Being informed of a collaboration album between veteran rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah and Canadian jazz trio BADBADNOTGOOD invoked one thought mainly – “Didn’t they both just release albums?” While definitely excited to listen, I had reluctance going into this album, especially judging by the rather short length, just under 33 minutes spanning across 12 tracks. BADBADNOTGOOD’s 2014 album “III” had lost some of the improvisational character of previous albums to provide lush and structurally-sound compositions, but still was a great display of the group’s prowess. Ghostface Killah’s latest album “36 Seasons” met generally positive reception, but showed slack in his lyrical ability. The caution I had entering this album was quickly abandoned, as the duo almost immediately presents high quality and carefully constructed material.

BADBADNOTGOOD’s instrumental work on “Sour Soul” is definitely of high enough caliber to work with a rapper as respected as Ghostface Killah and actually may be one of the most memorable aspects of the album; their modern and sleek yet also nostalgic style of composition shows its character on many occasions. Mono, a minute-long instrumental, starts the record. The track features a slinking bassline being propelled by the repetition of a ride cymbal with hazy keys, vibraphone, and strings oozing behind in the style of a low budget spy movie. This blaxploitation film style is present on many instances, whether with the epic, almost spaghetti-western guitars of Gunshowers or the mysterious strings of the layered, laid back interlude Stark’s Reality. While the album doesn’t contain the improvisational characteristics of previous BADBADNOTGOOD albums, they still prove their ability to craft functional instrumentals without relying on samples.

Lyrically, Ghostface Killah presents an interesting concept with the album. The first half of the album narrates the lifestyle that Ghostface and other veteran rappers have rapped about for countless years, the most prevalent topics being cocaine dealing and gunfights. Sometime from the middle instrumental Stark’s Reality onward, he takes a different turn, not only acknowledging the ‘black souls’ he witnesses on a daily basis and his own, but promising to change his ways. He promises to “pray ‘til the righteous ways is taking over me” on Nuggets of Wisdom and focuses on the irreproachable facets of life, like meditation, yoga, and eating healthily on Food. The weakest aspect “Sour Soul” is its brevity. With each song averaging about two and a half minutes, and no track even exceeding four minutes, each concept Ghostface presents is almost immediately drawn back and this repeats constantly.

There are some excellent features; Tree raspily croons over a minimalistic yet bouncy beat on Street Knowledge, Danny Brown’s signature high pitched voice cuts the drenched guitars in Six Degrees, and the legendary yet elusive MF DOOM appears on Ray Gun, alongside others throughout. Unfortunately, Ghostface steps to the side allowing most features to overshadow his own lyricism. Even though this can be quite deterring, the facade of the album stays cohesive. Expecting Ghostface Killah to release another classic such as 2006’s Fishscale this far into his career would be unlikely, seeing as he does not have the same style he’s renowned for, but with the help of BADBADNOTGOOD, he still shines.