Raekwon vs. Ghostface Killah

3.22.21

Ghostface Killah, Raekwon

This weekend was truly a celebration to see Raekwon and Ghostface Killah come together to kick off the next chapter of Verzuz. As previously mentioned, Verzuz has been acquired by Triller Networks, but thus far not much has changed. The two members of Wu Tang told plenty of great stories, and even brought some friends along with them. Let’s go round for round to see who won the friendly battle.

Round 1:  

G. Dep feat. Ghostface Killah, Keith Murray, Craig Mack and Diddy's "Special Delivery" Remix vs. OutKast feat. Raekwon's "Skew It on the Bar-B"

Each artist came to play opening up with massive group hits. We could not be more on par for what this celebration is all about. It is already clear that the vibes are so much more friendly and exciting than many in the past. This round goes to Raekown and OutKast.

WINNER: Raekwon

Round 2: Ghostface Killah feat. Superb, "Ghost Deini" vs Raekwon feat. Cappadonna & Raekwon's "10 Bricks"

Ghostface seemed to really be bringing the energy early in the rounds, where Raekwon was happy to be there, but kind of just wanted to keep going without breathing for air. I am going to give this round to Ghostface, for performance.

WINNER: Ghostface.

Round 3: GZA feat. Ghostface Killah, Killah Priest & RZA's "4th Chamber" vs. Raekwon feat. Inspectah Deck, Ghostface Killah and Method Man's "House of Flying Daggers" 

This round was one of many, where Raekwon performed a song in his catalog, that included Ghostface. Of course this would happen with the tight knit crew, but Ghostface’s catalog is already beaming in early rounds.

WINNER: Ghostface

Round 4: Ghostface Killah's "Mighty Healthy" vs. Raekwon's "Incarcerated Scarfaces"

Mighty Healthy just did so much for hip-hop to me. The beat, the flow, the chorus is all something that has been sampled plenty of times that is well recognizable for a multitude of generations. Ghostface takes this one as well.

WINNER: Ghostface

Round 5: Ghostface Killah feat. Raekwon & U-God's "Black Jesus" vs. Raekwon's "Live from New York"

I do really like Live From New York. It is the kind of track that I am enjoying playing with the windows rolled down when spring is near (perfect timing). However, I am giving it to Ghostface for the energy and the killer collaboration.

WINNER: Ghostface

Round 6: Ghostface Killah feat. Raekwon "Watch Em Holla" vs. Wu-Tang Clan's "It's Yourz" 

You can clearly tell where I am at with this one. It’s Yourz is a group effort, the world would probably give this round to Raekwon in celebration of the Wu Tang Clan. I just love Ghostface, his energy, and the different sounds he brings to hip-hop. They are still both winners here, just in my opinion, I’m rocking with Ghost.

WINNER: Ghostface

Round 7: Wu-Tang Clan feat. Tekitha's "Impossible" vs. Raekwon's "100 Rounds" 

Ghostface went with the Wu Tang track here. I swear I am not hating, these are tough. The whole night was such a celebration, I was on my feet all night. 100 Rounds is just such a dope track bringing me back to the good ‘ol days of hip-hop.

WINNER: Raekwon

Round 8: Ghostface Killah feat. U-God and Madam Majestic's "Cherchez LaGhost" vs. Raekwon's "Ice Cream" 

You can have anything in this world except CREAM. Ghostface and Raekwon performing this track together was bound to get everyone excited. One of my favorite moments of the night if I’m being honest, this one has to go to Raekwon.

WINNER: Raekwon

Round 9: Kanye West feat. Kanye West, Pusha T & Ghostface Killah's "New God Flow" vs. Raekwon's "State of Grace"

Maybe you did not know about Mighty Healthy, but you know this Pusha T and Kanye West song. This was such an amazing move from Ghostface. I love these guys together and what they did with the track. The State of Grace remix with Busta is fantastic, but I feel like Ghostface has a classic on his hands here with this one.

