# Ol' Dirty Bastard

> American rapper (1968–2004)

**Wikidata**: [Q336924](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q336924)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ol'_Dirty_Bastard)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ol-dirty-bastard

## Summary
Ol' Dirty Bastard (1968–2004) was an American rapper and songwriter, best known as a founding member of the influential hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan. His unique, unfiltered style and eccentric persona made him one of the most distinctive voices in East Coast hip-hop during the 1990s.

## Biography
- **Born**: November 15, 1968
- **Died**: November 13, 2004
- **Nationality**: American
- **Known for**: Co-founding Wu-Tang Clan and pioneering hardcore hip-hop
- **Employer(s)**: Wu-Tang Clan, Loud Records, Roc-A-Fella Records, Elektra Records, RCA Records
- **Field(s)**: Rap, songwriting
- **Aliases**: ODB, Osiris, Dirt Dog, Dirt McGirt, O.D.B., Ason Unique, The Specialist, Joe Bananas, Ol' Dirt Dawg, The Bebop Specialist

## Contributions
Ol' Dirty Bastard was a co-founder of the Wu-Tang Clan, a groundbreaking hip-hop group formed in 1992 that revolutionized East Coast rap with its raw lyricism and Shaolin-inspired aesthetic. He released two solo albums, *Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version* (1995) and *N***a Please* (1999), both of which became cult classics. His work with Loud Records, a subsidiary of SRC Records, helped solidify the label's reputation in hip-hop. He also collaborated with major labels like Roc-A-Fella Records, Elektra Records, and RCA Records, contributing to the commercial success of hardcore hip-hop in the 1990s.

## FAQs
**What was Ol' Dirty Bastard's role in Wu-Tang Clan?**
Ol' Dirty Bastard was a founding member of Wu-Tang Clan, contributing his distinctive, unfiltered rap style to the group's debut album, *Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)* (1993), which is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time.

**What solo work did Ol' Dirty Bastard release?**
He released two solo albums: *Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version* (1995), which featured hits like "Shimmy Shimmy Ya" and "Brooklyn Zoo," and *N***a Please* (1999), which included collaborations with artists like Kelis and Busta Rhymes.

**Which record labels was Ol' Dirty Bastard associated with?**
He worked with Loud Records (a subsidiary of SRC Records), Roc-A-Fella Records, Elektra Records, and RCA Records, all of which played key roles in distributing his music and expanding his influence in hip-hop.

**What were Ol' Dirty Bastard's aliases?**
He was known by multiple stage names, including ODB, Osiris, Dirt Dog, Dirt McGirt, O.D.B., Ason Unique, The Specialist, Joe Bananas, Ol' Dirt Dawg, and The Bebop Specialist.

**How did Ol' Dirty Bastard influence hip-hop?**
His chaotic, unpredictable style and raw lyricism helped define the hardcore hip-hop subgenre, influencing a generation of rappers who embraced authenticity and individuality over polished commercialism.

## Why They Matter
Ol' Dirty Bastard was a pivotal figure in the rise of East Coast hip-hop, particularly through his work with Wu-Tang Clan. His unorthodox approach to rap—blending humor, aggression, and vulnerability—challenged conventional norms and expanded the artistic boundaries of the genre. His solo projects and collaborations with major labels helped bring hardcore hip-hop to mainstream audiences, leaving a lasting legacy in the music industry.

## Notable For
- Co-founding Wu-Tang Clan, one of the most influential hip-hop groups in history
- Releasing two critically acclaimed solo albums: *Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version* (1995) and *N***a Please* (1999)
- Pioneering the hardcore hip-hop subgenre with his raw, unfiltered lyricism
- Collaborating with major record labels, including Loud Records, Roc-A-Fella Records, Elektra Records, and RCA Records
- Using multiple stage names, including ODB, Dirt McGirt, and Ason Unique
- Being recognized as one of the most distinctive and unpredictable voices in 1990s hip-hop

## Body

### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Ol' Dirty Bastard, born Russell Tyrone Jones on November 15, 1968, emerged as a key figure in the New York hip-hop scene during the early 1990s. His early career was marked by his involvement in the formation of Wu-Tang Clan, a collective that would redefine East Coast rap.

### Wu-Tang Clan and Rise to Fame
In 1992, Ol' Dirty Bastard co-founded Wu-Tang Clan alongside RZA, GZA, Method Man, and other members. The group's debut album, *Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)* (1993), became a landmark in hip-hop, blending gritty lyrics with Shaolin-inspired themes. Ol' Dirty Bastard's contributions to the album, including his verse on "Protect Ya Neck," showcased his unique, unfiltered style.

### Solo Career and Major Releases
Ol' Dirty Bastard released his debut solo album, *Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version*, in 1995 under Loud Records. The album featured hits like "Shimmy Shimmy Ya" and "Brooklyn Zoo," solidifying his reputation as a solo artist. His second album, *N***a Please* (1999), included collaborations with artists like Kelis and Busta Rhymes, further expanding his influence in hip-hop.

### Record Label Affiliations
Throughout his career, Ol' Dirty Bastard worked with several major record labels, including Loud Records (a subsidiary of SRC Records), Roc-A-Fella Records, Elektra Records, and RCA Records. These affiliations helped distribute his music to wider audiences and contributed to the commercial success of hardcore hip-hop in the 1990s.

### Influence and Legacy
Ol' Dirty Bastard's chaotic, unpredictable style and raw lyricism helped define the hardcore hip-hop subgenre. His work with Wu-Tang Clan and his solo projects influenced a generation of rappers who valued authenticity and individuality. His legacy continues to resonate in hip-hop, with many artists citing him as an inspiration for his fearless approach to music.

### Personal Life and Death
Ol' Dirty Bastard passed away on November 13, 2004, leaving behind a lasting impact on the hip-hop community. His contributions to Wu-Tang Clan and his solo work remain influential, with his music continuing to inspire new generations of artists.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. International Standard Name Identifier
3. MusicBrainz
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. BnF authorities
6. [Source](https://elpais.com/cultura/2004/11/14/actualidad/1100386801_850215.html)
7. IMDb
8. Find a Grave
9. [Source](http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1494879/ol-dirty-bastard-died-from-drug-overdose.jhtml)
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. CONOR.SI
12. BBC Things
13. ISWC Network
14. Google Knowledge Graph
15. The Guardian
16. The Movie Database