Twelve Reasons to Die II

Last updated
Twelve Reasons to Die II
Ghostface Killah Twelve Reasons to Die II.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedJuly 10, 2015
Recorded2014-2015
Genre Hip hop
Length31:46
Label Linear Labs
Producer Adrian Younge
Ghostface Killah chronology
Sour Soul
(2015)
Twelve Reasons to Die II
(2015)
Czarface Meets Ghostface
(2019)

Twelve Reasons to Die II is the twelfth studio album by American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah. It is the sequel to his 2013 album Twelve Reasons to Die . The album was released on July 10, 2015, by Linear Labs. The album features guest appearances from Raekwon, RZA, Scarub, Vince Staples, Lyrics Born, Chino XL and Bilal. [1] [2]

Contents

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic 72/100 [3]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [4]
Consequence of Sound B− [5]
Exclaim! 7/10 [6]
The Guardian Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [7]
HipHopDX Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [8]
NME 8/10 [9]
Now Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [10]
Pitchfork 7.2/10 [11]
PopMatters 7/10 [12]
Spin 6/10 [13]

Twelve Reasons to Die II received generally positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 72 based on 18 reviews, which indicates "generally favorable reviews". [3] David Jeffries of AllMusic said, "Like the films Superman 2 and Aliens , the concept LP Twelve Reasons to Die II meets, and for action junkies exceeds, the high standard set by its predecessor." [4] Dan Caffrey of Consequence of Sound said, "If we’re only judging Twelve Reasons to Die II on this kind of story-driven criteria, then it’s a knockout. As with its predecessor, the narrative is a marriage of exploitation horror and urban street drama, an elaboration on the kind of grit-meets-gimmick composition that the various members of Wu-Tang Clan have been pulling off for over two decades." [5]

Sheldon Pearce of Pitchfork Media said, "If Twelve Reasons to Die is a comic, then its sequel is the cinematic adaptation or a reboot of the franchise; the source material is the same, but the execution is tightened in places. It has a bigger-budget feel—stronger guests, better pacing, and a more careful consideration for its audience." [11] Kevin Ritchie of Now said, "What it lacks is an interesting emotional – and thus truly cinematic – dimension. The vast majority of lyrics are either narrative exposition or revelling in the primordial thrill of gangsterism, and Ghostface rarely delves beneath the violent macho facade. When he does, it’s only during the climactic and clichéd moment of rebirth." [10] Jesse Fairfax of HipHopDX said, "The majority of Twelve Reasons To Die II is Adrian Younge’s mere reinterpretation of Ghostface Killah’s beloved crime tales. “Black Out” comes close to a vintage feel, but the tracks ultimately distract from the album's plot. Narrated by RZA, the surprise ending sets up an inevitable yet unnecessary third part to come down the line." [8]

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Powerful One" Adrian Younge 0:51
2."Return of the Savage" (featuring Raekwon & RZA)
3:12
3."King of New York" (featuring Raekwon)
  • Younge
  • Ghostface Killah
  • Raekwon
3:31
4."Rise Up" (featuring Scarub)
  • Younge
  • Ghostface Killah
  • Scarub
2:04
5."Daily News"
  • Younge
  • Ghostface Killah
0:49
6."Get the Money" (featuring Vince Staples)
4:15
7."Death's Invitation" (Interlude) (featuring RZA)
  • Younge
  • Garcia
0:36
8."Death's Invitation" (featuring Chino XL, Lyrics Born & Scarub)
4:33
9."Let the Record Spin" (Interlude) (featuring RZA)
  • Younge
  • Garcia
1:15
10."Let the Record Spin" (featuring Raekwon)
  • Younge
  • Ghostface Killah
  • Raekwon
3:13
11."Blackout" (featuring Raekwon)
  • Younge
  • Ghostface Killah
  • Raekwon
1:55
12."Resurrection Morning" (featuring Raekwon & Bilal)
  • Younge
  • Ghostface Killah
  • Raekwon
2:41
13."Life's a Rebirth" (featuring RZA)
  • Younge
  • Ghostface Killah
  • Garcia
2:51

Charts

Chart (2015)Peak
position
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) [15] 14
US Top Tastemaker Albums (Billboard) [16] 11
US Independent Albums (Billboard) [17] 11

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wu-Tang Clan</span> American rap group

Wu-Tang Clan is an American hip hop group formed in Staten Island, New York City, in 1992. Its original members include RZA, GZA, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, and Masta Killa. Close affiliate Cappadonna later became an official member. Wu-Tang Clan are regarded as a highly influential group in hip hop, helping to popularize and develop the East Coast hip hop and hardcore hip hop styles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Raekwon</span> American rapper

