Ghostface Killah: Biography

• Overview
• Discography
• Biography
• Related Artists

• Videos
• Photos
• Groups/Boards
• Fan Sites

• LA the Darkman
• GP Wu
• Cappadonna
• All City
• Killah Priest
• Flipmode Squad
• Big Punisher

• Public Enemy
• Eric B. & Rakim
• Boogie Down Productions
• RZA
• Slick Rick
• EPMD
• KRS-One

• Cadence Weapon
• Blac Haze
• Killer Mike
• Killa Sha
• Young Jeezy

• Wu-Tang Clan
• GZA
• Gravediggaz
• Method Man
• RZA
• Raekwon
• Ol' Dirty Bastard

Birth Name:

Dennis Coles

Born:

May 9, 1970 in Staten Island, NY

Genres:

Rap & Hip-Hop Music, Gangsta and Hardcore Rap Music, East Coast Rap Music

Decades Active:

1990's|2000's

Artistic Quality

Medium

Cultural Impact

Low

Popularity

Low

Ratings Guide

As one of the original members of the seminal '90s rap crew the Wu-Tang Clan, Ghostface Killah (aka Tony Starks) made an impact before he released his debut album, Ironman, late in 1996. Like all members of the Wu-Tang Clan, the rapper used the group as a launching pad for a solo career, which was assisted greatly by other members of the Clan, particularly producer RZA. Ghostface Killah had rapped on Wu-Tang's 1993 debut, Enter the Wu-Tang, but he didn't distinguish himself until 1995, when he was showcased on fellow Wu member Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. Ghostface received good reviews for his appearance on the record, and his contribution to the soundtracks for Sunset Park and Don't Be a Menace to South Central While You're Drinking Your Juice in the Hood also were well-received. All of these guest appearances and soundtrack contributions set the stage for Ghostface Killah's solo debut, Ironman, in late 1996. Like all Wu-Tang projects, it was produced by RZA and was quite successful in the large hip-hop/rap underground, debuting at number two on the pop charts upon its release. Ironman was also the first album to be released on Razor Sharp Records, RZA's record label on Epic Records.

- Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide