November 13, 2004—This day in Hip-hop pays homage to the passing of the iconic Ol' Dirty Bastard.
Most fans recognize Russel Tyrone Jones (ODB) as an original member and co-founder of the legendary rap supergroup, the Wu-Tang Clan. True enough, Jones formed an underground rap trio, Force of the Imperial Master. Along with cousins Robert Diggs and Gary Grice (later known as RZA and GZA), the three eventually recruited three new members and the Wu-Tang Clan was formed, ushering a new era of Hip-hop with their groundbreaking debut album, Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chamber).
Two years following the group's debut, ODB launched his first solo record, Return To The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version, which featured multiple hit-singles, such as “Brooklyn Zoo” and Shimmy Shimmy Ya”. The album witnessed ODB's grit and steel rhymes as seen with Enter The Wu-Tang, which flowed smoothly atop RZA and 4th Disciple's more minimal approach towards the album's production.
In 1997, Hip-hop saw ODB rejoin the clan as Wu-Tang released their second album, Wu-Tang Forever, adding acclaim to both the group and ODB, who went on to release his sophomore record, N—ga Please, which listed the worldwide chart-topping single, “Got Your Money”.
Throughout his career, fans and critics alike distinguished Ol' Dirty Bastard for his “outrageously profane, free-associative rhymes delivered in a distinctive half-ripped, half-sung style,” which he tremendously showcased both in his solo career and in the Wu-Tang.
By Jods Arboleda for RAPStation.com