Corey Woods, better known by his stage name Raekwon The Chef, or simply Raekwon, is an American rapper. He rose to prominence as a founding member of the hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, which achieved mainstream success following the release of their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang , in 1993. Raekwon would subsequently pursue a solo career, releasing his first solo album, entitled Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..., in 1995. The album received critical acclaim, and is regarded by many critics as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, as well as a staple of 1990s rap.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ghostface Killah</span> American rapper

Dennis Coles, better known by his stage name Ghostface Killah, is an American rapper and a member of the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan. After the group achieved breakthrough success in the aftermath of Enter the Wu-Tang , the members went on to pursue solo careers to varying levels of success. Ghostface Killah debuted his solo career with Ironman, which was well received by music critics, in 1996. He has enjoyed continued success in the years that have followed, releasing critically acclaimed albums such as Supreme Clientele (2000) and Fishscale (2006). His stage name was taken from one of the characters in the 1979 kung fu film The Mystery of Chess Boxing. He is the founder of his own record label, Starks Enterprises.

Derrick Harris, better known by his stage name True Master, is an American hip-hop record producer and occasional rapper, known for his affiliation with the Wu-Tang Clan.

<i>Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II</i> 2009 studio album by Raekwon

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II is the fourth studio album by American hip hop recording artist and Wu-Tang Clan-member Raekwon, released September 8, 2009, on Ice H2O/EMI Records in the United States. The album experienced numerous delays to its release due to Raekwon's approach of continual re-writing, as well as distribution issues with his record labels. Serving as the sequel to his critically acclaimed debut album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... (1995), Pt. II maintains many of the themes covered on its predecessor, and features guest appearances from several Wu-Tang members, as well as Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss and Beanie Sigel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Can It Be All So Simple</span> 1994 single by Wu-Tang Clan

"Can It Be All So Simple" is the third and final single from Wu-Tang Clan's critically acclaimed debut album Enter the Wu-Tang . It features production from RZA that samples Gladys Knight & the Pips' cover of "The Way We Were". The song reached number nine on the Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, number twenty four on the Hot Rap Tracks chart and number eighty two on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.

<i>Wu-Massacre</i> 2010 studio album by Method Man, Ghostface Killah and Raekwon

Wu-Massacre is a collaboration studio album by American rappers and Wu-Tang Clan members Method Man, Ghostface Killah and Raekwon, released March 30, 2010 on Def Jam Recordings. Production for the album was handled by several hip hop producers, including RZA, Allah Mathematics, Scram Jones, Emile, Ty Fyffe, BT and Digem Tracks Productions.

<i>Wu Block</i> 2012 studio album by Ghostface Killah and Sheek Louch

Wu Block is a collaborative studio album by American rappers Ghostface Killah and Sheek Louch. Louch announced the album in 2011, in an interview. The album was released on November 27, 2012, by E1 Music. The album features guest appearances from Raekwon, Jadakiss, Cappadonna, Method Man, Styles P, Masta Killa, GZA, Erykah Badu and Inspectah Deck.

<i>The Psychic World of Walter Reed</i> 2013 studio album by Killah Priest

The Psychic World of Walter Reed is the tenth studio album by American rapper Killah Priest. It was released on February 25, 2013. The album features guest appearances from Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, George Clinton, Lord Fury, Raekwon and Alita Dupray. With production coming from Godz Wrath, Ayatollah, RZA, True Master, GZA and 4th Disciple.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wu-Tang Clan anthology</span>

The Wu-Tang Clan is a New York City–based hip-hop musical group, consisting of ten American rappers: RZA, GZA, Raekwon, U-God, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, Method Man, Masta Killa, Cappadonna, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. This list chronologically displays the albums of each group member including collaboration and side group albums. This list does not include compilation albums, mixtapes, or extended plays.

Adrian Younge is an American composer, arranger and music producer based in the Los Angeles area.

<i>A Better Tomorrow</i> (album) 2014 studio album by Wu-Tang Clan

A Better Tomorrow is the sixth studio album by American hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan. The album was released on December 2, 2014, by Warner Bros. Records. The album was supported by the singles "Keep Watch", "Ron O'Neal" and "Ruckus in B Minor". A Better Tomorrow received generally mixed reviews from music critics. The album debuted at number 29 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 24,386 copies in its first week of release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">RZA production discography</span>

The following list is a discography of production by American hip hop record producer and recording artist the RZA. It includes a list of songs produced, co-produced and remixed by year, artist, album and title.

<i>36 Seasons</i> 2014 studio album by Ghostface Killah

36 Seasons is the eleventh studio album by American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member, Ghostface Killah. It was released on December 9, 2014, by Tommy Boy Records.

