Ghostface Killah

"Fishscale"  (Def Jam)

He's not the most renowned member of the Wu-Tang Clan — that distinction would go to the RZA, Ol' Dirty Bastard or Method Man, depending on your perspective — but Ghostface Killah has easily been the most consistent.

Starting with "Ironman," his first solo album in 1996, the Staten Island, N.Y., rapper's catalog has been bulletproof, marked by his high-pitched voice, distinctive phrasing, creative stories, unorthodox humor and powerful, soulful beats.

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The winning streak continues on his latest opus (in stores Tuesday), an opulent adventure through treacherous ghetto streets populated with conniving women, ruthless drug kingpins and a loving mother who wasn't afraid to discipline young Ghostface with a sizable belt.

Slang for cocaine of the highest quality, "Fishscale" features a few songs discussing that theme. "Kilo," featuring fellow Wu-Tang member Raekwon, is a gritty, bluesy homage to drug dealers and their world, while the spicy single "Back Like That" is Ghostface's blistering, ear-grabbing retort to a girlfriend who two-timed on him with a street rival.

An enviable cast of producers, including Just Blaze, Metal Fingerz DOOM, J Dilla and Pete Rock, help serve up what will certainly stand as one of the best rap albums of the year. Ghostface Killah performs at the House of Blues in West Hollywood on Monday and the House of Blues Anaheim on Tuesday.

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Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent). The albums are already released unless otherwise noted.