Sunday Music: Ghostface’s “Supreme Clientele” Turns 20

The intensity, the stream of consciousness style, the sheer descriptiveness of his fragmented, pulp-story-telling over soulful samples, this album is a masterpiece. In early 2000 we were at a special crossover as rap’s ascent into complete chart domination had seemingly been cemented. Ghost was making songs that were still steeped in the Wu tradition of limited refrains, choruses, and modern pop sensibilities. These weren’t going to top charts, but they were at the top of the underground.

One lyrical example. Even reading it you feel the complexity of what he was doing rhythmically. From his lead-off verse (“Nutmeg”):

Scientific, my hand kissed itRobotic, let’s think optimisticYou probably missed it, watch me Dolly Dick itScotty Wotty copped it to me, big microphone hippieHit Poughkeepsie, crispy chicken, verbs, throw up a stone, RichieChop the O, sprinkle a little snow inside a OptimoSwing the John McEnroe, rap rock’n’rollTy-D-Bol, gung-ho pro, Starsky with the gumsoleHit the rum slow, parole kids, live RapunzelBut Ton’ Stizzy really high, the vivid laser eye guyJump in the Harley ride, Clarks, I freak a lemon pieI’m bout it, bout it, Lord forgive me, Ms. Sally shoutedTracey got shot in the face, my house was overcrowdedYou fake cats done heard it firstOn how I shitted on your turf that time, Cuban Link verse yoCheck out the rap kingpin, summertime, fine jewelry drippingFace to the box, I seen your ear twitchingAs soon as I drove off, Cap’ came to me with three sawed-offsGive one to Rae’, let’s season they brothLightning rod fever heaters, knock-kneed a Sheeba for hivaDiva got rocked from the receiver bleederPortfolio, looking fancy in the pantryMy man got bigger dimes son, your shit is scampiBase that, throw what’s in your mouth, don’t waste thatSee Ghost lamping in the throne with King Tut hatStraight off

And we could go for days if we even started to touch all of the embedded references. Put it on, turn it up. Supreme Clientele holds up damn well at 20-years old.