Ghostface Killah celebrated his birthday and premiered his new album Set the Tone (Guns & Roses), at the same damn time last night at Republic Records in New York City.
Media and influencers previewed the album just hours before it was released to the public on digital streaming platforms. The LP features a cast of Hip Hop’s elite including Kanye West, Jarule, Nas, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes and Remy Ma. The album has a feature on every track except for the skits and outro.
The evening was highlighted by the sounds of DJ Scram Jones, who played a heavy 90’s NYC set, with artists like Nas, Mobb Deep, and Jay Z to the crowds preference.
The audience enjoyed Belaire champagne, appetizers, and Ghostface’s gourmet coffee “Killah Kofee.”
Some artists who came to support Ghostface included “Simon Says,” emcee Pharoahe Monch, who shared with me that he’s working on a new album titled External Affairs which will drop later this summer. Rock the Bells personality and emcee Torae, Saturday Night Live’s Kenan Thompson, reggae singer Serani, and rappers Jim Jones, NEMS, and Large Professor.
Ghost performed some tracks off the album including the up tempo Kanye West featured “ No Face,” “ 6 Minutes,” featuring Jim Jones and Sheek Louch and ” Pair of Hammers,” with Method Man.
The crowd was later treated to a super hype freestyle from Wu alum Cappadonna, a Serani performance of “ No Games,” and Jim Jones jump shot gesture as Scram Jones played his iconic ” Ballin.”
Set the Tone is well-rounded with a blend of R&B and soul features on “Locked In,” & ” Skate Odyssey,” a boom bap moment with “Kilo In the Safe,” and reggae-influenced tracks like ” Shots,” and “Champion Sound.” His storytelling is unparalleled and on tracks like “Cape Fear,” and “Scar Tissue,” he showcases these narration talents. And like his Wallabee collection, he’s got various styles to chose from.
On his born day, Ghost owned the night, and Hip Hop was better for it!
You can find Set the Tone on all streaming platforms.
Written By David Lopez
Video Credit: Damatrixstudio
