Set the Tone (Guns & Roses) by Ghostface Killah: The Best Rap Album of May 2024

 

April 2024 has been a remarkable month for hip-hop, with several high-profile releases captivating the attention of fans and critics alike. Among these, Set the Tone (Guns & Roses) by Ghostface Killah stands out as the best rap album of the month. The competition was fierce, with Mach-Hommy’s RICHAXXHAITIAN being a close contender, but Ghostface Killah’s latest effort edged out the competition by a hair, thanks to its impeccable production, lyrical depth, and standout tracks.

Ghostface Killah, a founding member of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan, has consistently proven his mettle in the hip-hop world with his unique storytelling and distinctive voice. Set the Tone (Guns & Roses) is a testament to his enduring artistry and ability to evolve while staying true to his roots. The album’s production, a blend of soulful samples and gritty beats, complements Ghostface’s dynamic lyricism, creating a cohesive and compelling listening experience.

Standout Tracks

While the entire album is a testament to Ghostface Killah’s talent, three tracks, in particular, have captured the essence of the project and stand out as highlights: "Locked In" featuring AZ, "Kilo In The Safe," and "No Face" featuring Kanye West.

1. Locked In (Featuring AZ)

"Locked In" is a masterful collaboration between Ghostface Killah and fellow rap veteran AZ. The track opens with a soulful, cinematic beat that sets the stage for the lyrical excellence to follow. Both artists deliver powerful verses, weaving intricate narratives of street life, loyalty, and resilience. The chemistry between Ghostface and AZ is palpable, making "Locked In" a standout track that showcases their lyrical prowess and mutual respect.

2. Kilo In The Safe

"Kilo In The Safe" delves into the gritty realities of the drug trade, a theme that Ghostface has explored with raw honesty throughout his career. The track’s production is dark and moody, featuring a haunting piano loop and hard-hitting drums. Ghostface’s storytelling is vivid and unflinching, painting a stark picture of the highs and lows of the hustle. "Kilo In The Safe" stands out for its intense narrative and atmospheric production, making it one of the album’s most compelling tracks.

3. No Face (Featuring Kanye West)

"No Face" features a surprising yet effective collaboration with Kanye West. The track blends Ghostface’s gritty storytelling with Kanye’s innovative production style, resulting in a song that is both classic and contemporary. Kanye’s contribution, both as a producer and a featured artist, adds a new dimension to the album. The track’s catchy hook and memorable verses make it a standout, highlighting the creative synergy between Ghostface and Kanye.

Mach-Hommy’s RICHAXXHAITIAN was a formidable competitor for the best rap album of April 2024. Known for his complex lyricism and eclectic production, Mach-Hommy delivered an exceptional project that resonated with many hip-hop aficionados. The album’s intricate wordplay, diverse beats, and cultural references made it a standout release.

However, when comparing the two, Set the Tone (Guns & Roses) by Ghostface Killah edged out RICHAXXHAITIAN by a narrow margin. The deciding factor was the overall cohesiveness and emotional impact of Ghostface’s album. While both albums showcased exceptional artistry, Set the Tone (Guns & Roses) offered a more unified and compelling listening experience, making it the definitive rap album of the month.

Set the Tone (Guns & Roses) has received widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike. The album has been praised for its cohesive sound, lyrical depth, and masterful production. Critics have hailed it as a refreshing return to the roots of hip-hop, blending classic elements with modern sensibilities. The album’s ability to address contemporary issues while maintaining a timeless quality has resonated with a broad audience, solidifying its status as a modern classic.

Set the Tone (Guns & Roses) by Ghostface Killah is more than just the best rap album of April 2024; it is a powerful statement from one of hip-hop’s most revered artists. The standout tracks "Locked In" featuring AZ, "Kilo In The Safe," and "No Face" featuring Kanye West exemplify the album’s excellence, showcasing Ghostface’s unique ability to blend raw emotion with intricate storytelling. In a month brimming with outstanding releases, Ghostface Killah’s latest offering stands out as a modern classic, setting a new standard for what hip-hop can achieve.

