Eminem will forever go down as one of the GOATs. And now, he’s paying tribute to everyone who passed away too soon.
This past weekend, the Detroit native hopped on the late Juice WRLD’s newest track titled “Lace It,” which has already accumulated nearly one million views on Youtube on just the audio track. The song is procured by Benny Blanco and Cashmere Cat, with the cover art depicting a car that drives into a fire.
Of course, it’s rare we see Eminem doing collaborations, or features at all. But this particular verse from Em hits home, as he gives his perspective as a former addict.
“You pop some ecstasy first, it gets progressively worse,” Eminem spits. “Try your best to reverse, unsuccessfully flirtin’ with certain death and revertin’ to your Promethazine urge. The fuckin’ Devil, he lurks. Lose your best friends, he smirks. Wake up and everything hurts.”
This isn’t just a message to the young cats out there dabbling with substances to escape, this is
a reminder that addiction is real and you don’t need to go down that path.
“Fentanyl, Oxy, Demerol, them are all what possibly got Shock G,” Em continues. “Roxicodone and lean is probably what got Lil Peep and ODB, So many who OD be way too young to go see me. Juice, we will forever miss you. To the younger generation, I ain’t lecturin’ you, but man just be careful…”
Beyond letting Juice we all miss him collectively, Em pays tribute to late legends Gangsta Boo, Pimp C, Prince, and Michael Jackson.
On this date in 1995, Russell Jones, akaOl’ Dirty Bastard, dropped the premier single from his debut album Return To The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version on Elektra Records. Produced by in-house Wu producer True Master, this track was Dirty’s second highest-charting single, only to be topped by “Got Your Money” from his N***a Please album.
The name of the song originated from his crew, who were aptly called Brooklyn Zu; there was a well-known Brooklyn gang, who at the time used the word which prompted ODB to get shot in the Brevoort Housing Projects in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn.
As one of the borough’s most memorable anthems, Brooklyn will forever remember ODB as a “native son” that repped BK to the fullest.
On this date in 1995, Russell Jones akaOl’ Dirty Bastard dropped the premier single from his debut album Return To The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version on Elektra Records. Produced by in-house Wu producer True Master, this track was Dirty’s second highest-charting single, only to be topped by “Got Your Money” from his N***a Please album.
With the name of the song originating from his crew, who were aptly called Brooklyn Zu, there was a well-known Brooklyn gang, who at the time, used the name which prompted ODB to get shot in the Brevoort Housing Projects in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn.
As one of the borrough’s most memorable anthems, Brooklyn will forever remember ODB as a “native son” that definitely repped BK to the fullest.
Amazon Music celebrates the 25th anniversary of Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s landmark debut solo album Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version with “Unique: ‘Return to The 36 Chambers’ 25 Years Later”.
Released on March 28th, this documentary traces ODB’s rise from unsigned hype to household name alongside the legendary Wu Tang Clan, exploring key moments in the rapper’s life and the music that defined his 1995 debut solo record, from ‘Shimmy Shimmy Ya’ to ‘Brooklyn Zoo.
Amazon Music celebrates the 25th anniversary of Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s landmark debut solo album Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version with “Unique: ‘Return to The 36 Chambers’ 25 Years Later”.
Released on March 28th, this documentary traces ODB’s rise from unsigned hype to household name alongside the legendary Wu Tang Clan, exploring key moments in the rapper’s life and the music that defined his 1995 debut solo record, from ‘Shimmy Shimmy Ya’ to ‘Brooklyn Zoo.
The Wu-Tang Clan shifted the recording industry in the 1990s by not only emerging as an unstoppable collective but also securing solo deals for the nine members of the group’s top tier. Ol’ Dirty Bastardemerged as a star for the New York crew by way of his debut album Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version, which was released 25 years ago today (March 28).
RZA, GZA, the aforementioned Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, and Masta Killa transformed the Hip-Hop landscape with their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) in 1993. The single “Protect Your Neck,” which introduced much of the world to the Wu Swordsman, featured a verse from ODB that, alongside Method Man’s scene-stealing turn, burned itself into the memory of fans for good reason.
