Rise of a Killah

By: Ghostface Killah

Narrated by: Landon Woodson

Length: 5 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

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 cofounder of the Wu-Tang Clan, a legendary hip-hop group that established itself by breaking all the rules, taking their music to the streets during the genre's golden era on a decade-long wave of releasing anthem after classic anthem, and serving as the foundation of modern hip-hop.

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.

Rise of a Killah gives 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.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

©2024 Ghostface Killah (P)2024 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Studded with full-color snapshots, the narrative has a free-associative flow, making readers feel as if they’re chopping it up with Coles …Devotees of hip-hop’s golden age will appreciate this jagged portrait.”—Publishers Weekly

“A memoir from one of hip-hop’s most inventive stylists. … An engaging, revealing look at the wild world of the Wu-Tang Clan and beyond.”—Kirkus

Great Book But…

This is a definitely a great addition to the Wu-Tang autobiography series. Ghostface Killah told his story and he told like only Ghost could. I wish he would’ve narrated however the narrator did a heck of a job capturing Ghost’s voice. The part about his mental health and how it came upon him is so next level it’s like it’s bone chilling and the warm comfort of the sun at the end of June. He did an outstanding job of describing his experience and how he overcame to now be able to manage it. The only hang up I have about it is that sounds like an interview they transcribed and made into a book. A lot things are repeated, some things are out of order in regard to the timeline, and it seems unnecessarily bloated at times. It’s as if he didn’t have a seasoned writer and editor working with him to compile and edit it into a flowing cohesive work. Not enough time on his relationships (especially to RZA’s sister), children (especially his son being gay), getting shot, losing his brothers, the 5 percent nation, Freedum Allah (Papa Wu), and many other things. They could’ve taken and hour of bloat off and added 2-3hrs of rich storytelling. All that said this is a must have and must read. Peace and love to Ghostdini the Great.

Real portrayal from the illest emcee himself

The only thing that would take this over the top would be if Ghost was narrating it himself. The narrator is okay but a few mispronunciations can be caught. Not anything that takes away from this audiobook. You can feel Ghost gift of gab throughout with his unique style

Ghost😍

Everything I expected it to be!! Chapter 13, wow!! I am thankful for your spiritual journey!

Thank you for this Ghost 🙏

I would first like to give the narrator his just due. He really put a lot of passion into reading this, thank you.
As for the rest of the book it was great. We got a little piece of GhostFace Killah’s brain. Without spoiling anything, the way it was written was a nice switch up and a breath of fresh air. I personally have been waiting on something like this since I discovered my interest in reading, so again thank you! One!

The Best 2 ever do it!

This was a very interesting book. I loved Liston ghosts story from beginning to end, I laughed, wanted to cry and felt proud of him and that he’s been through in life. I’m glad that in the end he conquered all and is at peace 💯❤️

Loved it

I want to hear more! Very interesting person that I have always been intrigued by. The book was like he was here telling his story. Absolutely loved it. And I do t leave reviews.

GFK

This was a good book, it has a lot of untold hip hop stories. Ghost speaks about his troubles in the streets, with his health. How his health affected his career. His views on religion and racism. How he feels about every member of the clan. It was a good read/listen. Unfortunately it is not narrated by Ghost himself. That would have made the book so much better.

The Mind of Ghost

This felt like an open conversation with Ghost in his distinctive linguistics, stories of experiences that shaped him and almost derailed his freedom. He doesn’t delve into the areas that Raekwon does regarding business, Rza and Divine, although he explains why, it feels like a piece is missing about the Clan’s decline due to internal problems. Still a worthy addition to any HipHop library.

This is the most Ghostface sh*t I ever read

This was an incredibly interesting and dynamic autobiography. I was immediately enthralled from beginning to end. Unparalleled authenticity in a book. It makes so much more sense why I identify with this dude and why I love everything he produces. He is special. A national Hip Hop treasure. Rise of a Killah is a must have in your Hip Hop Library.

The best audiobook I’ve EVER listened to!!!!

I’ve listened to many audiobooks. A few I couldn’t listen past the second chapter; it was that bad. But THIS here audiobook by Ghostface…hands down, is the absolute best audiobook I’ve ever heard. I typically favor narration done by the artist themselves, but this is the first time the narrator mirrored the subject precisely. It ‘felt’ like Ghost was talking: Not because he was imitating Ghost because he wasn’t. But this guy had the vocal inflections and a realness that is unheard of. Landon Woodson did a helluva job with this. The story was superbly told and it was one with peaks and valleys and made me have so much more respect for Ghost than I already did. 6 stars for this candid memoir of Wu bredren Tony Starks - aka Ghostface Killah!!! ******