Tag Archives: ‘ol dirty bastard

Today in Hip-Hop History: Ol’ Dirty Bastard Released ‘Return Of The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version’ 29 Years Ago

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On this day in Hip-Hop history, Wu-Tang Clan’s Ol’ Dirty Bastard released his debut solo LP, Return of the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version. Released by Elektra Records, Return of the 36 Chambers was only the second solo LP by any Wu-Tang member. Largely produced by fellow Wu-Tang emcee RZA, the album had a mostly positive commercial reception.

Peaking at number seven on the Billboard 200 and number two on the Top R&B/Hip Hop chart, Return of the 36 Chambers sold 81,000 albums in its first week and was certified gold later that year. The album was also nominated for “Best Rap Album” at the 1996 Grammy Awards.

Coming off such a successful group debut, there were few critics could say to discount the record. The Source, Rolling Stone, and Allmusic have all given the project four out of five stars. In 1998, The Source selected the album to be a part of its 100 Best Rap Albums list.

Following Return of the 36 chambers: The Dirty Version, ODB went on to release one more solo album, Nigga Please, before his untimely demise in 2004. Ol’ Dirty will forever be remembered as one of the most talented and unique emcees to ever grace the mic.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Ol’ Dirty Bastard Released ‘Return Of The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version’ 29 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

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Today in Hip-Hop History: Wu-Tang Clan’s ODB Passed Away 17 Years Ago

ODB

On this date in 2004, Russell Jones, who is better known to the world as Ason Unique aka Ol’ Dirty Bastard, was found unresponsive in an NYC recording studio and died moments later; merely two days before his 36th birthday.

According to the medical examiner, Dirty died from an apparent drug overdose, a fatal mixture of cocaine and the prescription drug Tramadol, a synthetic opiate that is usually prescribed to treat severe pain. His death is being ruled an accident.

ODB has had a well-documented history of drug abuse, but in 2003, following his release from prison after serving a two-year sentence on drug and other related charges, he had publicly professed to be drug-free.

On the day of his passing, ODB complained of chest pains while working at the old Wu-Tang Clan Studios on West 34th Street in New York, a day after missing a Wu-Tang Clan reunion show in nearby East Rutherford, New Jersey.

A short time later, he died with his young son, Barsun Jones, present in the studio.

With such a monumental career which includes three solo albums and countless Wu projects, ODB definitely made his mark on the rap game as well as the world.

Salute the God and the rest of the WTC!

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Wu-Tang Clan’s ODB Passed Away 17 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

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Happy Heavenly Birthday Ol’ Dirty Bastard! Top Five Most Memorable Ol’ Dirty Bastard Moments

ODB

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.

Made video with Mariah Carey “Fantasy”

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.

The post Happy Heavenly Birthday Ol’ Dirty Bastard! Top Five Most Memorable Ol’ Dirty Bastard Moments first appeared on The Source.

The post Happy Heavenly Birthday Ol’ Dirty Bastard! Top Five Most Memorable Ol’ Dirty Bastard Moments appeared first on The Source.

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Today In Hip Hop History: ODB Released His Debut Solo Single “Brooklyn Zoo” 28 Years Ago

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On this date in 1995, Russell Jones, aka Ol’ 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.

#RIPODB

The post Today In Hip Hop History: ODB Released His Debut Solo Single “Brooklyn Zoo” 28 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

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Happy Heavenly Birthday ODB! Top Five Most Memorable Ol’ Dirty Bastard Moments

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On this day in 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 nobleman 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.

Made video with Mariah Carey “Fantasy”

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.

The post Happy Heavenly Birthday ODB! Top Five Most Memorable Ol’ Dirty Bastard Moments appeared first on The Source.

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Today in Hip-Hop History: Wu-Tang Clan Released Their Debut Single “Protect Ya Neck” 29 Years Ago

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On this day in 1993, the legendary Wu-Tang Clan began their reign as one of the most powerful and influential rap groups in history by releasing their debut single, “Protect Ya Neck.” With this track, Wu-Tang took the rap game by storm with a style unheard and an attitude unseen. “Protect Ya Neck” set a tone in Hip Hop that shifted the genre toward a more hardcore, rugged sound.