Hip-Hop fans approached ODB’s solo album with hopes that it would feature more of the same left-field styled coupled with the “what will he do next” personality the rapper born Russell Jones became famous for. They were not disappointed on that front.
After an intro that puts all of the zaniness of ODB at the front of the mind for the listeners, “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” blares through with RZA’s signature thump and ODB’s performance set the tone early. The following track “Baby C’Mon” features more of that Ruler Zig Zag Zig Allah dust, and the album’s first single “Brooklyn Zoo” sounds as timeless as ever with True Master delivering one of the few tracks not helmed by The Abbot.
Rapping in stunted growling grunts and breaking into off-key song at times where it doesn’t even make sense, ODB appeared larger than life. He instantly became an undeniable presence across the album, most certainly propelled by RZA’s guidance on the tracks. The production is decidedly muddy as if it were recorded in a Brooklyn closet; the bass bleeds on even the best-quality speakers and it sounds that this was the intention.
By the time listeners reached “Raw Hide,” there are still dips and turns left in ODB’s rap arsenal:
Tired of sittin’ on my f*ckin ass N*ggas I know be runnin’ around with mad f*ckin’ cash Who the f*ck wanna be an emcee If you can’t get paid to be a f*ckin’ emcee? I came out my momma p*ssy, I’m on welfare Twenty-six years old, still on welfare So I gotta get paid fully Whether it’s truthfully or untruthfully
In past interviews, Method Man stated that a bulk of the album consisted of old rhymes from RZA and GZA’s rhyme books but he did admit that ODB did know how to write his own verses. But because of his voice, style and natural charisma, it didn’t matter what the source of the lyrics, especially with the level of performance ODB presented across the album.
A remastered version of Return to the 36 Chambers has been released to commemorate the 25 years since its release, along with a mini-documentary from Amazon Music that features words from RZA, Raekwon, his widow, Icelene Jones, and his son Barson “Young Dirty Bastard” Jones. ODB is a sorely missed voice in Hip-Hop and would probably still find a way to bulldoze his way onto the airwaves despite the genre’s many shifts in sounds in the years since his untimely passing.
For now, we’ll hold on tight to the audio memory of Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Hopefully, tonight somewhere in ODB’s beloved “Brooklyn Zoo,” a 40 or two will be cracked, safely indoors of course, with the speakers blasting the record in Ason Unique Allah’s honor.
On this day Hip-Hop history we celebrate the birth of one of the culture’s brightest stars, the late, great Russell Jones, affectionately known to the Hip-Hop world as Ol’ Dirty Bastard.
To Hip Hop, Dirt Dog was more than a rapper. His personality and ostentatious demeanor were representatives of the soul of Hip-Hop. He did not let the fame and status take away from his character. Those who knew him said that he remained true to himself throughout his career making him quite the public figure. According to some, Ol’ Dirty was the type to help an old woman cross the street then, once he got to the other side, run a bystander for his jewels. He was a noble man with a righteous cause for sinning. His legacy is one that will not fade anytime soon.
In honor of his 50th-degree day, we have put together a top-five list of some of Big Baby Jesus’ most outrageous and memorable moments and these aren’t the only ones to chose from.
Performing as a Fugitive of Justice
In the fall of 2000, ODB was facing two charges for drug possession and had two separate warrants out for his arrest. This didn’t case The Specialist to lose any sleep. He, in fact, took the stage at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York performing exactly one verse before having to flee the scene. He even gave his fans a warning before gracing the mic saying, “I can’t stay on the stage too long tonight—the cops is after me.”
Taking a Limo to Pick Up Food Stamps
Who wouldn’t take advantage of the opportunity to pick up a government assistance check-in style, not ODB. In an MTV News interview, OL’ Dirty takes MTV and the viewers at home on a unique ride down to the welfare office in a fully-loaded stretch limo. If that wasn’t good enough, ODB’s response when asked why he is so blatantly making a mockery of the welfare system he responds, “[They] owe me 40 acres and a mule anyway.” Touche, Dirt Dog, touche.