The Best Original Rap Album of August 2021 is Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Sincerely Adolf by Westside Gunn.

The knee jerk reaction would have been just give Nas the title of the Best album released this month but that would not have been correct.

Don't get me wrong, the second half of King's Disease II is pretty dope and I will be listening to those tracks for a long time, it just didn't make for the best original rap album released this month.

Kanye West's DONDA didn't even make the list. I don't get where this version of Kanye west is musically. He is clearly not making music for my taste but give it a listen if you are a die hard fan of Mr. West.

The most pleasant surprise this month was the album Dreams Still Inspire by Abstract Mindstate. I hadn't heard from them in damn near 20 years so when I first saw the album I thought someone new picked up their name and ran with it. But no, this was the group that formed in the 90's on the campus of Mississippi State University. 

They caught my ear at the time because their sound validated the influence of NYC still of rap all over the country including the south. 

As soon as the first song began to play it felt as if I was sucked back to the 90's in a time machine. This album is fucking amazing. Great soulful music, intelligent audible lyrics and modern storytelling make this one of my favorites of the year. 

However, as good as that album was there is one that is my standout choice for the best original rap album released this month.

I'm not going to call this artist a liar but he clearly stated that he was retiring after the last album. Am I sorry that he didn't? No I am not, I think his unique style has longevity left. 

The best original rap album of 2021 is Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Sincerely Adolf by Westside Gunn. 

Some may argue that this is just a features album including one with Little Wayne but I beg to differ. This is Westside Gunn at his finest sharing his dope beats and flow with the homies.

If you are a fan of original rap you are going to love this album. Enjoy.

The Best Rap Album of August 2011 - Watch the Throne by JayZ and Kanye West

First I’d like to say thank you for viewing my little blog. I apologize for the delay of the August post but I wanted to listen to everything I possible could to give all artists a fair chance. Although some of the “artists” certainly don’t deserve it for the trash I was forced to listen to last month.

A couple of “artists” asked me why their albums weren’t mentioned in previous months and the reason is quite simple. I refuse to speak negatively about a specific artist unless they really annoy me. It’s not my place to publicly diss someone who really did their best and are attempting to live their dreams. I applaud that. So if I didn’t mention your album just be thankful that I didn’t put your garbage on blast for the entire world to see and I do mean the entire world.

I have been very fortunate to see my readership reach almost every country on the planet except for Argentina for some reason. I guess they have no taste for hip hop there but whatever. Shout out to the Dominican Republic and Jose Lee, the Philippines, Serbia, Haiti, South Korea, the U.K. India, Pakistan, Algeria, Nigeria, Germany, Australia and every other country. I thank you all.

Now, let’s get down to business.

Allowing Kanye West to reference more playful aspects of contemporary rap music while he stayed true to his harder lyrical inspiration Jay-Z creatively and brilliantly I might add, allows Kanye West to be the opposite side of the same coin for a masterpiece of an album that appeals to all demographics that enjoy hip hop. It’s a slick move that works and I hope continues on future songs if not entire albums.

Musically Kanye West and Jay-Z sprinkle in enough elements of Houston chopped and screwed, Mid-West soul, and East Coast flavor from Rza and Pete Rock that every song is damn near flawless. There is not a single person that I turned on to this album that doesn’t enjoy more it each day. You must BUY this album. Support your favorite artists folks, steal something else but let’s pay these cats for their work. Isn't it time to start considering yourself a patron of the art that you claim to love?

The Rap Album of the Month for August 2011 is Watch the Throne by Jay-Z and Kanye West. The album is genius and JayZ is brilliant.  Purchase it today.

Other Albums I Enjoyed

Lil Wayne, The Carter IV

The Cool Kids, When Fish Ride Bicycles

Median, The Sender

Verbal T, Self Less

Nu Jersey Devil, Mr. Red Bottoms

Consequence, Movies On Demand 3
Rasi Caprice, Loud Pack