‘Ol Dirty Bastard: The Forgotten Features From ’94 To The Millenium

It’s safe to say we can all spit out Ol’ Dirty Bastard‘s work alongside the Wu-Tang Clan and a bunch of his solo records off the top of our head. The dent he left on the game, and the impact he had on the masses is stamped in hip-hop’s history forever. Before we get into the features, perhaps briefly reflecting on his career is the right thing to do.

Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) was Dirty’s debut appearance, which is said to be one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. With both successful solo and collaborative careers, he has been featured on quite a few records during his active years, some of which may have been bypassed or laid in the cut a bit. This piece is a brief look at a handful of standout features from ODB–some rare and some mainstream. His sound lives on forever and spirit is eternal. Enjoy:

Big Daddy Kane ft. Sauce Money, Shyheim, Jay-Z & Ol Dirty Bastard – “Show & Prove” (1994)

Off Big Daddy Kane‘s sixth studio release from 1994, “Show & Prove” is a raw posse cut with a young Jay Z helping make it that much doper. This wasn’t long after ‘Ol Dirty Bastard’s explosion of fame, thanks to Wu-Tang Clan’s debut record. Never knew Big Daddy Kane did a joint with Dirty? Now you know. This seemed like a fun track for the five emcees, at a time when when you stepped to the plate with just yourself and your lyrical weaponry.

Mariah Carey ft. Ol Dirty Bastard – “Fantasy (Bad Boy Remix)” (1995)

This was a controversial collaboration, as record execs were worried about Dirty shifting Mariah Carey‘s direction in sound and polluting what she had going. Following her acclaimed, well received 1995 “Fantasy” came this Bad Boy Remix. An early Puff Daddy was on the boards, with his signature soft talk making an appearance. Everyone can remember their mom blasting this joint–a true summertime banger.

Busta Rhymes ft. Ol Dirty Bastard – “Woo Ha! Got You All In Check (Remix)” (1996)

At this time Busta Rhymes and ‘Ol Dirty Bastard were in their prime. They were known as the crazy acts in hip-hop, with murderous delivery and some of the most insane visuals offered to the masses. In 1996, they dropped this banger, which many in the underground consider a classic remix. The video certainly adds to the impact, but do be alarmed and careful.

Tha Alkaholiks ft. Ol Dirty Bastard & Marley Marl – “Hip-Hop Drunkies” (1997)

Marley Marl and Dirty on a record? Now that is history for certain. Tha Alkaholiks and ‘Ol Dirty Bastard in one recording session, or video shoot, is seemingly a fun time. Maybe too much fun? This video is a classic case of the “f*ck-it’s”, mocking Alcoholic’s Anonymous meetings and going buck wild. It’s fun to see Dirty collaborating with a West Coast hip-hop group to this degree in 1997. It was featured on Tha Alhaholiks third LP Likwidation, and served as one of their biggest hits even reaching the Billboard 100.

Cam’ron ft. Ol Dirty Bastard – “Violence” (2000)

Potentially one of the scariest, most raw records Dirt was ever featured on. This was off Cam’ron’s second full-length album SDE (Sports, Drugs & Entertainment) released in 2000. When Harlem and Brooklyn collide, especially at this time, you couldn’t have expected nothing short of insanity.

Ok, so we’ve cleared up some of ODB’s most rare/acclaimed features, with hopes that you learned something new from the article and have a good conversation piece with your biggest hip-hop head friend tonight. His legacy is with us for eternity. In celebration, go listen to some Dirt and hype yourself up. Peace and one love.