Twelve Reasons to Die
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Twelve Reasons to Die Image
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 39 Ratings

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  • Artist(s): Adrian Younge, Venice Dawn
  • Summary: Produced by Adrian Younge, the concept album from the Wu-Tang rapper Ghostface Killah is about a drug lord in 1960s Italy.
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Twelve Reasons to Die
(RZA) Unable to become immortalized in life Ghostface became immortalized in death Creating a mayhem so vast That the tell of his rampage will be... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. The A.V. Club
    Apr 16, 2013
    91
    In an era where it increasingly seems like rap albums are being rendered obsolete by mixtapes, this tightly focused, wildly entertaining collaboration between two master craftsmen is a testament to how powerful the form can still be.
  2. DJ Booth
    Apr 17, 2013
    90
    At a time when many of his rap peers are even more desperately changing their sound to stay relevant, Ghostface Killah is cementing his relevancy by diving even deeper into what always made him such a unique artist.
  3. Slant Magazine
    May 15, 2013
    80
    The most arresting of Twelve Reasons to Die's many pleasures is how out of time the album feels: Its pointed narrative distance from straight-faced gangster rap is very 2013, but the simple virtuosity of the small moments smacks of eras in both rap and soul that passed long before Ghost ever stepped to a mic.
  4. Beats Per Minute
    Apr 18, 2013
    79
    As a pure entertainment piece, Twelve Reasons To Die appeals directly to the brain’s pleasure center.
  5. Pitchfork
    Apr 18, 2013
    74
    Twelve Reasons is generous comfort food for Ghost's fanbase, a group slowly being whittled away by time and creeping indifference.
  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    Apr 29, 2013
    70
    Ghostface calls upon most of the remaining Clan members, switches the formula occasionally and hey presto, yet another minor Wu-Tang classic 20 years on from their debut.
  7. Dusted Magazine
    May 23, 2013
    50
    12 Reasons doesn’t find Coles in poor form, but he’s nowhere near his Fishscale peak, in terms of lyrical depth or the intensity of his delivery.

See all 27 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. BIGMAN22
    Apr 17, 2016
    10
    joining up with Adrian young, ghostface and him craft an amazing story with incredible lyricism and production, each track going into precisejoining up with Adrian young, ghostface and him craft an amazing story with incredible lyricism and production, each track going into precise detail about how the story unfolds. ghostface once again gives us another solid album. classic.… Expand
  2. Urbanlistener
    Apr 24, 2015
    9
    Distinguishing itself from the other rap albums of 2013 by a well-crafted underground hip-hop sound coming from Younge's extra sharpDistinguishing itself from the other rap albums of 2013 by a well-crafted underground hip-hop sound coming from Younge's extra sharp production and Ghostface's dope presence on the mic, Twelve reasons to die is an easy contender for the place of Ghostface's best work.… Expand
  4. Rustune
    Apr 29, 2013
    9
    Ghostface loves to play out on his concepts and now has Adrian Young helping him to create his works. This story involves many characters andGhostface loves to play out on his concepts and now has Adrian Young helping him to create his works. This story involves many characters and ideas which Ghostface incorporates flawlessly. One word of advice for this record is to listen to it from beginning to end. Take in the story and understand his concept.… Expand
  5. Spangle
    Apr 23, 2013
    8
    Typical Ghostface album here that tells a good story, the lyrics are good, and everything production wise is good. Certainly one of the betterTypical Ghostface album here that tells a good story, the lyrics are good, and everything production wise is good. Certainly one of the better releases in hip-hop this year, glad to see him still going strong.… Expand
  6. Woodsy
    Apr 24, 2013
    8
    Ghostface stays focused and it feels like Adrian Young is the reason with his tight instrumentals and production ability. It's really a greatGhostface stays focused and it feels like Adrian Young is the reason with his tight instrumentals and production ability. It's really a great match and I hope to see more of this collaboration in the future.… Expand
  7. rydermusic
    Apr 26, 2013
    8
    The album is amazing from every point of view. Ghostface Killah and his lyrics accompanied by the great production of RZA doesn't disappointThe album is amazing from every point of view. Ghostface Killah and his lyrics accompanied by the great production of RZA doesn't disappoint even after 20 years of career. Twelve Reasons to Die is a music that you never get tired of listening.… Expand
  8. Sports_dude
    Jul 22, 2015
    8
    Ghost never fails to disappoint. Easily one of the most consistent rappers of all time. Although I think the original album was better, thisGhost never fails to disappoint. Easily one of the most consistent rappers of all time. Although I think the original album was better, this one was definitely better than Sour Soul and 36 Seasons. Great work yet again, Mr. Starks!… Expand

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