Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (soundtrack)
Encyclopedia
The soundtrack
of the 1999
Jim Jarmusch
film Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai
features an original score
by RZA
and also features hip-hop
songs by such artists as Wu-Tang Clan
, Killah Priest
, and Public Enemy. Two soundtrack albums were released, one internationally and another in Japan
, each with different song mixes, some of which do not appear in the film. There are many songs, however, that can be heard in the film that appear on neither soundtrack album.
by Tsunetomo Yamamoto (translated into English by William Scott Wilson
) as read by Forrest Whitaker in the voice of the title character. However, the focus of this album is on the songs, not the instrumental score of the movie.
and RZA
that are not in the movie.
Soundtrack
A soundtrack can be recorded music accompanying and synchronized to the images of a motion picture, book, television program or video game; a commercially released soundtrack album of music as featured in the soundtrack of a film or TV show; or the physical area of a film that contains the...
of the 1999
1999 in film
The year 1999 in film involved several noteworthy events and has been called "The Year That Changed Movies". Several significant feature films, including Stanley Kubrick's final film Eyes Wide Shut, Pedro Almodóvar's first Oscar-winning film All About My Mother, science fiction The Matrix, Deep...
Jim Jarmusch
Jim Jarmusch
James R. "Jim" Jarmusch is an American independent film director, screenwriter, actor, producer, editor and composer. Jarmusch has been a major proponent of independent cinema, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s.-Early life:...
film Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai
Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai
Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai is a 1999 American crime action film written and directed by Jim Jarmusch. Forest Whitaker stars as the title character, the mysterious "Ghost Dog", a hitman in the employ of the Mafia, who follows the ancient code of the samurai as outlined in the book of Yamamoto...
features an original score
Film score
A film score is original music written specifically to accompany a film, forming part of the film's soundtrack, which also usually includes dialogue and sound effects...
by RZA
RZA
Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, better known by his stage name RZA , is an American Grammy-winning music producer, multi-instrumentalist, author, emcee, and occasional actor, director, and screenwriter. A prominent figure in Hip Hop, RZA is the de facto leader of the Wu-Tang Clan. He has produced almost...
and also features hip-hop
Hip hop
Hip hop is a form of musical expression and artistic culture that originated in African-American and Latino communities during the 1970s in New York City, specifically the Bronx. DJ Afrika Bambaataa outlined the four pillars of hip hop culture: MCing, DJing, breaking and graffiti writing...
songs by such artists as Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
The Wu-Tang Clan is a hip-hop group from Staten Island that consists of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. They are frequently joined by fellow childhood friend Cappadonna, a quasi member of the group...
, Killah Priest
Killah Priest
Walter Reed, better known as Killah Priest, Iron Sheik from the Middle East, or Masada, is an American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan affiliate who was raised in Bedford-Stuyvesant & Brownsville neighbourhoods in Brooklyn. He is known for intensely spiritual lyrics loaded with metaphors and religious...
, and Public Enemy. Two soundtrack albums were released, one internationally and another in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, each with different song mixes, some of which do not appear in the film. There are many songs, however, that can be heard in the film that appear on neither soundtrack album.
Song soundtrack release
The song soundtrack features music from the film as well as quotations from Hagakure: the Book of the SamuraiHagakure
Hagakure , or is a practical and spiritual guide for a warrior, drawn from a collection of commentaries by the samurai Yamamoto Tsunetomo, former retainer to Nabeshima Mitsushige, the third ruler of what is now the Saga prefecture in Japan...
by Tsunetomo Yamamoto (translated into English by William Scott Wilson
William Scott Wilson
William Scott Wilson is known for translating several works of Japanese literature, mostly those relating to the martial tradition of that country. He is recognized by as "today’s foremost translator of classic Samurai texts." Mr. Wilson is also described as the world's foremost expert on the...
) as read by Forrest Whitaker in the voice of the title character. However, the focus of this album is on the songs, not the instrumental score of the movie.
- "Samurai Code Quotation" – Forest WhitakerForest WhitakerForest Steven Whitaker is an American actor, producer, and director. He has earned a reputation for intensive character study work for films such as Bird and Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, and for his recurring role as ex-LAPD Lieutenant Jon Kavanaugh on the gritty, award-winning television...
- "Strange Eyes" – Sunz of ManSunz of ManSunz of Man is a Wu-Tang Clan affiliated group that currently consists of Prodigal Sunn, Hell Razah, 60 Second Assassin, Shabazz the Disciple and Killah Priest. The group's first incarnation also included 7th Ambassador and Supreme...
