It is unofficial, yet undeniable we are in the season of the Ghost. Only five months ago Ghostface Killah released his critically acclaimed Sour Soul album. Now Ghost is back again with Adrian Younge, for the second installment of 12 reasons to die. Sequels are rarely better than the original, but I am proud to proclaim this album is the exception that makes the rule.

Before I go any further I find it of vital importance to briefly address the question; who is Adrian Younge? L. A based producer, composer, and record shop owner Adrian Younge has started gaining clout in the industry, just last year his music and beats were being sampled by the legendary DJ Premier for P(rhyme). Adrian younge's music has also been sampled by Jay-Z for the Magna Carta tracks "Heaven" and "Picaso Baby". If this album is any indication of his production prowess (spoiler alert, it is) Adrian Younge will be a household name in no time.

The first album from the duo followed  Frank Delucas and his tale of power, betrayal and revenge. This 1st album was enjoyable; it was well produced,(though at times repetitive)lyrical and above all a nice return to truly synchronized, linear story telling. The album attempted to tell an interesting tale, and it did, the issue however was that after the story had been told there was no real reason to revisit the album.

12 reasons to die 2 proves that both Adrian Younge and the mighty GFK were attentive to criticism and open to improvement on all fronts. From the lyrical plot twist to the instrumental smorgasbord this album reflects a level of precision, and passion sorely missing from Ghostface's contemporaries.

Ghostface Killah uses his seniority in the rap game to enlist rising artist Vince Staples and underground sensations Scarub, Lyrics Born and Chino Xl eradicating any possible chance of monotony previously found. The most notable, and yet under-appreciated feature  is fellow Wu member, Raekwon. Appearing on half the album Rae brings a ferocity reminiscent of the Hip-hop classic Only Built for Cuban Linx

The law of equivalent exchange argues nothing can be gained without something first being given, and at the end of the day Ghost and Adrian Younge crafted an album full of trade offs. The price of having a true concept album, not a single track can live on radio. The sacrifice for birthing such a fantastic world, it is detached from reality, disabling the listeners ability to truly “Feel” a track. The most burdensome trade is that the albums glorious climax and conclusion is preceded with lifeless ground work.

Despite having two classic albums,(Supreme Clientele, Iron Man) and heavily contributing to another two classics (enter the Wu, OBFCL), ghost has not lost his passion for Hip-hop. Ghost has demonstrated more then resilience in his latest offering he has displayed an appetite, a hunger of a starving  artist, with the refined taste of a connoisseur, served with the speed and authenticity of a bodega. In an age of fast food ready mixtapes and processed artists let us bow our heads, say our grace, and savor the taste of a well cooked meal.