Throughout Wu Tang's history, Ghostface Killah and Raekwon the Chef created an amicable partnership that brimmed with talent. Seldom did a song not have Rae followed by Ghost, or vice versa. Although their work outside of the Wu-Tang Clan was considered solo material, Ghost and Rae collaborated on several occasions and maintained an unmatched presence as hip-hop's finest streetwise twosome. But since Ghost's debut solo release, Ironman, his association with the Wu-Tang Clan has become increasingly detached. So, while listening to Ghost's latest release, The Pretty Toney Album, the first thing that comes to mind is "where's Raekwon?"
Although Ghostface Killah has hired an abundant amount of collaborators for this project, there is a subtle yet unmistakable emptiness on this record. Ghost's rhymes are in top grade, but without the assistance of some much needed rhyming companionship, he tends to linger at times. Where Raekwon rhymes and delivery would have been, unintentionally long, drawn-out banter from Ghost takes their place. There are, however, some real stars and bangers on the record. The Missy Elliott collaboration, called "Tush," is an exemplary "up-jump-the-boogie" type jam. "Run" is an up-tempo street tale of tremendous magnitude, showcasing Ghost's genius as it was back on "Saturday Nite" from Supreme Clientele. And "Holla" is the perfect continuation of "I Can't Go To Sleep" from the Wu-Tang's The W, highlighting Ghost's passion and furor accompanied with layered R&B harmonies and stylistic lamenting.
The Pretty Toney Album is a Ghostface Killah album. It exemplifies all of the elements that Ghostface has been successful with in the past. But once you sever what once was a strong alliance with another individual, that vacancy must be filled with an overabundance of talent and wit. Outkast's last album, Speakerboxx: The Love Below, is a perfect example of this concern. Unfortunately, The Pretty Toney Album falls short in replacing what Raekwon had contributed to Ghost's previous album releases, causing the album to feel essentially incomplete.
1. Intro
2. Biscuits
3. Kunta Fly Sh**
4. Beat The Clock
5. Metal Lungies
6. Bathtub Skit
7. Save Me Dear
8. It's Over
9. Keisha's House Skit
10. Tush (feat. Missy Elliott)
11. Last Night Skit
12. Holla
13. Ghostface
14. Be This Way
15. The Letter Skit
16. Tooken Back
17. Run (feat. Jadakiss)
18. Love