Ghostdini Wizard Of Poetry In Emerald City

Ghostface has always been a ‘70s soul man at heart, and as he nears 40, he\'s finally found the courage to release an album solely consisting of emotional R&B rap. Almost all of Ghost’s work tilts towards old soul records, so *Ghostdini* isn’t just about the thrill of hearing vintage samples — though it is nice to hear premium selections from long lost artists like Yvonne Fair, Norman Feels, and Love, Peace & Happiness. The album is more about Ghost’s mindset. What he takes from R&B is a license to expose himself. Of course, Ghost’s version of vulnerable isn’t harmless. “Stapleton Sex” is a fantasy worthy of Penthouse Forum, while “Guest House” is a hyper-detailed narrative about philandering in which Fabolous and Shareefa play the culprits. Still, even when he’s talking foul, Ghost’s approach is so liberated that every song exudes his special brand of sincerity. And even though *Ghostdini* avoids showing a softer Ghostface, he still delivers some of hip-hop’s most touching love notes in the form of “Baby,” “Stay,” and “Paragraphs of Love.”

Whether as a commercial concession or an experimental detour, Ghost goes full-tilt R&B on his new album.

Coming from anyone other than Ghostface Killah, a concept album of R&B-heavy songs about girls, love, and sex by a revered rapper who specializes in gritty crime narratives might be derided as naked commercial calculation. But the Wu-Tang Clansman has always flaunted his vulnerability and love of soul. In a genre…

Take that word "Poetry" with a grain of salt and then check your expectations at the door, because Ghostdini the Wizard of Poetry is a significant departure for Ghostface Killah, at least when it comes to the album format.