Ol' Dirty Bastard

About Ol' Dirty Bastard

With his howling half-sung rap style, off-the-wall personality, and wacky sense of humor, rapper Ol’ Dirty Bastard was the most colorful and controversial member of the Wu-Tang Clan. • ODB’s stage name was inspired by the 1980 martial arts film Ol’ Dirty and the Bastard. • After the 1993 release of Wu-Tang’s groundbreaking debut, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), ODB became the second group member to put out a solo album. • His solo debut, 1995’s Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version, featured the popular singles “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” and “Brooklyn Zoo.” He rounded out the year with a guest verse on Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy (Remix).” • The rapper’s 1999 sophomore effort, N***a Please, spawned the hit “Got Your Money,” produced by The Neptunes. • Throughout his career, Dirt was plagued by legal troubles, mental health issues, and struggles with addiction. He died in 2004 at the age of 35.