"Ghostface is a busy man... 12 Reasons To Die II coming soon"
Fans who have been waiting for the past two years can finally rejoice: Adrian Younge's and Ghostface Killah's Twelve Reasons To Die II is coming soon.
To up the ante this time around, Ghostface has added a very important lyrical companion to the mix: Raekwon. The chemistry that was cemented two decades ago on Rae's classic Only Built 4 Cuban Linx is as strong as ever, clearly heard on five out of the album's 13 songs. And on the topic of chemistry, executive producer and Wu-Tang patriarch The RZA returns to Part II as the story's narrator.
Where the first installment of Twelve Reasons To Die was based in 1960s Italy - detailing the machinations of the feared DeLuca crime family - Part II inhabits the grimy streets of mid-1970s New York City. Descendants of the DeLucas are running the city, but a powerful, younger crime syndicate is percolating, commanded by black gangster Lester Kane (personified by Raekwon).
As Kane's power grows, he takes on the DeLucas and a bloodbath ensues. Kane has always known the legend of Tony Starks, who was killed by the DeLucas in Italy and whose remains were partially used to create twelve vinyl records. When played back in the "old world," the Ghostface Killer rose and destroyed the Italian faction. This plays into the story's conclusion at the end of Part II.
The storyline for Part II is vividly brought to life with the help of Younge's never-endingly evocative and unique brand of cinematic, psychedelic soul. The music - on which Younge himself plays upwards of 10 instruments on certain songs - was recorded strictly on analog tape, to bring out the true grit of the '70s era that provides the Twelve Reasons backdrop.
Twelve Reasons To Die II is another heavy feather in the caps of all involved, especially Younge and Ghost, who again poured their skills and intellect into this dramatic and engaging tale. It all fits perfectly into the Wu-Tang family tree as well as Younge's always-expanding musical universe, which now proudly relies on Linear Labs to house it.
13. "Sour Soul is actually the best out of the three imo" In response to Reply # 12
Not having a story to stick to meant Ghost had more freedom lyrically. He still struggled with his flow at times, but his rhymes were a lot more interesting to listen to.
>i couldnt stand the first 12 reasons... > > >36 seasons was good but i left wanting an AZ/G.Rap album more >than anything else. > > >edit, never bothered listening to sour soul
>Not having a story to stick to meant Ghost had more freedom >lyrically. He still struggled with his flow at times, but his >rhymes were a lot more interesting to listen to.
__ I don't like the beat anymore because its just a loop. ALC didn't FLIP IT ENOUGH!
Flip it enough? Flip these. Flip off. Go flip some f*cking burgers.(c)Kno
Allied State of the National Electric Beat Treaty Organization (NEBTO)
20. "This is honestly the first album where I feel like Ghost phoned it in" In response to Reply # 0
He gave slightly more effort on his verses that he did on verse on the "Walk Hard" soundtrack. He sounded really disinterested and gave ***just*** enough effort to stick to the concept/narrative. And yeah, the narrative wasn't compelling either.
Raekwon was dope. Vince Staples, Chino, Scarub, and Lyrics Born were all good enough. I liked Adrian Younge's production on this one better than the first installment. But this didn't add up to much.
23. "Well, it helps that I liked his three previous "collabo" albums" In response to Reply # 22
Especially the last two. So I know he can bring it lyrically when he wants to. But this really must have been a pure money grab, because he barely sounds like he cares here.
21. "Off one listen it's good" In response to Reply # 0
I feel the same way as I did with the first one, though, in that I suspect this'll be out of rotation within 2 weeks.
Production is solid, a little better than the first (I think...?). Multiple guests and Rae helps the rap-side of things, although the narrative is forgettable again (something about mafia beef, revenge, anger). GFK doesn't ruin anything.
36 Seasons and Sour Soul were better.
__ I don't like the beat anymore because its just a loop. ALC didn't FLIP IT ENOUGH!
Flip it enough? Flip these. Flip off. Go flip some f*cking burgers.(c)Kno
Allied State of the National Electric Beat Treaty Organization (NEBTO)
24. "lol Starks is a dick" In response to Reply # 0 Thu Jul-23-15 09:37 AM by topaz
He couldn't have changed his mind before Rae/Kane kills himself? Not a bad album but I think I prefer the first one (more Wu guests, Rise of the GFK & Sure Shot). The instrumentals are great but I get the feeling they can be a bit difficult to rhyme on, although Rae was marvelous on this. Wish RZA could've gotten a verse or two as well.
It took me a while to even give this a spin because I tried hard to like the first one but just couldn't. I only made it through a few tracks on this one. Not feeling it. I don't think I like Adrian Younge.
Printer-friendly copy 
Email this topic to a friend
The Lesson
#/media/File:Firefly.png)
