Raised by his mother, Rhoda, a high school teacher. Phifer's acting career began when he auditioned at an open casting call for director Spike Lee's Clockers and was selected for the leading role. Working alongside Harvey Keitel and Delroy Lindo, he garnered critical acclaim for his compelling performance as Strike, a young New Jersey drug dealer involved in a murder cover-up. Following his impressive screen debut, he appeared in the comedy spoof High School High.
| Movie | Puff, Puff, Pass | 2006 |
| Movie | Business as Usual: The Exploitation of Hip Hop | 2011 |
| Movie | Nora's Hair Salon II: A Cut Above | 2008 |
| Movie | Nora's Hair Salon II: A Cut Above | 2008 |
