A Tangy Collection From Ghostface Killah

Even though non-Wu-Tang Clan members Redman and Cappadonna appear with Ghostface and Method Man on “Buck 50,” the Wu-Tang magic returns on this song, with each rapper’s distinct delivery and clever wordplay evoking memories of the best work from the nine-member Staten Island group. There are plenty of other highlights throughout Ghostface’s second album (due in stores Tuesday), which will probably be the most popular solo collection from a Wu-Tang member since his first, 1996’s “Ironman.”

That’s because Ghostface remains true to his nonsensical, not-necessarily-rhyming, stream-of-consciousness rapping style, and because the production from the RZA and others contains the frantic, soulful components that helped establish the Clan as rap’s most powerful group of the mid-’90s. Despite Ghostface’s nonlinear rap style, he delivers a steady stream of intriguing stories. He also sounds focused and hungry throughout the album--qualities missing from many recent Wu-Tang projects.

Strong moments notwithstanding, the 21-cut album is dragged down slightly by a string of unnecessary interludes.

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