Review: Ghostface Killah, Trinity

Few artists or groups carry as much status in their genre as the Wu-Tang Clan. Their seminal album ‘Enter the 36 Chambers’ unarguably marked a significant turning point in the course of modern hip hop and many of its member’s solo projects have carried as much credibility.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when the Wu-Tang Clan split but the surviving nine members have not worked together as a group for quite some time. However, the group have continued to work tirelessly on side projects with each other, on solo projects, extensive world touring and continuing to promote up and coming rap talent wherever they find it around the globe. It is undeniable that none have worked harder in these endeavours than the Ghostface Killa, one of the Wu’s chiefs and an undeniable great in the hip hop hall of fame.

Ghostface’s most recent tour has seen him traverse every corner of Europe, go up and down the UK and will see him play another date in Vienna before plunging straight into a Canadian tour. On this visit to Bristol, Ghostface played to a sold out Trinity Centre.

The night hosted a number of warm up acts, some local Bristol names and other members of Ghostface’s entourage including British rapper Papers who Ghostface has taken under his wing. All acts delivered but the crowd grew wrestles as time wore on with no sign of the man they came to see.

It wasn’t until 22:10 until Ghostface took to the stage alongside fellow New York rapper and acclaimed Wu-Tang affiliate, Killah Priest.

The energy from the beginning was ecstatic and the temperature quickly rose as bodies started moving and hands went in the air. The show started with a range of solo material, culminating in a rendition of fellow Wu-Tang heavyweight, Raekwon’s, 1995 hit ‘Ice Cream’.

Ghostface and Priest’s understanding on stage was beyond impressive and is evidence of a craft that has been perfected over decades. This was a masterclass in East Coast hip hop as the par went verse for verse over a number of classic beats including Mobb Deep’s ‘Shook Ones Part 2’.

The audience were a mixture of old fans who probably remember the 36 Chambers being played on the radio and kids that probably had an A-level exam the next day. This mix shows how far the music of the Wu-Tang Clan has reached and everyone there knew exactly what to do when the first of the classics came over the speakers.

‘Tearz’ started what would become a medley of hits as Ghostface performed his verses from a plethora of Chambers’ anthems.

For obvious reasons, Ghostface only performed his parts from the songs that he features on meaning that only around a minute of each tune was played. Killah Priest played hype man and the speed, mixing by the DJ and energy shown on stage was reminiscent of a grime radio set.

Ghostface Killah at Trinity © Khali Ackford

Ghostface and Killah riest also performed their parts from ‘The 4th Chamber’ a song from GZA’s soo album ‘Liquid Swords’ which could be considered one of the best Wu solo projects. It was unexpected but very welcome to hear on the night.

The atmosphere increased as the show continued and reached a climax when Ghostface invited two members of the audience on sage to perform Method Man and Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s verses on ‘Protect Ya Neck’. There was a good chance this could have been a disastrous experiment but both the people that volunteered to take part absolutely smashed it, especially the young lady that did Method Man’s verse.

Although this was only about half an hour in, it would prove to be the climax of the show. After some addresses to the audience, the DJ then played Lauryn Hill’s parts from ‘Killing me Softly’ then Bob Marley and then Al Green’s ‘Let’s Stay Together’. Both rappers provided hype and did things to get the crowd going but this was what closed the show after just 45 minutes.

Ultimately Ghostface displayed exactly why he carries the legendary status that he does. His back catalogue and reputation speak for themselves and that includes his solo material. I would have loved to see more of this mixed I with the Wu classics and there was a definite atmosphere in the crowd of wanting to hear more.