Rise of a Killah

The story of the celebrated rapper and the iconic Wu-Tang Clan, told by one of its founding members

Dennis Coles--aka Ghostface Killah--is a co-founder of the Wu-Tang Clan, a legendary hip hop group who established themselves by breaking all the rules, taking their music to the streets during hip hop’s golden era on a decade-long wave of releasing anthem after classic anthem, and serving as the foundation of modern hip hop. An all-star cast who formed like Voltron to establish the pillars that serve as the foundation of modern hip hop and released seminal albums that have stood the test of time.

Rise of a Killah is Ghost’s autobiography, focusing on the people, places and events that mean the most to him as he enters his fourth decade writing and performing. It’s a beautiful and intense book, going back to the creative ferment that led to Ghost’s first handwritten rhymes. Dive into Ghost’s defining personal moments, his battles with his personal demons, his journey to Africa, his religious viewpoints, his childhood in Staten Island, and his commitment to his family (including his two brothers with muscular dystrophy), from the Clan’s early successes to the pinnacle of Ghost’s career touring and spreading his wings as a solo artist, fashion icon, and trendsetter.

Exclusive photos and memorabilia, as well as graphic art commissioned for this book, make Rise of a Killah both a memoir and a unique visual record, a ＂real feel＂ narrative of Ghost’s life as he sees it, a one of a kind holy grail for Wu-Tang and Ghost fans alike.

GHOSTFACE KILLAH is the stage name for DENNIS COLES, a founding member of the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan. Their numerous albums include their breakthrough debut Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) and Wu-Tang Forever. Ghost’s solo career has run parallel to his work with the Clan, and includes the albums Supreme Clientele and Fishscale. Coles took the name Ghostface Killah from a character in the 1979 kung fu film The Mystery of Chess Boxing. He lives in NYC.