Interrupting a Grammy Acceptance Speech
In 1998, way before Kanye embarrassed Taylor Swift on the VMA stage, ODB took to the stage to voice his opinion on Wu-Tang losing Best Rap Album to Puff Daddy & The Family’s No Way Out. Unfortunately for some, OBD didn’t make it on stage until Shawn Colvin was on stage making his acceptance speech for winning Song of the Year, much after the after Diddy was awarded his Grammy. In a few short moments, ODB expressed his frustration by saying,
“I went and bought me an outfit today that costed me a lot of money today because I figured Wu-Tang was going to win. I don’t know how y’all see it, but when to comes it to the children, Wu-Tang is for the children. We teach the children. Puffy is good, but Wu-Tang is the best. I want you to know that this is ODB, and I love you all.”
Giving an Interview for the Children with No Shoes on Outside
In one of his best interviews, ODB goes on a rant about being only for the children on the streets of Brooklyn, while barefoot. At first glance, it may seem strange, but if you think about it, the prophets of old were more than likely shoe-less. Trying to picture Jesus speaking to his disciples in a pair of crisp white Air Force Ones just isn’t right, maybe Big Baby was on to something.
Just when you thought that there was only a “dirty version” to ODB, he opened up his soft side and collaborated with legendary songbird Mariah Carey for her “Fantasy” remix. Carey ended up being one of Dirty’s closest confidants, writing him letters of support during his two-year incarceration in upstate New York.
Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon knows the significance of November 13. The hip-hop veteran has come forward to remember the life of late group member Ol’ Dirty Bastard 15 years since his death. Look and comment below!
In an unprecedented move as far as award shows go, late Wu Tang Clan founder Ol’ Dirty Bastard stormed the stage following the Clan’s Grammy for Wu Tang Forever nod at the 1998 Grammy Awards for Best Rap Album.
Puff Daddy’s No Way Out album won the award, but ODB said his outfit “costed” him way too much not to not have his side of the story heard.
Watch Erykah Badu and Wyclef’s face as the WTC livewire took the stage front and center.
As the iconic rap collective is still celebrating 25 years since the release of their debut album, Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), there was one other thing worth commemorating as well: the would-be 50th birthday of departed member Ol’ Dirty Bastard.
ODB, as he was commonly nicknamed by anyone in the Hip-Hop community who love the Wu (i.e. everybody), passed away 14 years ago this week, just two days before his 36th birthday. Last night (Nov 15), on what would’ve been his 50th, his presence was felt on such an astounding level during a tribute concert held in his memory at The Roulette Intermedium in the heart of Brooklyn. From guest performances by his son Young Dirty Bastard — the similarities as he covered his dad’s biggest hits felt almost eerie at times — plus a host of ’90s rap vets, including Channel Live’s own Hakim Green sparking the stage with “mad izms” on the mic, to a full-out Wu-Tang reunion to close out the night that saw Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Masta Killa and RZA handling things behind the booth to run through a gamut of classic records, the night truly turned out to be one for the books. Even Busta Rhymes came through to show love, filling in for ODB to give a stellar rendition of “Brooklyn Zoo,” in addition to telling the funniest 10-minute-long story that involved Dirty causing some serious ruckus on a plane with his infamous glass-shattering high notes. The Golden Era was preserved with mad respect last night, and The Source was just happy to be in the building.
Here’s what Hakim had to say about the Wu legacy and the first time he witnessed their collective greatness when we caught up with him backstage:
“You have to understand, the first time I heard ‘Protect Your Neck,’ I was at a college party at Rutgers University. My boys John Chambers and Dudley had this DJ crew called the Mob, so they always was pulling out the hottest shit first. Party was packed, I’m way in the back, and all of a sudden that ‘Protect Your Neck’ dropped and I’m like, ‘WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS?!’ At that time, the West Coast was really beating things up in Hip-Hop, so to have that in New York and it just be so authentically New York just brought the shit right back to the East Coast. 25 years later, they still just got the game in the palm of their hands and it’s a beautiful thing. I’m in the gym everyday, and it’s Wu-Tang [on the playlist] — Every. Single. Day. That’s my workout regime right there. They put me in the state of mind of boom bap, RZA with the tracks, and just bars galore coming at you. Wu-Tang is a very important piece to Hip-Hop culture — one of the greatest Hip-Hop crews of all-time and some of the illest solo artists of all-time.”
