Rap Genius Rewind: Ghostface Killah - Supreme Clientele (2000)

Rap Genius Rewind: Ghostface Killah – Supreme Clientele (2000)

February 1, 2012 marc No comments yet

Supreme Clientele was Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah’s sophomore album, following 1996′s Ironman. When the LP dropped in January of 2000 (almost 12 years ago!) it was still at the height of the Wu Tang phenomenon, and to date is one of the most revered solo projects of all members. The album debuted at #7 on the Billboard 200 and received 4 1/2 mics in The Source.

On “Cherez La Ghost” featuring U-God, Pretty Tone set to remind us that ‘no girl can freak me, I’m just too nasty,’ rocking over a sample of Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band’s “Cherchez La Femme.”

One of my favorite songs (not just on this album but of all time), however, is “Nutmeg.” The free-flowing stream of consciousness in the lyrics surely inspired the current generation of ‘out-there’ emcees like Das Racist.

Ghostface Killah – Nutmeg

Scientific, my hand kissed it
Robotic let’s think optimistic
You probably missed it, watch me dolly dick it
Scotty Wotty copper-tipped me, big microphone hippie
Hit Poughkepsie crispy chicken verbs throw up a stone richie
Chop the O, sprinkle a lil’ snow inside a Optimo
Swing the John McEnroe, rap rock’n'roll
Tidy Bowl, gun hold pro, Starsky with the gumsole
Hit the rum slow, parole kids, live Rapunzel
But Ton’ Stizzy really high, the vivid laser eye guide
Jump in the Harley ride, Clarks I freak a lemon pie
I’m bout it, bout it – Lord forgive me, Ms. Sally shouted
Tracey got shot in the face, my house was overcrowded

Ghost gave us 2 verses of this free-flowing madlib word association. ‘Nutmeg’ is the kind of song Rap Genius was created for. I still hear something new every time I listen. To close it out, Bobby Digital (BOODOODOOP!) hits us with an exceptionally classic verse (Incognito, fatal aikido blow) in typical RZA fashion.

Supreme Clientele is still relevant over a decade later, and will likely remain one of the sharpest sWords (pronounced like RZA) in the Wu-Tang cannon.