The Evolution Of Ghostface Killah
The highlights of Pretty Toney's career, as he turns 44.
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The Legend Of Tony Starks - Ghostface Killah has been throwing lyrical darts for more than 20 years now and has claimed his spot as one of hip hop's dopest lyricists. Whether riding solo or as part of the Wu-Tang collective, Pretty Toney not only brings flash and style to the game but also always leaves jewels.Today (May 9), Big Ghost, aka Dennis Coles, turns 44. Read on as BET.com takes a look at some of the chambers he's unearthed with his impressive career. ―Michael Harris (@IceBlueVA)(Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
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Enter The 36 Chambers - Wu-Tang exploded onto the scene on Nov. 9, 1993, with the release of their classic debut Enter The Wu-Tang Clan (36 Chambers). Ghostface and his nine-member crew went on to move over a million copies of their album, with Ghost spitting heavily on tracks like "Can It Be All So Simple" and "Protect Ya Neck."At the time of the album's release, Ghostface was wanted by the police for prior warrants and used to wear a mask to remain anonymous. (Photo: Bob Berg/Getty Images)
Photo By Bob Berg/Getty Images
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Twin Towers - Raekwon and Ghostface struck gold on Enter The Wu-Tang Clan (36 Chambers) and their chemistry couldn't be denied. So, when Rae released his classic debut Only Built 4 Cuban Linx on Aug. 1, 1995, The Chef pulled Ghost to guest star on 15 of the album's 18 cuts. The platinum-selling release marked the duo as one of the best two-man rhyme squads ever, and they continue to rhyme together on their respective solo releases.(Photo: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
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Introduction Of Ironman - Following the success of Wu-Tang's debut and Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, Ghostface signed a solo deal with Epic Records and debuted Ironman on Oct. 29, 1996.The album, another platinum plaque for Tony Starks, heavily featured Wu-Tang members Raekwon and Cappadonna and was pushed by the singles "All That I Got Is You" with Mary J. Blige and "Daytona 500."(Photo: Razor Sharp/Epic Street/Sony Music)
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Lights, Camera, Def Jam - Ghost quickly became such a household face that he's tackled the small screen with appearances on episodes of 30 Rock with Tracy Morgan and has lent his unmistakable voice to episodes of The Boondocks. Big Ghost has also solidified himself in the video game world. His character and image have been used in the games Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style (1999), Def Jam Vendetta (2003), Def Jam: Fight For NY (2004) and Def Jam: Icon (2007). (Photo: Matthew Peyton/Getty Images for Microsoft)
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Ghostface Gets Played - Back in 2007, Ghostface had his action figure doll on the market. With a hefty $500 price tag and scaled to a "T," Ghost's doll was so accurate, it came equipped with an eagle bracelet and a plate-sized medallion.Only 1,000 collectors' dolls were made, and they even spoke a few of Ghost's signature phrases like, "This rap is like ziti."(Photo: Fergus McDonald/Getty Images)
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Relationship Expert - Far too many rappers can be accused of not rapping their age, but Ghost has always stood out for his grown-man hip hop. His eighth album, for example, Ghostdini: Wizard of Poetry in Emerald City (released in 2009), is a concept album inspired by R&B on which Ghost lyrically explores all aspects of grown-up love — from makeups to breakups, and even dealing with the kids.This could have even been the soundtrack to Couples Therapy.(Photo: Def Jam Recordings)
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When In Rome - Ghostface Killah diversified his acting portfolio in the 2010 romantic comedy When In Rome. Pretty Toney played a DJ in the film, which starred Kristen Bell and Danny DeVito and also featured Shaquille O'Neal.(Photo: Matt Kent/Redferns via Getty Images)
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Wu Block Era - In November 2012, Ghostface and Sheek Louch unleashed their Wu Block collective, which also included appearances from both of their respective groups, The LOX and Wu-Tang. Another example of lyricism at its finest — it's rare for two members from two separate groups to form a chemistry so tight.(Photo: Johnny Nghostunez/WireImage)
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A Reality Star Is Born - Ghostface Killah showed just how cold he could be when he appeared this year on season four of Vh-1's Couples Therapy. Big Ghost had the Internet going nuts with his antics as he confirmed that he was in a relationship with two women, Latrice and Kelsey, at the same d--n time.(Photo: VH1)