Of course, the night came full circle when we got the golden opportunity to chop it up with none other than “Cherchez La Ghost” himself. Ghostface dropped tons of knowledge on why Wu-Tang Clan is so important to the culture after over two decades of dominating the game, what’s in store for the crew — new music as a group and some solo stuff! — an update on that Ol’ Dirty Bastard biopic in the works, and a hilarious story time moment with ODB that involves him and the eccentric MC posing as legendary Philly R&B group The Stylistics. Yep, they went there!
Keep scrolling to see Ghostface Killah break down the culture of the Wu for us in an exclusive chat in-between rocking the stage alongside his fellow Clan kinfolk, which you see in full detail with the images provided below:
“Nah, it’s like, put it like this: when [Wu-Tang Clan] came in, I knew that we was coming to take heads off but I didn’t know it would be a magnitude where the world would recognize us as that crew. You got many rap crews that came, but to wind up in conversations as one of the top of all-time, if not “the”, is just [amazing]. I’m just a young man from Staten Island, you know what I mean? All praises due to the Most High; everything worked out right through hard work and the talent that each individual had. THE most High definitely moved us on to the next.
—Ghostface Killah, on the long-lasting, ongoing respect that Wu-Tang Clan continues to receive.
“Being here, representing my brother [Ol’ Dirty Bastard] — that’s my brother! I had to at least come, show face and pay my respect, you know what I mean, and let him know that I’m in the building so his energy can just feel my love that I always had for him. His family his here — I seen his daughter the other day and told her I’d do my best to make it and come through. By the grace of God I got here.”
—Ghostface Killah, on making it through NYC’s first blizzard of the season to show love for ODB.
“We just looking to continue that legacy with him. He got a movie that we doing with him — the Ol’ Dirty Bastard movie. We gonna start working on that the top of the year, and it’s already greenlit. We don’t got to sell it to nobody. That’ll will come along with the Wu albums and our solo shit or whatever. We’re just working! It was our 25th anniversary last Friday, so clearly we here to stay.”
—Ghostface Killah, on the ODB biopic announced this past September.
“I’m just grateful, bruh. Brothers been locked up and got jail records, but to turn that around and to stand where we standing at — it gets no better. You have to humble yourself and receive that blessing. It’s about understanding who gave you that blessing.”
—Ghostface Killah, on the many tribulations Wu-Tang had to overcome to achieve the legendary status they each enjoy today.
“[My record could come] any time now. I’ve polished up a lot of stuff I needed to for myself, and also did a lot of little shit for other people that really wasn’t my record, independent shit and whatnot. My records [could drop] at the top of the year, so that’s when those will start going out. That’s not even my Supreme Clientele shit — I’m gonna do the Wu album first and then drop my stuff somewhere after that so it don’t get mixed up. I’ll drop an album somewhere within February or March [2019], just before I drop the Wu album. We busy! It’s a lot of us, so you got to be busy. How not?”
—Ghostface Killah, on new Wu projects scheduled for 2019.
“There’s just too many [memories with OBD]. There’s a lot of shit I really can’t talk about, you know what I mean, but I’ll tell you one thing: that brother right there [is special]. I remember one time we were out of town, and this was before we did Wu-Tang shit, and this muthafucka had these females thinking that we were The Stylistics [Laughs]. He put the tape in and started singing and shit, and we tell them, ‘Yo that’s our shit right there — that’s out new shit!’ I think we might’ve been in Virginia. We was like that for a couple of days, and I think they probably still think that was us! [Laughs]”
—Ghostface Killah, on his greatest personal memory of Ol’ Dirty Bastard.
