Ghostface Killah – Set the Tone (Guns & Roses): A Tale of Resurrection and Versatility
- Umma Radio
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 6
Release Date: May 10, 2024 Label: Mass Appeal Records Producer Collab: Bam Beatzz, EZ Elpee, T the Human, Ghostface himself, and more.
Ghostface’s twelfth studio album arrives after a five-year hiatus, marking a bold return both in sound and ambition. The project is split metaphorically into two halves: “Guns”, representing the rugged Tony Starks persona, and “Roses”, the suave, reflective Pretty Toney alter-ego.
Standout Tracks & Features
“6 Minutes” (feat. Jim Jones & Sheek Louch): A raw opener signaling Ghost’s sharp East Coast flow and storytelling edge Hip Hop
“Pair of Hammers” (feat. Method Man): A Wu-Tang highlight where lyrical chemistry and traditional grit rule. Fans called it the album’s best collaboration Forbes+2HotNewHipHop+2Exclaim!+2.
“Skate Odyssey” (feat. Raekwon & October London): Smooth jazz textures and soulful hooks balance Ghost’s aggressive bars with Raekwon’s gritty undertones Rock and Roll Globe+3HotNewHipHop+3Forbes+3.
“No Face” (feat. Kanye West): An unexpectedly robust feature, remixing My Melody and Mighty Healthy, with Ye delivering one of his sharper recent verses
Other moments include heavy-hitters like Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, Remy Ma, AZ, Ja Rule, and more—creating a densely packed album loaded with star talent
Thematic & Musical Overview
The album thrives on contrasts: gritty street narratives meet moments of emotional vulnerability. The production shifts effortlessly between boom-bap grit and smoother, jazz-infused rhythms—giving album sides distinct identitiesForbesWikipedia. Tracks like “Plan B” and “Locked In” reveal a more introspective and romantic Ghost, showcasing his Pretty Toney side, while others deliver raw, lyrical force. The overall vibe suggests a matured artist in full command of his craft Forbes+1Pitchfork+1.
Verdict: Strengths & Critiques
Strengths:
Ghostface is in sharp, commanding lyrical form.
The West coast meets New York vibe—especially on tracks like “Pair of Hammers”—captures classic Wu‑Tang synergy.
Collaborators like Nas and Kanye elevate key tracks.
Conceptually ambitious and thematically cohesive across its dual sides.
Weaknesses:
Some features, like Kanye West and Ja Rule, raise eyebrows and may feel polarizing. 92.5 The Beat - The Beat of Salt Lake+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2
With 19 tracks, the album occasionally feels sprawling; tighter sequencing might have sharpened its impact.
While strong, the narrative moments don’t quite match the storytelling heights of earlier classics like 36 Seasons.
Overall, it’s a compelling revival—rich in legacy and forward momentum, and a worthy return for a true hip-hop icon.
What’s Next: Supreme Clientele 2 Preview
Ghostface keeps the momentum rolling. On August 22, 2025, he’s set to drop Supreme Clientele 2, the long-awaited sequel to his legendary year 2000 album. Featuring a stacked lineup—Nas, Method Man, Raekwon, GZA, Conway the Machine, Styles P, Redman, M.O.P., and even Dave Chappelle—the 22-track record promises to tap into elements of the era-defining original while offering updated lyrical vision. Pitchfork+1complex.com+1iheart.com+7thesource.com+792.5 The Beat - The Beat of Salt Lake+7
The lead single “Rap Kingpin”, produced by Scram Jones, channels Ghostface’s classic aesthetic by sampling Eric B. & Rakim’s My Melody and the foundational grit of Mighty Healthy. The response has been strong, with fans and critics eager for a full return to Supreme Clientele’s mythos. music.mxdwn.com+6thesource.com+6iheart.com+6
🎧 Final Summary
Set the Tone (Guns & Roses) reestablishes Ghostface’s relevance and lyrical fire, offering duality in tone and depth across a diverse feature roster.
The album shows both strengths and minor missteps, but reminds us that Ghostface remains one of rap’s most unpredictable and dynamic voices.
With Supreme Clientele 2 on the horizon, fans have even more reason to be excited—it could redefine his legacy while honoring it.
💬 What do you think?
Have you listened to Set the Tone yet? Which track hit hardest for you? And are you as hyped as I am for Supreme Clientele 2 in August? Drop a comment below and let’s celebrate the return of Tony Starks.
Comments