The legacy of Ol’ Dirty Bastard is unmatched being that there is no father to his style. Notorious for his gritty themes and raw styling, it is safe to say he is a founding notable of full-fledged unadulterated rapping. Comparatively to that of the raps of legendary underground blaxploitation film actor, Rudy Ray Moore.
Ol’ Dirty Bastard mastered the art of connecting sly lyricism with fractional singing which brought into existence his signature outlandish delivery.
During the 90s, his unorthodox ways on the mic were acceptingly distinct, as he unapologetically tackled subjects in the likes of unprotected sex, the grounds of Brooklyn, drugs, and the swagger of his collective domain the Wu-Tang Clan. This declared Dirty as an undisputed original who chaperoned the hood by shaping his own admirations.
Today, Nov. 13th marks 13 years since the unexpected passing of Ol’ Dirty Bastard. In 2004, he succumbed to a drug overdose, leaving arguably the most emblematic collective in hip-hop history in a physical void.
In honor of Osirus, Dirt McGirt, the O.D.B, here is a list of 10 iconic songs featuring the legend.
Big Daddy Kane “Show & Prove” feat. Scoob, Sauce Money, Shyheim, Jay-Z, and Ol’ Dirty Bastard
Ol’ Dirty got down with the ultimate cypher on Big Daddy Kane’s “Show & Prove” displaying his abrasive lyrical front, representing his clan.
Wu-Tang Clan “Shame on a Nigga”
Coming off of Wu-Tang’s supremely influential debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), is perhaps, one of Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s most notable lines, “Shame on a nigga who try to run game on a nigga,” which evolved into a landmarking Wu phrase.
Ol’ Dirty Bastard “Brooklyn Zoo”
The genius of Dirt McGirt is utilized as makes the decision to “drop science like girls be dropping babies” to prove the livelihood of his Brooklyn stance.
Wu-Tang Clan “Protect Ya Neck”
Coming straight out of the 13th chamber is Ason Unique lyrically putting anyone to shame who attempts to bite his style on this timeless Wu-Tang Clan classic, which still shuns the anti-lyricist.
Mariah Carey “Fantasy” feat. O.D.B.
History was made in the relationship between Hip-Hop and Pop when Mariah Carey recruited Ol’ Dirty for her record-breaking boo loving hit “Fantasy.”
Ol’ Dirty Bastard “Shimmy Shimmy Ya”
Heralded as the ultimate anthem of the Wu-Tang emcee, “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” embodies Ol’ Dirty’s most notable lines, “Ooh baby I like it raw,” which is a prime representation of his unadulterated stance.
Wu-Tang Clan “As High As Wu-Tang Get”
Despite not having a verse, his presence trailing the chorus alone is a powerful showcase of the emcee’s half-singing half-spitting mastery.
Pras “Ghetto Superstar” feat. Mya & Ol’ Dirty Bastard
In the late 90s, Hip-Hop/Pop/R&B mash-ups were brewing at large. Post-Fugees prime time, Pras found O.D.B. to be the perfect fit for his everlasting classic with Mya, “Ghetto Superstar.”
Sunz of Man “Shining Star” feat. Ol’ Dirty Bastard
Teaming up with Wu-Tang affiliate collective Sunz of Man, Ol’ Dirty was right in his gritty element as he turned “white boys to Springsteens.”
Ol’ Dirty Bastard “Got Your Money” feat. Kelis
Reigning from his last official solo album Nigga Please, Kelis joins Ol’ Dirty for a tight groove that moulds the moonstruck persona of the one and only O.D.B.
Since his death, the Wu-Tang Clan effortlessly continues to keep the legacy of Ol’ Dirty Bastard alive by featuring old recordings on coming projects. In Wu-Tang’s most recent release Wu-Tang: The Saga Continues, recordings of the late O.D.B. can be heard on th Cappadonna, Masta Killa, Streetlife, and GZA assisted track “If What You Say Is True.”
