After a lengthy delay, Ghostface Killah emerged through a cloud of smoke to greet the crowd. He started with two quick songs and included his verse from the Raekwon classic "Ice Cream," then stopped after 20 seconds to talk into the microphone instead.
With a loud and fast-paced style, the Wu-Tang Clan member effortlessly flowed from one song to the next late Thursday night at the Westcott Theater. Hosted by Delta Kappa Epsilon and Zeta Beta Tau fraternities, the show kept the audience on their feet and dancing the entire show. Hits like "We Celebrate" had the crowd going wild, as well as when he promoted songs like "Baby" from his new album, "Ghostdini Wizard of Poetry in Emerald City."
Ghostface emerged with a solo career while still working with the extremely successful and world known Wu-Tang-Clan. He has been one of the group's most successful rappers, releasing the most solo albums of any group member. He is scheduled, along with fellow members Raekwon and Method Man, to release "Wu Massacre" on Dec. 22.
With many people in the crowd chanting "Wu-Tang," donning Wu-Tang shirts and locking their hands in the air with the symbolic "W," Ghostface made sure to please the crowd. The only drawback, though, was a lack of Ghostface verses from Wu-Tang hits.
The crowd sang along as the DJ played Inspectah Deck's verse in "Triumph," the RZA's verse in "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing Ta F' Wit," Raekwon's verse on "Can it be all so simple" and U-God's opening lyrics on "Da Mystery of Chessboxin."
Ghostface has had plenty quotable lyrics but none were heard. His verse on "Impossible," considered the greatest Wu-Tang verse of all time, was nowhere to be found. His fast paced and catchy lyrics in "Gravel Pit" never made the show. Ghost brought the Wu, but forgot his part in the group.
Perhaps that was part of his plan to promote himself more as a solo artist than a Wu-Tang-Clan member. In between promoting his albums, including his first success "Ironman," and his subsequent albums - "Supreme Clientele," "Fishscale," "The Big Doe Rehab" and his most recent release "Ghostdini Wizard of Poetry in Emerald City," Ghostface kept the momentum alive.
Bringing back more classics, Ghostface performed Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and one of the Jackson 5's most famous hits, "ABC." His interaction with the audience was incredible, revving up the entire room. He called out new hip-hop artists for their music, citing older rappers for their impact on the industry.
He ended the show like a dance party, bringing girls on stage to grind while he sang "Cherchez LaGhost" off his "Supreme Clientele" album and "Baby" from his newest album.
A string of opening acts, including Myles P., a local up-and-coming band, and Skyzoo began the night. Ghostface didn't appear onstage until well into the night. DJ Afar followed the opening acts and kept the beat alive for a substantial period of time while everyone waited for Ghostface to make his appearance.
When he finally did, the crowd was grateful. It may not have been Tony Starks at his best, but it gave the Wu faithful a chance to throw the W's up for one night.
emllabeau@syr.edu
mrehalt@syr.edu
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