/12 O'Clock12 o'clock12 o'clock usually refers to a clock position on the 12-hour clock, either noon - 12 o'clock in the daytime - or midnight - 12 o'clock in the nighttime.It may also be:* A Wu-Tang Clan affiliate, 12 O'Clock.* A community in Quinte West-See also:...
/Blue RaspberryBlue Raspberry (singer)Blue Raspberry is a singer affiliated with the Wu-Tang Clan. Her stage name was given to her by Killah Priest, who said she reminded him of a blue raspberry.-Biography:... - "4 Sho Sho" – Northstar/RZARZARobert Fitzgerald Diggs, better known by his stage name RZA , is an American Grammy-winning music producer, multi-instrumentalist, author, emcee, and occasional actor, director, and screenwriter. A prominent figure in Hip Hop, RZA is the de facto leader of the Wu-Tang Clan. He has produced almost...
/Blue RaspberryBlue Raspberry (singer)Blue Raspberry is a singer affiliated with the Wu-Tang Clan. Her stage name was given to her by Killah Priest, who said she reminded him of a blue raspberry.-Biography:... - "Zip Code" – Black Knights
- "Samurai Code Quotation" – Forest Whitaker
- "Cakes" – Kool G RapKool G RapNathaniel Thomas Wilson , better known by his stage names Kool G Rap , Kool G. Rap, and Giancana , is an American rapper, from the Corona neighborhood of Queens, New York. He began his career in the mid-1980s as one half of the group Kool G Rap & DJ Polo and as a member of the Juice Crew...
- "Samurai Code Quotation" – Forest Whitaker
- "Don't Test/Wu Stallion" – Suga Bang Bang
- "Walking Through the Darkness" – TekithaTekithaTekitha is a female vocalist who appeared to take the role of Wu-Tang Clan in-house singer for the album Wu-Tang Forever, on which she also performed a solo track titled "Second Coming". She also filled in for the unavailable Mary J...
- "The Man" – Masta KillaMasta KillaJamel Arief , better known as Masta Killa, is an American rapper and member of the Wu-Tang Clan...
/Superb - "Samurai Code Quotation" – Forest Whitaker
- "Walk The Dogs" – Royal FamRoyal FamRoyal Fam is a Hardcore hip hop musical group affiliated with Wu-Tang Clan.Yesterday, Today, Iz Tomorrow was released in 2000 without the group's knowledge or permission. Years Months Dayz was self-released by the group...
/La the DarkmanLa the DarkmanAs a teenager in New York City, the Crown Heights, Brooklyn-bred emcee born Lason Jackson negotiated his first deal just as he was finishing high school... - "Stay With Me" – Melodie/12 O'Clock
- "East New York Stamp" – Jeru the DamajaJeru the DamajaKendrick Jeru Davis, known as Jeru the Damaja is an American rapper and recording artist who has worked extensively with Guru and DJ Premier of Gang Starr, whom he has known since high school.-Biography:...
and Afu-RaAfu-RaAaron Phillip better known by his stage names, Afu-Ra & Afu is a New York-based American underground rapper. Afu, born Aaron Phillip, is a devout student of the Martial arts, as well as Chess... - "Samurai Code Quotation" – Forest Whitaker
- "Fast Shadow" – Wu-Tang Clan
- "Samurai Code Quotation" – Forest Whitaker
- "Samurai Showdown" – RZA
- "Samurai Code Final Quotation" – Forest Whitaker
- "Flying Birds (hidden bonus instrumental)" – RZA (only on vinyl version)
- "Ninja Step (hidden bonus instrumental)" – RZA (only on vinyl version)
Score release
The score release, only available in Japan, focuses on the original instrumental score of the movie, featuring tracks that are not on the US release. It also includes cuts by Wu-Tang ClanWu-Tang Clan
The Wu-Tang Clan is a hip-hop group from Staten Island that consists of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. They are frequently joined by fellow childhood friend Cappadonna, a quasi member of the group...
and RZA
RZA
Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, better known by his stage name RZA , is an American Grammy-winning music producer, multi-instrumentalist, author, emcee, and occasional actor, director, and screenwriter. A prominent figure in Hip Hop, RZA is the de facto leader of the Wu-Tang Clan. He has produced almost...
that are not in the movie.
