Ghostface Killah has made a triumphant return to the hip-hop scene with the release of his 14th studio album, Set the Tone (Guns and Roses). The album, which dropped on May 10, 2024, is a nineteen-track medley that showcases the modern art of the legendary rapper. Divided into two parts, the “Guns” side features Ghostface’s gritty, classic assassin persona, while the “Roses” side sees him embody his romantic, luxurious alter ego, Pretty Toney. The album has been highly anticipated by fans, as it marks Ghostface’s first full-length release in five years.
The release of Set the Tone was announced by Ghostface on Instagram with the premiere single, “Scar Tissue,” featuring a collaboration with Nas. The track sees Nas delivering a performance reminiscent of the 1990s, bringing a sense of matured class from that era. The flashy visual for the single showcases the camaraderie between the Staten Island and Queens representatives, setting the stage for the star-studded features that would follow. These include appearances from Wu-Tang Clan members Raekwon and Method Man, as well as Ye (Kanye West), Fat Joe, Ja Rule, and more.
The album’s “Guns” side features collaborations with Sheek Louch, Jim Jones, and Method Man, with standout tracks like “Pair of Hammers” and “Skate Odyssey.” Ghostface also teams up with artists like Beniton, Fat Joe, and Ye on tracks like “Champion Sound” and “Cape Tear.” The presence of Nas on the album was seen as a sign of more features to come, and the album delivered with over ten additional features that added depth and variety to the project.
On the “Roses” side of the album, Ghostface shifts to a smoother, more romantic vibe with tracks like “Plan B” and “Bad Bitch” featuring Ja Rule. The album also features collaborations with AZ, Busta Rhymes, and Remy Ma, each bringing their own unique energy to the project. The skits on the album, reminiscent of Wu-Tang Clan’s signature style, add a layer of humor and storytelling that ties the project together.
In addition to the release of Set the Tone, Ghostface is also launching his memoir, Rise of a Killah, which delves into personal experiences from his childhood in Staten Island to his relationship with Islam. Fans have expressed hopes of hearing more collaborations with fellow Wu-Tang Clan members on future projects, but for now, Set the Tone has set a high bar for what’s to come from Ghostface Killah. With its grand features, two-sided theme, and gritty boom bap vibe, the album has set the tone for what could be a highly anticipated follow-up, Supreme Clientele 2.
