Ol' Dirty Bastard

Influential American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member

Ol' Dirty Bastard, born Russell Tyrone Jones on November 15, 1968, was an American rapper and producer who was one of the founding members of the Wu-Tang Clan, a pioneering group in the East Coast hip hop scene. With his distinctive, slurred delivery and his often profane and free-associative rhymes, ODB established himself as one of the most unique personalities in hip-hop. He released his debut solo album "Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version" in 1995, which was critically acclaimed and is considered a classic, featuring hits like "Shimmy Shimmy Ya" and "Brooklyn Zoo." His career was marked by legal troubles and erratic public behavior, which contributed to his notoriety and cult status within the music industry. ODB's work with the Wu-Tang Clan and his solo projects have had a lasting impact on hip-hop music. He passed away on November 13, 2004, due to an accidental drug overdose just two days before his 36th birthday. His legacy continues to influence artists across various genres.