- "Ghost Dog Theme" (with Dogs and EFX)
- "Opening Theme" ("Raise Your Sword") [Instrumental]
- "Flying Birds"
- "Samurai Theme"
- "Gangsters Theme"
- "Dead Birds"
- "Fast Shadow [Version 1] – featuring Wu-Tang Clan
- "RZA #7"
- "Funky Theme"
- "RZA's Theme"
- "Samurai Showdown" ("Raise Your Sword") – featuring RZA
- "Ghost Dog Theme"
- "Fast Shadow" (version 2) – featuring Wu-Tang Clan
- "Untitled #8" – Not used in the film
- "Untitled #12" (Free Jazz) – Not used in the film
- "Wu-World Order" [Version 1] – featuring Wu-Tang Clan (not used in the film).
Other songs in the film
A number of songs appear in the film but are on neither soundtrack album release. They include the following:- "Ice Cream" – written by R. DiggsRZARobert Fitzgerald Diggs, better known by his stage name RZA , is an American Grammy-winning music producer, multi-instrumentalist, author, emcee, and occasional actor, director, and screenwriter. A prominent figure in Hip Hop, RZA is the de facto leader of the Wu-Tang Clan. He has produced almost...
and C. WoodsRaekwonCorey Woods , better known by the stage name Raekwon, is an American rapper and a member of the Wu-Tang Clan. He released his solo debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... in 1995, and has since recorded four solo albums, as well as work with Wu-Tang and an extensive amount of guest contributions with...
, arranged by RZARZARobert Fitzgerald Diggs, better known by his stage name RZA , is an American Grammy-winning music producer, multi-instrumentalist, author, emcee, and occasional actor, director, and screenwriter. A prominent figure in Hip Hop, RZA is the de facto leader of the Wu-Tang Clan. He has produced almost...
; performed by RaekwonRaekwonCorey Woods , better known by the stage name Raekwon, is an American rapper and a member of the Wu-Tang Clan. He released his solo debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... in 1995, and has since recorded four solo albums, as well as work with Wu-Tang and an extensive amount of guest contributions with...
featuring Ghostface KillahGhostface KillahDennis Coles , better known by his stage name Ghostface Killah, is an American rapper and prominent member of the Wu-Tang Clan. After the group achieved breakthrough success in the aftermath of Enter the Wu-Tang , the members went on to pursue solo careers to varying levels of success...
and CappadonnaCappadonnaDarryl Hill best known by his stage name Cappadonna, is an American rapper and oftentimes member of the Wu-Tang Clan. He is also a member of rap duo Wu South, along with Ratchet Rush.-Biography:...
. - "From Then Till Now" – written by Walter ReedKillah PriestWalter Reed, better known as Killah Priest, Iron Sheik from the Middle East, or Masada, is an American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan affiliate who was raised in Bedford-Stuyvesant & Brownsville neighbourhoods in Brooklyn. He is known for intensely spiritual lyrics loaded with metaphors and religious...
, Ernest Aye, D. Black, J. Barry and W. Warwick; performed by Killah PriestKillah PriestWalter Reed, better known as Killah Priest, Iron Sheik from the Middle East, or Masada, is an American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan affiliate who was raised in Bedford-Stuyvesant & Brownsville neighbourhoods in Brooklyn. He is known for intensely spiritual lyrics loaded with metaphors and religious... - "Armagideon Time" – written by Willi WilliamsWilli WilliamsWilli Williams is a Jamaican reggae and dub musician and producer. He is known as the "Armagideon Man" after his hit, "Armagideon Time", first recorded in 1978 at Studio One in Kingston. The song was covered by The Clash as the flipside of their "London Calling" single.-Biography:Williams was born...
and Clement Dodd; performed by Willi Williams - "Nuba One" – written by Andrew CyrilleAndrew CyrilleAndrew Charles Cyrille is an avant-garde jazz drummer.Cyrille was born in Brooklyn, New York into a family with a mother from Haiti. He began studying science at St...
and Jeanne LeeJeanne LeeJeanne Lee was an American jazz singer, poet and composer. Best known for a wide range of vocal styles she mastered, Lee collaborated with numerous distinguished composers and performers which included Gunter Hampel, Ran Blake, Carla Bley, Anthony Braxton, Marion Brown, and many...
; performed by Andrew Cyrille and Jimmy LyonsJimmy LyonsJimmy Lyons was an alto saxophone player. He is best known for his long tenure in the Cecil Taylor Unit.-Biography:... - "Cold Lampin' with Flavor" – written by Flavor FlavFlavor FlavWilliam Jonathan Drayton, Jr. , better known by his stage name Flavor Flav, is an American rapper and television personality who rose to prominence as a member of the rap group Public Enemy...
, Hank Shocklee and Eric Sandler; performed by Public Enemy - "Dangerous Fun" – written and performed by William Loose
- "Fire House Rock" - performed by Wailing Souls