Originally recorded in a different order with a completely different beat, group member RZA took the liberty to reconstruct the song in post-production to the goliath that we all know and love. According to him, all he needed was the vocals of the group. The original beat used was just a placeholder used to get the verses. RZA’s unique style also incorporated the kung-fu film dialogue and fought scenes throughout the track. This unique style of production became a trend for Wu-Tang Clan.

To clarify any confusion about who is who on the song, the order of verses is as follows: Inspectah Deck, Raekwon, Method Man, U-God, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Ghostface Killah, RZA, & GZA. The single was first released independently through Wu-Tang Records and had “After the Laughter Comes Tears” as the B-side. Loud Records later re-released it with “Method Man” as the B-side. It sold 10,000 copies.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Wu-Tang Clan Released Their Debut Single “Protect Ya Neck” 29 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

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Today in Hip-Hop History: Ol’ Dirty Bastard Released ‘Return Of The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version’ 27 Years Ago

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On this day in Hip-Hop history, Wu-Tang Clan’s Ol’ Dirty Bastard released his debut solo LP, Return of the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version. Released by Elektra Records, Return of the 36 Chambers was only the second solo LP by any Wu-Tang member. Largely produced by fellow Wu-Tang emcee RZA, the album had a mostly positive commercial reception.

Peaking at number seven on the Billboard 200 and number two on the Top R&B/Hip Hop chart, Return of the 36 Chambers sold 81,000 albums in its first week and was certified gold later that year. The album was also nominated for “Best Rap Album” at the 1996 Grammy Awards.

Coming off such a successful group debut, there were little critics could say to discount the record. The Source, Rolling Stone and Allmusic have all given the project four out of five stars. In 1998, The Source selected the album to be a part of its 100 Best Rap Albums list.

Following Return of the 36 chambers: The Dirty Version, ODB went on to release one more solo album, Nigga Please, before his untimely demise in 2004. Ol’ Dirty will forever be remembered as one of the most talented and unique emcees to ever grace the mic.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Ol’ Dirty Bastard Released ‘Return Of The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version’ 27 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

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ICYMI: The Estate of Ol’ Dirty Bastard Issues a Statement on Lawsuit Placed Against Wu-Tang Productions

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Icelene Jones, the widow of Wu-Tang Clan co-founder Russell “Ol’ Dirty Bastard” Jones, filed a complaint against the Wu-Tang Clan for unpaid royalties, which Jones claims is a violation of contract, in Supreme Court in the state of New York earlier this week.

Wu-Tang Productions, which is owned and controlled by Robert “RZA” Diggs, a producer, movie director, and ODB’s cousin, allegedly failed to pay royalties to Ol’ Dirty’s estate for a decade before mailing the estate a cheque for $130,000. Jones acknowledged that the estate received money from Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp in 2019 and 2020, but says that both checks are insufficient to cover the debt.

The estate of Ol’ Dirty Bastard has released an official statement:

In light of the lawsuit filed by the Estate of Russell Tyrone Jones (Ol’ Dirty Bastard) versus Wu-Tang Productions, Inc., on Tuesday February 8th, it is important that we as the Estate address the false narrative headlines that have been circulated in the media. 

Wu-Tang Productions, Inc., owned by Wu-Tang member Robert Diggs (RZA) has willfully refused to compensate or provide accounting records to the Estate of Ol’ Dirty Bastard, despite being contractually obligated. 

The Estate will randomly receive partial checks such as the one sent for $130,000 in July of 2021 from Wu-Tang Productions but without financial records, we have no indication of the exact amount the Estate is still owed. It is crucial to understand that ODB’s widow and Administrator of the Estate Icelene Jones has been requesting these financial records for years and has a legal obligation to do so. 

This is not an attack on Wu-Tang Productions, Inc., but a last legal resort we have had to pursue after being denied and ignored on this matter for over ten years. 

