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(November 12, 2004)
The rap artist known as Old Dirty Bastard or ODB has died. His record label says he collapsed and died inside a recording studio Saturday. The rapper reportedly had complained of chest pains before collapsing at the Manhattan studio, according to a statement from Roc-a-Fella records.
Also known as Dirt McGirt, Russell Tyrone Jones, his given name at birth, was
a founding member of the rap group the Wu-Tang Clan in the early 1990s. He later launched a successful solo career and released several hit singles. But he was frequently in trouble with the law, mostly for drug possession.
ODB will probably always be remembered when he crashed the stage at the 1998, Grammy Awards and hijacked a microphone from singer Shawn Colvin as
she accepted an award, apparently upset over losing the best rap album Grammy to Puff Daddy. He complained that he spent a lot of money for new clothes because he thought he was going to win. He later apologized. Also in 1998, he was wounded
in a shooting during a robbery in his apartment.
In 2001 he was sentenced to two to four years in prison for drug possession; plus two concurrent years for escaping from a rehab clinic. He was released in 2003 and immediately signed with Roc-a-Fella.
A statement was released Saturday evening by ODB's mother, Cherry Jones.
"This evening I received a phone call that is every mother's worst dream," she said. "My son, Russell Jones, passed away. To the public, he was known as Ol' Dirty Bastard. To me, he was known as Rusty, the kindest and most generous soul on earth. I appreciate all the support I received. Russell was more than a rapper — he was a loving father, brother, uncle and most of all, son. With love, Cherry Jones."
Damon Dash, head of Roc-A-Fella Records, the label that signed ODB last fall, also released a statement.
"All of us in the Roc-A-Fella family are shocked and saddened by the sudden and tragic death or our brother and friend," Dash said. "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."
O.D.B. would have turned 36 on Monday.
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