Shaolin's Finest (2003) Dennis Coles doesn't rap -- he squeals and sobs, riding associative streams of ghetto hieroglyphics so knotted they'd make James Joyce's head spin. This hits… Ghostface Killah Hip-Hop/Rap Reissues

Details Release Date: Apr 01, 2003; Lead Performance: Ghostface Killah; Genres: Hip-Hop/Rap, Reissues

Dennis Coles doesn't rap -- he squeals and sobs, riding associative streams of ghetto hieroglyphics so knotted they'd make James Joyce's head spin. This hits collection spotlights the Wu-Tanger's brilliant attention to detail and his roughneck sensitivity: ''Camay'' offsets round-the-way romance tales with spooky piano tinkles, while the nostalgic ''Child's Play'' is rich, RZA-soul bliss. Other experiments with R&B accompaniment chafe, but Ghost transcends even the blandest gloss with histrionic fire.

Originally posted May 23, 2003 Published in issue #711 May 23, 2003 Order article reprints