Album Review / Twelve Reasons to Die II

This summer marks the long anticipated release of Ghostface Killah & Adrian Younge’s follow-up to their critically acclaimed concept album, Twelve Reasons to Die. With RZA as the narrator and Raekwon playing the main character, Ghostface flawlessly tells the story of Lester Kane (Raekwon), a New York City gangster, seeking revenge on the DeLuca crime family with the help of the reincarnated Tony Starks (Ghostface Killah).

Ghostface Killah is undoubtedly one of the best yarn-spinners in hip-hop, and Adrian Younge and his band are a perfect match for his hard-hitting lyrics and epic storytelling. The almost cinematic score makes all the difference on this album, bringing the highs and lows of the story to life, making you feel as if you’re watching a Scorcese film. Yes, it’s over-the-top and fantastical (read: Quentin Tarantino-type gore), but isn’t that what we love about Wu-Tang?

It might take a couple of listens and even a quick review of Twelve Reasons to Die in order to fully grasp the intricacies of Twelve Reasons to Die II’s plot, but it’s surely worth the time. So today, go to iTunes, your favorite record store or wherever you get music, pick up Twelve Reasons to Die II, and enjoy the tale of Lester Kane and Tony Starks.

By: Roberto Henry, music contributor.