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GHOSTFACE KILLAH
Big Doe Rehab
Def Jam, 2007
9.0/10, Crazy Good [scale]

Big Doe Rehab

Contributed by Alex Viard on 1/10/08

Ghost is simply dripping with style and has been, however quietly, ever since he and his Wu-Tang brethren sprinkled the world with their presence in the early nineties. While Ghost wasn’t the groups original star he’s shined the brightest in the long haul, with consistently colorful releases drenched in the tradition of Witty-Unpredictable TAlent and Natural Game that defined the Clan’s early releases. As solo careers danced outside of RZA’s sonic direction no member has been able to capture that original focused magic for the duration an album, much less four or five… except for Ghost. Big Doe Rehab is no exception.

Things kick off nicely as Ghostface and Def Jam label mate Beanie Sigel talk some stellar shit on the aptly titled “Tony Sigel a.k.a The Barrel Brothers”. “Yolanda’s House” showcases impressive narratives from Ghost and clansmen Method Man and Raekwon, who bring their A-Game to one of the best Clan tracks in recent memory, an instant Clan classic. The energy rides high on the Kid Capri assisted “We Celeberate” where Ghost keeps us humored at how he “can holler at them birds like Dr. Doolittle.” “Supa GFK” finds Ghost’s swagger in full swing over Johnny Guitar Watson’s “Superman Lover,” doing the Redman series based off of the same song much justice.

Perhaps as strong as his verbal talents is Ghost’s ability to consistently choose high quality production. Ghost’s soul drenched preferences are once again given a breath of fresh air by Diddy, Hitmen, and LV, who have also played a heavy hand in Jay-Z’s current revitalization. The duo are responsible for five stellar tracks including the Theodore Unit/Wu banger, “Paisley Darts” with Raekwon, Sun God, Trife Da God, Method Man and Cappadonna and the aforementioned Sigel. However it’s the moving “I’ll Die For You” that stands as their - and perhaps the albums - crowning jewel as it showcases Ghost passionately pouring his heart out about the important things in life.

Ghost’s greatest strength lies in his ability to take the oft-abused intrigue of crime, drugs, or money and deliver imaginative, refreshing approaches with a sense of both humor and authenticity that few of his peers could pull off. Big Doe Rehab is another knockout for the most reliable rapper in the game. Go get it.