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.
On this day in Hip-Hop history, Method Man released his debut solo LP Tical. Sticking to RZA’s plan on industry domination, Method was the first to roll out his solo LP after the ridiculous success group debut Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). In the early years of the Wu, Method Man had grown become the public face of the group. His larger than life persona and a multitude of styles won over the hearts and ears of fans after the groups first single “Protect Ya Neck” had “Method Man” on it’s B-side.
Tical delves deeper into the sinister villainous style previewed on 36 Chambers. Method Man creates a dark anti-hero on this album who hungers for the career of wack rappers and perpetrators. It was truly a violent introduction to one of the most outrageous members of the Wu, second only to ODB in theatrical personality.
Considered a “two-man show” by critics, the album was almost entirely produced by RZA. As the Wu’s architect, RZA created specific sounds for each member. Method unique sonic was the most film inspired. Meth continued to build a character likened to the many crime bosses and master villains that starred in his beloved Kung-Fu flicks. Aside from the image, lyrically the album is on another level. Method Man flawlessly juggles synonyms and metaphors with a flow that weaves in and out of the beat to create a hardcore symphony of Shaolin style.
Commercially, the album was a hit and only added on to the cipher of success revolving around the Wu-Tang Clan. The album peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop chart selling a million copies within a year of its release. It kick-started a wave of successful solo albums and keep afloat RZA’s five-year plan to becoming the greatest rap group in history.
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.
Wu-Tang Clan has been bestowed with a special honor in New York City. Mayor Eric Adams has declared Wu-Tang Day, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the legendary rap collective’s iconic debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers. ‘Wu-Tang Day’ It’s official. Mayor Eric Adams has declared Nov. 9, as “Wu-Tang Day.” Wu-Tang Clan, known […]
On November 9th, 1993 rap music was changed forever. 9 Gods from the slums of Shaolin, who together form the Wu Tang Clan, released their first studio LP entitled Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). This album was recorded from 1992 to 1993 at Firehouse Studio in New York City. The album was recorded on Loud Records and distributed by RCA Records. It cost a total of $36,000 to complete.
The album’s concept was inspired heavily by the group’s love for Kung Fu flicks, particularly the 1978 Liu Chia-Liang film The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, a story about a man who set out to become the master of all 36 chambers of kung fu and reach a form of enlightenment. In the movie, the 36th chamber of kung fu is to bring the knowledge and wisdom of kung fu to the people of the entire world. For Wu-Tang Clan, that was the goal with this album.
The project was entitrely produced by the group’s leader, RZA, through the art of sampling. The beats consisted of a lot of soul And martial art samples along with sounds from early hip hop synthesizers. Lyrically, this album was nothing like anything that came before it or would come after it. I was a change from the afrocentric “boom-bap” that was prevalent in New York. It was edgy and street while remaining intellectual in content. The Wu-Tang Clan was able to synchronize their hustler mentality with the wisdom of an ancient martial arts master. Well known singles from this album include, but are not limited to, “Protect Ya Neck”, “Method Man”, and “C.R.E.A.M.”
Upon its release, in an article for The Source, The Ghetto Communicator wrote “This record is harsh, but so is the world that we live in. For B-boys n’girls who come from the core of the hard, this is the hip-hop album you’ve been waiting for”. The rest is history.
New York City is gearing up for a grand celebration on Nov. 9th as it pays tribute to the legendary Wu-Tang Clan by illuminating the Empire State Building in the iconic black and yellow colors that symbolize the Wu-Tang legacy. This momentous occasion marks the 30th anniversary of the groundbreaking 1993 debut album, ‘Enter the Wu-Tang’ (36 Chambers). In honor of this historic event, Mayor Eric Adams has officially declared November 9th as “Wu-Tang Day” in New York City.
Wu-Tang Clan, comprising influential rap artists such as RZA, GZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killa, Inspectah Deck, U-God, and Masta Killa, revolutionized hip-hop with their seminal debut album ‘Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers),’ released on November 9, 1993. The collective’s immense impact transcended music, extending into fashion with their iconic Wu Wear clothing line, film, publishing, video games, and production companies. Wu-Tang’s success in expanding their brand into various commercial ventures opened doors for future generations of hip-hop entrepreneurs.
