Russell Tyrone Jones

Russell Tyrone Jones (November 15, 1968 – November 13, 2004), better known by his stage name Ol' Dirty Bastard (or ODB), was an American rapper and founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan. He was known for his outlandish personality, distinctive rapping style, and often erratic behavior.

Early Life

Born and raised in the Fort Greene and Clinton Hill sections of Brooklyn, New York, Jones formed the group Force of the Imperial Master (later known as All in Together Now) with his cousins Robert Diggs (RZA) and Gary Grice (GZA). This group laid the foundation for what would eventually become the Wu-Tang Clan.

Career

As a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan, ODB contributed to their groundbreaking debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). He also released his successful solo album Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version in 1995. Known for his free-flowing, often nonsensical rhymes and gravelly voice, ODB became one of the most recognizable and unique personalities in hip-hop. His career, however, was marked by legal troubles and erratic behavior.

Personal Life

ODB was known for his eccentric personality and struggles with substance abuse. He had multiple children with different women. He died of a drug overdose two days before his 36th birthday.