New York rap stalwart and Wu-Tang veteran Ghostface Killah returns with his first album in five years, Set The Tone. In celebration of his 54th birthday, the lyrically gifted emcee shares his new 19-track opus with the rest of the world. Stream Set The Tone here via Mass Appeal.
Set The Tone includes the previously released single “YUPP!” featuring Remy Ma, which Stereogum described as “a stripped-back neck-jerk track that uncorks all the frenzied bug-out energy that made Ghost a legend in the first case.” Ghostface’s 12th studio album is also home to his new single “Scar Tissue” featuring Nas, which marks the consummate artists first collaboration since 1995’s “Verbal Intercourse” on Raekwon’s seminal debut Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.
Set The Tone is Ghostface Killah’s first full-length project since 2019’s Ghostface Killahs, and his first release on Mass Appeal. The new album includes a who’s who of big-name collaborations with Nas, Ye (formerly known as Kanye West), Raekwon, Busta Rhymes, Fat Joe, Sheek Louch, Ja Rule, Jim Jones, Trevor Jackson, October London, Bee-B, and more. The rap titan’s latest offering was conceived after years of Ghostface making prominent appearances on albums from Kendrick Lamar (Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers) and Westside Gunn (10), among others.
Elsewhere, Ghostface is gearing up for a performance at Brooklyn’s Barclays Centre next month (June 29) for the “Masters of Ceremony” hip-hop concert. The Wu-Tang rapper will be joined by Pusha T, The LOX, Ja Rule, Jim Jones, Jeremih, and other artists.
Over the years, Ghostface has maintained his position as one of the most culturally relevant artists for entire generations. Candidly, he has nothing left to prove. And yet, the legendary rapper continues to set the bar high for hip-hop whenever he decides to spit a verse.
Stream Set The Tone above, check out the full tracklist below, and stay tuned for more from Ghostface Killah in the coming weeks.