© The Wu-Tang Corp.
- 2006-02-05
Many thanks to the Vibe Magazine for this interesting interview.
Fishscale is coming!
Remember, March 14th 2006!
Go buy it when it drops!
Ghostface | Back Like That
In the realm of hip hop, there are a number of rappers that come and go, but there are also those select few that maintain longevity in the game. Wu Tang Clans member with the most monikers, Ghostface Killah - aka Toney Starks, aka Pretty Toney -, is one such lyricist that gets better with age.
With ten plus years under his belt, Ghostface is back at it again prepping for the release of his forthcoming album, Fish Scale, which is slated to drop on March 14th. This will be an addition to his array of classics including Ironman (1996), Supreme Clientele (2000), Bulletproof Wallets (2001) and his most recent release, The Pretty Toney LP (2004).
Besides putting out four solo projects, Ghost has also had his fair share of input on other Wu Tang related albums, including Raekwons classic Only Built For Cuban Linx. However, this time around Ghost is doing things a little different. Hes reclaiming his unique style, letting others know how it should be done. With the hard work and dedication put into this effort, Ghost is anticipating stepping back on the scene heavy, just as he did with his sophomore album that included his most successful song released–“Cherchez La Ghost.”
Currently in the midst of the Wu Tang Clan reunion tour, a promotional Fish Scale tour and various other video shoots, Starky Love One made time to chop it up with VIBE.com. In this exclusive chat, the busy rapper gives a mock-up of rap lesson 101, explains why hes meant to be back on top, discusses why fellow Wu Tang leader, RZA, isnt on the album, and unveils his personal “Ghostface Doll” collectible figurine.
Vibe.com
: So what are your thoughts on Fish Scale?
Ghostface
: Fish Scale, you know Im just an old school head and I love real music. Right now the game is in somebody elses pocket, and I just want to let the kids know who arent really up on their history where real music came from. I wanna give them a taste of what the streets was like when I was coming up and what was being played, and what type of dude I am. Right now its kind of crazy and the kids dont know but its not their fault, cause if you dont know your history you dont know where youre going. So thats why the game is crazy right now.
Fish Scale is an interesting title. Whats the significance behind it?
Ghostface
: It represents dopeness. I call it that because the block knows what time it is. My era of kids and where I came from, you know, the real cats out there understand it. Fish Scale is like that cocaine that if you put it on the streets its the purest and realest form that could touch the ground in any projects anywhere. I called my album a package, cause what Im about to give yall is the dopest sh*t out of all these nigg*s shi*t. I just came up with Fish Scale and thats what it was.
Theres a rumor that you have an album coming out with MF Doom called Swift and Changeable. Can you shed some light on that?
Ghostface
: Before MF Doom gave me beats for my album I did like around 6 joints for Doom, and people was like damn you did like 6 joints for him already you might as well just make another 3 or 4 and just make a whole album. And thats what it was. I didnt get to record the other 3 or 4 yet cause Ive been moving around trying to get things done for my joint. But thats what its gonna be. You know Doom is like the king of the underground. When it comes to certain markets that niggas dont have, Doom got the backpackers, and all of that is good cause people are people.
What producers worked on Fish Scale?
Ghostface
: Just Doom, Pete Rock, J. Dillah, The Wise Men, Studio Steve.
I realized there arent any tracks on this album produced by RZA.Why is that?
Ghostface
: Uh-uh, nah I didnt touch RZA. You know I had reached out to him, but he was kind of caught up with what he was caught up in. So I had to do what I had to do. I reached out to other brothers too. So by the time I heard back from him I had got all of my beats already.
Talk to me about the “Ghostface Doll” you have coming out this spring?
Ghostface
: Yea, thats the Ghostface doll. Its me, they dressed him how I get down, the robe, wallabies, hard jeans and a wife beater. Real gold, 14 KT. The doll is 9”. You know one of my mans from Cali wanted to do something real quick and [hes] what we put together. Its going to be limited, just 1000 dolls thats it. Its selling for $500. Its a figurine collectable item for fans of my music.
I see that you were up in Young Jeezys video for “Go Crazy” since he made reference to you in the song. How does it make you feel when newcomers actually make reference to?
Ghostface
: Its respect. Its a good feeling, but its crazy. Cause you dont really recognize who loves you and whos been a fan since day one. And for someone to just throw a nigga name up in their joint, its just crazy. All respect is due. I met him, hes a very good brother and all of that, hes not stuck up or any of that shit. It was just man to man respect.
Youre on Def Jam now, and there has been a lot of changes going on over there. How do you feel about that?
Ghostface
: Its all good man. As long as it dont get in my way and everybodys eyes are still on me, Im good with it. The people whos making the changes, Im good with them. So Im gonna let them do what they gotta do, and they gonna let us do what we gotta do. Im gonna let them know that Im in this building too to get busy. Im letting niggas know that Im that nigga. Its like a baseball player: he can come to the team and put his work in until his contract is up. And thats what Im doing right now.
Elle Castro
February 3, 2006
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