The lawsuit is based on a recording contract signed in 1992, which said that ODB would get half of the net earnings from his songs. The other members of the crew were also promised 50% of the net earnings from their tunes. Jones is seeking royalties from merchandise and films, as well as $1 million in damages, plus interest, attorneys’ fees, and costs.

The post ICYMI: The Estate of Ol’ Dirty Bastard Issues a Statement on Lawsuit Placed Against Wu-Tang Productions appeared first on The Source.

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The Estate of Ol’ Dirty Bastard Issues a Statement on Lawsuit Placed Against Wu-Tang Productions

ol dirty bastard

Icelene Jones, the widow of Wu-Tang Clan co-founder Russell “Ol’ Dirty Bastard” Jones, filed a complaint against the Wu-Tang Clan for unpaid royalties, which Jones claims is a violation of contract, in Supreme Court in the state of New York earlier this week.

Wu-Tang Productions, which is owned and controlled by Robert “RZA” Diggs, a producer, movie director, and ODB’s cousin, allegedly failed to pay royalties to Ol’ Dirty’s estate for a decade before mailing the estate a cheque for $130,000. Jones acknowledged that the estate received money from Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp in 2019 and 2020, but says that both checks are insufficient to cover the debt.

The estate of Ol’ Dirty Bastard has released an official statement:

In light of the lawsuit filed by the Estate of Russell Tyrone Jones (Ol’ Dirty Bastard) versus Wu-Tang Productions, Inc., on Tuesday February 8th, it is important that we as the Estate address the false narrative headlines that have been circulated in the media. 

Wu-Tang Productions, Inc., owned by Wu-Tang member Robert Diggs (RZA) has willfully refused to compensate or provide accounting records to the Estate of Ol’ Dirty Bastard, despite being contractually obligated. 

The Estate will randomly receive partial checks such as the one sent for $130,000 in July of 2021 from Wu-Tang Productions but without financial records, we have no indication of the exact amount the Estate is still owed. It is crucial to understand that ODB’s widow and Administrator of the Estate Icelene Jones has been requesting these financial records for years and has a legal obligation to do so. 

This is not an attack on Wu-Tang Productions, Inc., but a last legal resort we have had to pursue after being denied and ignored on this matter for over ten years. 

The lawsuit is based on a recording contract signed in 1992, which said that ODB would get half of the net earnings from his songs. The other members of the crew were also promised 50% of the net earnings from their tunes. Jones is seeking royalties from merchandise and films, as well as $1 million in damages, plus interest, attorneys’ fees, and costs.

The post The Estate of Ol’ Dirty Bastard Issues a Statement on Lawsuit Placed Against Wu-Tang Productions appeared first on The Source.

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Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s Widow Sues Wu Tang Clan For $1M For Unpaid Royalties

ol dirty bastard

According to a report from Variety, Icelene Jones, the widow of Wu Tang Clan co-founder Russell “Ol’ Dirty Bastard” Jones, has filed a lawsuit in Supreme Court in the state of New York against the Wu Tang Clan for unpaid royalties, which Jones alleges is a breach of contract.

Wu Tang Productions, which is owned and operated by producer, movie director and ODB’s cousin Robert “RZA” Diggs, allegedly have not paid Ol’ Dirty’s estate any royalties for an entire decade before sending the estate a check for $130,000. Jones admitted that the estate did receive some money from Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp in 2019 and 2020, but Jones claims that both checks still aren’t enough to settle what is owed.

The suit is based on a 1992 recording agreement, under which ODB was to be paid half of the net earnings from his songs. The other crew members were also agreed to be paid 50% of the net earnings of their songs. JOnes is suing for royalties from merchandising and videos in addition to damages of at least $1 million, plus interest, attorneys’ fees and costs.

Additionally, RZA, confirmed an ODB biopic last year, which he says is currently in the works. “The documentary was to capture the story as best we can in the reality of it, and then the TV series was to dramatize it,” he said. “The third tier of the plan, which I’m in progress of, is an ODB movie biopic. Like the five-year Wu-Tang plan, this was a five-year media plan that I concocted, I meditated on, and I’m striving to live out. So far, it’s working well.”

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