim – Ghost tour) and goes for almost a minute and a half, should have been cut.

Masta Killa and Method Man make memorably appearances on “Killa Lipstick” which is one of the best beats on the album. Done by Ghost himself and Anthony Acid, it’s perfectly suited to the song that deals with ‘dangerous’ women. It’s such a laid back track, almost something that would sound at home in a blues lounge and would have made a killer single back in the late 90s but would be lost in the shuffle of today’s ringtone rappers.

Closing out the album is “Slow Down” with Chrisette Michele who performed on Jay-Z’s “Lost Ones” and Nas’ “Can’t Forget About You” and does a fantastic job adding a soulful feel to the song. The production is definitely the best on the album and is a perfect way to round out the listening experience.

The 411: Ghostface albums are known for two things: Beautiful production (given Ghost’s incredible ear for beats) and fantastic lyricism. The Big Doe Rehab delivers well beyond my expectations of the album on both counts and I can safely say, it’s got some of Ghost’s best songs since Supreme Clientele and even Ironman. You would be absolutely insane as a hip-hop fan to not give this album a listen as it is easily an Album Of The Year candidate for me. The Big Doe Rehab is a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience that is highly recommended.

Final Score:  9.5   [  Amazing ]