‘Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)’ achieved platinum status within a year of its release and has since reached triple-platinum status. It was also recognized by the Library of Congress as culturally significant and included in the National Recording Registry. Rolling Stone magazine ranked the album as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, cementing Wu-Tang Clan’s lasting legacy.
In conjunction with this celebration, RZA and the Wu-Tang Clan have announced a partnership with Rock The Bells and SiriusXM. Starting on November 29th, RZA will host a weekly show, #WuWednesdays, on LL COOL J’s Rock The Bells on SiriusXM channel 43, featuring new and classic tracks, exclusive DJ mixes, interviews, and more.
Moreover, a special edition 7-inch box set, a limited-edition LP, and a limited-edition cassette are set to be released in partnership with Legacy Recordings. These collectibles, available for pre-order, include vinyl, liner notes, rare photos, and a pack of exclusive “36 Chambers Trading Cards.”
New York City will host a range of celebratory activities for Wu-Tang Clan’s 30th anniversary, including RZA’s The 36 Chambers 30th Anniversary Celebration at New York’s Gramercy Theatre from November 7-9 and a pop-up shop in the East Village on November 9th. Additionally, the Hip-Hop Education Center, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and 36 Chambers ALC will present a screening of the documentary ‘A Wu-Tang Experience: Live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre’ on November 15th. Urbanworld has also named RZA the official ambassador of this year’s festival. Don’t miss out on this exceptional celebration of Wu-Tang Clan’s unparalleled contributions to hip-hop culture.
The 2023 UrbanWorld Film Festival, a celebration of Black talent in the film industry, recently convened in New York City. During a post-event discussion, RZA unveiled a captivating story linking Ol Dirty Bastard (ODB) and Kanye West’s memorable stage interruption at the 2009 Video Music Awards, illuminating intriguing connections between two iconic moments in music […]
On this date in 1995, the head of the Wu’s “Voltron” released his first solo LP under the moniker “the GZA”.
“We form like Voltron and GZA happens to be the head.” -Method Man
After appearing as the closer on the Wu Tang’s premiere single “Protect Ya Neck” and dropping his own solo joint “Clan In The Front” on WTC’s classic Enter The 36 Chambers LP, The Genius, who changed his name to the GZA after the formation of the Wu Tang Clan in 1992, fulfilled the expectations of a solo album with Liquid Swords, which was released 27 years ago today.
This should not, however, be confused with the first solo album Words From The Genius, which was released under the alias “The Genius” before his claim to fame with Wu Tang.
With in-house album cover art of a war-torn chessboard from Wu Tang DJ/Producer Allah Mathematics along with Milestone Media creative director Denys Cowan and released on Geffen Records, the debut album of one of WTC’s founders was recorded in RZA’s basement, as was the rest of the early Wu projects including Meth’s Tical and OB4CL. It also featured all of the original members as well as introduced some of the supporting members of the Killa Bees including Killah Priest, Dreddy Krueger and Allah Life, who sung the hook on “Cold World”. Other smash singles from this album include “Labels”, “4th Chamber”, “I Gotcha Back” and the timeless title track.
Salute to the GZA for one of the most formative concept albums in Hip Hop during the 20th century.
The legendary Wu-Tang Clan has returned triumphantly with their first official single in six years, titled “Claudine.” Featuring the talents of Nicole Bus, Method Man, and Ghostface Killah, this track is a classic Wu-Tang joint that explores the themes of love, loss, and heartbreak.
Released as the world celebrates the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, “Claudine” also foreshadows the upcoming 30th anniversary of Wu-Tang Clan’s groundbreaking debut album, “Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).”
“Claudine” is a journey through nostalgia, delving into the complexities of relationships and the pain of losing a parent. Method Man delivers a razor-sharp verse on the ups and downs of love, while Ghostface Killah pays heartfelt tribute to his late mother. Nicole Bus, who previously sampled Wu-Tang’s “C.R.E.A.M.” in her hit “You,” adds depth and emotion to the track.
Produced by Mathematics, Wu-Tang’s longtime DJ, “Claudine” encapsulates the classic Wu sound, reminiscent of RZA’s iconic production. The single marks an exciting return for the hip-hop legends, promising more to come in the future.
