On "The Champ" one of the best tracks from GFK's new record Fishscale, a character impersonating Burgess Meredith's Mick from the Rocky movies chimes in and says "You ain't been hungry since Supreme Clientele!" in reference to the Wu-Tang member's turn-of-the-century masterpiece. Obviously Mick didn't listen to Mr. Starks' 2004 The Pretty Toney Album, because he sounded pretty hungry to me a couple of years ago.

Astonishingly, Ghostface sounds even more hungry and ready to do battle on this 24 track near masterpiece that, believe it or not, comes close to trumping Supreme. Starting off with heavy hitters such as the Air sampled "Shakey Dog" and then leading into the catchy "Kilo" featuring Raekwon (which sounds like it was inspired by School House Rocks) you wouldn't think that it could get any better. But then comes along a track like "9 Mili Bros," featuring the entire Wu-Tang Clan, and then you realize that this is the best Wu-Tang track to come along in a long while. Other veins of genius are mined on "Whip You With A Strap," where Ghostface rhymes about getting his ass whipped back in the day by his momma when he was being a bad little kid, and first single "Back Like That" featuring R&B newcomer Ne-Yo (whom ordinarily I can't stand) but Ghostface's rhymes and production skills elevates this newbie to an entirely different level. Even the skits are quite funny as well, like on "Heart Street Directions" where Ghostface gives some very naughty driving directions to an unsuspecting female. Also, "Bad Mouth Kid" is quite hysterical with Ghostface's girlfriend's young son hurling four-letter expletives at him while Ghostface retorts with "I'm gonna have my son f—k you up you little bastard!"

I must also rightfully bestow much praise upon the production all around. Fishscale features amazing beats by some of the best in the business including Pete Rock, MF Doom and Just Blaze. Fishscale doesn't just portray its protagonist to be hungry, no sir. This is a rapper that with his constant grind just keeps getting better with age. I highly doubt we'll get a better Hip-Hop album than this in 2006.