Ghostdini Wizard of Poetry In Emerald City (Deluxe Version)

Ghostface has always been a ‘70s soul man at heart, and as he nears 40, he's finally found the courage to release an album solely consisting of emotional R&B rap. Almost all of Ghost’s work tilts towards old soul records, so Ghostdini isn’t just about the thrill of hearing vintage samples — though it is nice to hear premium selections from long lost artists like Yvonne Fair, Norman Feels, and Love, Peace & Happiness. The album is more about Ghost’s mindset. What he takes from R&B is a license to expose himself. Of course, Ghost’s version of vulnerable isn’t harmless. “Stapleton Sex” is a fantasy worthy of Penthouse Forum, while “Guest House” is a hyper-detailed narrative about philandering in which Fabolous and Shareefa play the culprits. Still, even when he’s talking foul, Ghost’s approach is so liberated that every song exudes his special brand of sincerity. And even though Ghostdini avoids showing a softer Ghostface, he still delivers some of hip-hop’s most touching love notes in the form of “Baby,” “Stay,” and “Paragraphs of Love.”