The DL: A Very Special Ghostface Holiday

Looking for the perfect gift for that special someone who already has everything this holiday season? Look no further than the Ghostface Killah doll. We s--- you not. Clad in a robe and adorned with real gold accessories, the Ghostface doll spits words of wisdom and will completely pwn your GI Joe collection. And, of course, it's a welcome addition to any nativity scene lacking Wu-tude.





Ghostface Killah Lights Up 16 Bars in Our Studio

Staten Island, N.Y., icon Ghostface Killah dropped by our studio to spit a venomous semi-freestyle. Armed with even more rhymes than aliases, the Wu-banger told Spinner, "Freestyling is important to me because it exercises your darts ... exercises your mind. It gets you ready. And it's always good to exercise." In the interview, Ghostface, aka Tony Starks, hit on topics such as friction within the Wu-Tang Clan over the handling of the late Ol' Dirty Bastard.

Get the exclusive freestyle and interview at the BoomBox.

Ghostface Killah Samples '8 Diagrams' - Video Exclusive

Iron Man -- aka Ghostface Killah -- and the mighty Wu-Tang Clan return with their first album as a unit since 2001, and the first since the death of Ol' Dirty Bastard, titled '8 Diagrams,' due December 11. In preparation for the Shaolin octet's release, various members of the Clan filmed unique webisodes highlighting their verses. With as many aliases as clever rhymes, Ghostface Killah kicks his segment off with Staten Island-influenced samples, some magic and a instant classic Ghost line: "We gonna have a ball, might as well pick a testicle." Have an exclusive look at Ghostface's webisode, and keep reading for the album's tracklisting and artwork.

Ghostface Killah Treats Ghouls and Gansters in Vegas

Wu-Tang Clan's Ghostface Killah got things started on the second and final day of Vegoose with an odd set that confused many in the audience while also entertaining them. His backing band, the Rhythm Roots All-Stars, warmed things up for 20 minutes with an energetic set of world-beat and Latin-infused ass-shaking originals before Killah and his MC crew took to the stage to rap mostly about "pretty b-----s" and other indulgences. Killah displayed his shady side from the get-go, decked out in a thick purple hoodie and baggie jeans, effectively giving a great big middle finger to the oppressive midday desert heat. It was unbearably hot just watching him sweat it out.

This was Vegoose, a Halloween-themed festival with a giant evil pumpkin in the middle of the concert ground, so while Ghostface Killah dressed in ghetto gear, many in the crowd were dressed in ghostface, as killers, vampires, ghouls or gangsters. With little irony, Killah led the audience in a genuine shout-out for his fallen friend and Wu-Tang Clan mate, Ol' Dirty Bastard. Following a chant of "O.D.B.," Killah shouted, "R.I.P.!" It was perhaps just a little bit creepy but the nod to the dearly departed was entirely befitting of the Halloween vibe. We didn't see or hear of anybody dressing up like Ol' Dirty Bastard, per se, but we did run into a few that fit the description quite convincingly. And at least one of them was onstage.

Lollapalooza Free MP3 Fest: No. 2

Amy Winehouse

Who: The British neo-soul chanteuse meshes modern urban with classic soul and girl-group sounds.

Fun Fact:
The 'You Know I'm No Good' remix features verses by Ghostface Killah.

Sounds Like:
Lauryn Hill fronting the Supremes on a bender.

Download:
'You Know I'm No Good' feat. Ghostface Killah (MP3)

The Chum Bucket: Ghostface Speaks, Spice Reunion, Britney's Bird + More

Ghostface dishes on the upcoming Wu-Tang album. [SOHH]

The Zune tattoo guy gets the superstar treatment from Microsoft. [Stereogum]

Scary Spice confirms that Eddie Murphy is indeed her baby daddy. [Dlisted]

Speaking of Spice, the Spice Girls reunion is a go. As long as none of them get knocked up. [Just Jared]

Britney Spears celebrates summer by buying a parakeet. [Pink Is the New Blog]

The Cure prepare to tour North America in advance of their 13th studio album. [Pitchfork]

Fergie performs a free concert in a New Jersey mall. [IDLYITW]

Coachella 2007 Picks

The full-on freakout over the 2007 Coachella official lineup has begun. We've picked our must-see bands from the completely overwhelming roster.

Spinella: Justice, Amy Winehouse, Bjork, !!!, Lily Allen, Ghostface Killah

Melissa: Obvious no-brainers aside (Jesus and Mary Chain, Happy Mondays, Arcade Fire), I'm going with CSS, Rodrigo y Gabriela and Silversun Pickups.

Tickets go on sale on January 27.