By the time hip-hop had ambled its way into 1996, one fact was undeniable: the Wu-Tang Clan was not only here to stay, but – amazingly – still gaining steam with each new solo release. This can also be said artistically as well as commercially, since Ghostface Killah’s debut entered at #2 on the Billboard charts in late October, and was gold within four months. Rarely has a producer in any musical genre been more on-fire than RZA during this era, and with his wide-ranging work on Ironman he refused to let-up on quality, even as he was clearly being stretched with an otherworldly workload.

Noted hip-hop scribe Chris Faraone sets the stage for Ironman‘s landing in the set’s liner notes: “With vigorous [Wu-Tang solo release] precedents before him, Ghostface set an even higher standard for himself, venturing deep through sound and space continuums that his comrades had already trampled, but also finding new frontiers to pillage. With not just Rae but also Park Hill vet and sleeper ace Cappadonna along for the ride, the MC known as Tony Starks barreled through love songs, posse cuts, verbal battlegrounds, and even soft ballads that show a softer side of the previously guarded Wu. As a result, Ghost earned a well-deserved rep as the group’s most versatile stylist, and as a rare rap artist who’s not afraid to appear vulnerable or pull heartstrings.”

Re-mastered and given the loving deluxe reissue touch for which Get on Down is now renowned, it’s time to give Ironman another look and listen, celebrate it and put it up on your trophy shelf where it belongs. Order it here.