WINNER: Ghostface

Round 10: Ghostface Killah feat. RZA, "Nutmeg" vs. Raekwon feat. Ghostface Killah's "Criminology"

Similarly again here, I think Ghostface has a masterpiece on his hands. The pure influence on Kanye and others that stem from this music, is so clear and present. Sorry, but I’m sticking with Ghostface

WINNER: Ghostface

Round 11: Wu-Tang Clan's "C.R.E.A.M." vs. Ghostface Killah's "Holla"

If there is one song that has no competition in any Verzuz, it has got to be C.R.E.A.M

WINNER: Raekwon

Round 12: Raekwon feat. Ghostface Killah's "Rainy Dayz" (Remix) vs. Ghostface Killah feat. Raekwon's "Daytona 500"   

Daytona 500 has got to be one of my favorite beats from the day. From cruising down the freeway, free styling with your friends, it just has those positive, yet affirmative, get it done vibes.

WINNER: Ghostface

Round 13: Raekwon feat. Masta Killah and Ghostface Killah's "Glaciers of Ice" vs. Ghostface Killah feat. Jadakiss' "Run"

There are just so many hits here, this is another one that would have been nearly impossible to beat. On top of the Wu Tang Clan, The Lox got their flowers tonight. This track with Ghostface and Jadakiss was on of the best of the nights.

WINNER: Ghostface

Round 14: Fat Joe feat. Nas, Big Punisher, Jadakiss & Raekwon's "John Blaze" vs. Ghostface Killah's "Its Over"

Oooohhh if this is not one of the hottest mega collaborations of all time. I need more of this in my life.

WINNER: Raekwon

Round 15:  Raekwon's "Yae Yo" vs. Ghostface Killah's "One"

Pretty Tony starts to come through in the late rounds. He can rap and he can sing. This is what I love about him.

Winner: Ghostface

Round 16: Raekwon feat. Nas' "Rich and Black" vs. Ghostface Killah feat. Ne-Yo's "Back Like That"

Literally one of my favorite songs of all time. Not just this battle. Literally ever. Let’s go.

Winner: Ghostface

Round 17: Raekwon feat. Nas & Ghostface Killah's "Verbal Intercourse" vs. Ghostface Killah feat. Raekwon & Carl Thomas' "Never be the Same Again"

I love the late round picks. Raekwon, Ghostface and Nas is incredible. Everyone shouts out Nas, who recently says he would not participate in the Verzuz battle, but loves to watch them and celebrate. Though I’d love to see him up there, I think it’s fair, and I’ll give him this round for that.

WINNER: Raekwon

Round 18: Wu-Tang Clan's "Cash Still Rules"/"Scary Hours" vs Beyoncé feat. Ghostface Killah's "Summertime"

Cash does still rule, and so does Beyoncè.

WINNER: Raekwon

Round 19: Jodeci feat. Raekwon & Ghostface Killah's "Freek'n You" Remix vs. Teyana Taylor feat. Ghostface Killah's "Gonna Love Me" (Remix)

Ohhh this one was too close. I am obsessed with Teyana Taylor and all that she does, but Freek’n You just takes it home.

WINNER: Raekwon

Round 20: Wu-Tang Clan's "Can It Be All So Simple" vs. Ghostface Killah feat. Mary J. Blige's "All I Got Is You"

Leave it to the last one to be one of the toughest ones. Ghostface and Mary is everything, but Can It Be All So Simple takes the win every time.

WINNER: Raekwon

OVERALL: Ghostface 11, Raekwon 9

WINNER: Ghostface

What a celebration and memorable night it was. Verzuz already has a few more dates lined up for their next Verzuz matchups, and even some names confirmed.

Easter Sunday will include The Isley Brothers vs. Earth, Wind & Fire, Redman and Method Man will meet up on 4/20. There appears to be a Mother’s Day Special, a Rematch, and a Ladies Night ready to go, but the Verzuz team is currently hiding from us who those spots could be. Who do you want to see battle? And possibly, rematch?