Dennis Coles got his big break as a producer and rapper with the Wu-Tang Clan, whose menacing, martial arts-influenced 1993 album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) was one of the most acclaimed and influential hip-hop albums of the decade. On the back of that, all nine Wu-Tang members pursued solo careers, and Coles' - known as Ghostface Killah - was one of the most successful.

After the success of 36 Chambers, Ghostface guested on fellow Wu-Tang member Raekwon's debut solo album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.... His own debut solo album followed in 1996, the highly promising Ironman, though Raekwon was heavily involved with that too. His follow-up, 2000's Supreme Clientele, was a huge critical success. Despite being released several years after the peak of their influence, it is considered one of the best solo releases by a Wu member, along with Cuban Linx and GZA's Liquid Swords.

But Ghostface's next record, 2001's Bulletproof Wallets, didn't go down so well, and a mixed response to 2004's The Pretty Toney Album suggested his best work was behind him. In 2006 Ghostface sprung a surprise when his fifth solo album, Fishscale, showed a return to top form. It was roundly praised by the music press, and many publications voted it as one of the best albums of the year. At the end of 2007 Ghostface released a new studio album, The Big Doe Rehab, which was met with warm reviews.