Marissa Monson * Editor in Chief
Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Big Baby Jesus, Dirt McGirt, Russell Jones-the man was known by all names, but his larger-than-life persona characterized him more than any monikers-collapsed and died in the studio at 35 years old.
First introduced as the slurring MC of the Wu-Tang Clan, ODB’s clever lyrics and matchless style made him a standout among other talented members of the Wu-Tang Clan like Method Man, The RZA and Ghostface Killah and a staple among most fans of the hip-hop community. At times his talent was overshadowed or not fully realized due to drug problems and a complicated personal life throughout his career. After the Wu-Tang Clan, ODB went out on his own and coined club favorites like “Baby I Got Your Money” and “Shimmy Shimmy Ya.”
In 2001, ODB was sentenced to prison for drug possession, and upon his release he went back into the studio under the name Dirt McGirt to record a new full-length solo record on Roc-A-Fella Records according to an Associated Press obituary.
Roc-A-Fella Records CEO Damon Dash released a statement on the label’s Web site concerning the death of Ol’ Dirty Bastard: “All of us in the Roc-A-Fella family are shocked and saddened by the sudden and tragic death of our brother and friend Russell Jones, Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Russell inspired all of us with his spirit, wit and tremendous heart. He will be missed dearly, and our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences go out to his wonderful family. The world has lost a great talent, but we mourn the loss of our friend.”