<i>Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...</i> 1995 studio album by Raekwon

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... is the debut studio album by American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon, released on August 1, 1995, by Loud Records and RCA Records. The album was loosely composed to play like a film with Raekwon as the "star", fellow Wu-Tang member Ghostface Killah as the "guest-star", and producer RZA as the "director", It features appearances from every member of the Wu-Tang Clan. The album also features debut appearances from affiliates Cappadonna and Blue Raspberry, and an acclaimed guest appearance from rapper Nas, which marked the first collaboration with a non-affiliated artist on a Wu-Tang related album.

<i>Ironman</i> (Ghostface Killah album) 1996 studio album by Ghostface Killah

Ironman is the debut solo album by American rapper Ghostface Killah, released on October 29, 1996, by Epic Records. It was produced by fellow Wu-Tang Clan member RZA. The album's music draws prominently on blaxploitation films and soul samples. More so than on other solo debuts from the group's members, Ironman contains references to the Nation of Gods and Earths.

<i>Supreme Clientele</i> 2000 studio album by Ghostface Killah

Supreme Clientele is the second studio album by American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah, released on February 8, 2000 by Epic Records. The album showcases Ghostface's signature up-tempo, stream-of-consciousness rhyme style, and features guest appearances from Cappadonna, GZA, Masta Killa, Method Man, Raekwon, Redman, RZA, U-God, and others. It features affiliates of what would become members of Theodore Unit and T.M.F. Supreme Clientele contains a large amount of production from group member RZA, who also re-worked and remixed beats from other producers involved, as a means to create a unified and cohesive sound for the album.

Soul Temple Records is an American record label founded in 2012 by hip hop recording artist RZA and Bob Perry after the release of the RZA directed The Man with the Iron Fists. The label's first release was that album's soundtrack. The label has since released studio albums by Wu-Tang Clan members Ghostface Killah and U-God. All albums released on the label are executive produced by RZA.

<i>Twelve Reasons to Die</i> 2013 studio album by Ghostface Killah

Twelve Reasons to Die is the tenth studio album by Wu-Tang Clan member and rapper Ghostface Killah. It is a concept album based on a comic book of the same name. The album was produced and composed by Adrian Younge. It was also executive produced and narrated by RZA. The album was released on April 16, 2013, by RZA's Soul Temple Records label and RED Distribution. It features guest appearances from Wu-Tang members Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa and Cappadonna along with William Hart and Killa Sin.

References

  1. Terry, Josh (2015-05-18). "Ghostface Killah announces Twelve Reasons to Die II, shares "Return of the Savage" — listen". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 2015-05-29.
  2. "iTunes - Music - Adrian Younge Presents: Twelve Reasons to Die II (Deluxe) [feat. RZA, Lyrics Born, Chino XL, Scarub, Bilal, Raekwon & Vince Staples] by Ghostface Killah & Adrian Younge". Itunes.apple.com. 1970-05-09. Retrieved 2015-05-29.
  3. 1 2 "Reviews for Adrian Younge Presents: Twelve Reasons to Die II by Ghostface Killah". Metacritic. 2015-07-10. Retrieved 2015-08-02.
  4. 1 2 David Jeffries (2015-07-10). "12 Reasons to Die II - Ghostface Killah,Adrian Younge | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 2015-08-02.
  5. 1 2 Kivel, Adam (2015-07-10). "Ghostface Killah & Adrian Younge – Twelve Reasons to Die II". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 2015-08-02.
  6. Mullin, Kyle (2015-07-09). "Ghostface Killah Adrian Younge Presents Twelve Reasons To Die II". Exclaim!. Retrieved 2015-08-02.
  7. Lanre Bakare. "Ghostface Killah: Adrian Younge presents Twelve Reasons To Die II review – hard-boiled hip-hop capers". The Guardian. Retrieved 2015-08-02.
  8. 1 2 Fairfax, Jesse (2015-07-22). "Ghostface Killah & Adrian Younge - Twelve Reasons To Die II". HipHopDX. Retrieved 2015-08-02.
  9. "NME Reviews - Ghostface Killah and Adrian Younge - 'Twelve Reasons To Die II'". Nme.Com. 2015-07-02. Retrieved 2015-08-02.
  10. 1 2 Kevin Ritchie. "Ghostface Killah & Adrian Younge". Now. Retrieved 2015-08-02.
  11. 1 2 "Ghostface Killah & Adrian Younge: Twelve Reasons to Die II". Pitchfork. 2015-07-07. Retrieved 2015-08-02.
  12. "Ghostface Killah and Adrian Younge: Twelve Reasons to Die II". PopMatters. Retrieved 2015-08-02.
  13. Joyce, Colin. "Review: Ghostface Killah, 'Twelve Reasons to Die II'". SPIN. Retrieved 2015-08-02.
  14. Twelve Reasons to Die II (booklet). Linear Labs. 2015.
  15. "Ghostface Killah Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 2, 2015.
  16. "Ghostface Killah Chart History (Top Tastemaker Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 2, 2015.
  17. "Ghostface Killah Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 2, 2015.