Russell Tyrone Jones — better known as Ol’ Dirty Bastard — left this earth in 2004, but his legacy lives on with family, friends and anyone who loves the Wu-Tang Clan. The Hip-Hop Foundation and the family of Ol’ Dirty Bastard came together to celebrate the late rapper’s legacy within Hip-Hop, and through hail, sleet, and snow, New Yorkers packed the The Roulette to be apart of this special celebration.

 

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Painting of Ol’Dirty Bastard at the ODB Birthday event in Brooklyn with children @metaphysics91 @taniquajones404 @youngdirtybastardofficial Photo: @freshpixxphotography

A post shared by OL’ DIRTY BASTARD (@oldirtybastardlegacy) on Nov 17, 2018 at 4:29pm PST

Fort Greene, Brooklyn is the birthplace of ODB, so it only felt right that this special 50th birthday celebration would be held in the rapper’s home borough. The Roulette art space entertained a sold-out crowd of people that loved ODB for his artsy and — most of all — his aura that continues to live on.

 

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The son of ODB, Young Dirty Bastard, quickly became a true standout throughout the night as he was joined by various members of Wu-Tang, DJ Evil Dee, Mathematics, Busta Rhymes, Hakim Green and many other talented artists throughout the night. Some of the most powerful moments during this celebration would have to be seeing YDB as the pure embodiment of his father, carrying on the legacy through his performing. In addition, heartfelt speeches from the family of the late rapper touched everyone in attendance; the Shinnecock native tribal dance performance was amazing.

Father, brother, uncle and friend ODB filled the room, and it was obvious that his legacy is here and alive.

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Wu-Tang Clan. Photo Credit: Hip Hop Golden Age

Being aroung RZA, GZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, UGod, Masta Killa and Cappadonna has its perks and life lessons. Just ask Chris McKee.

McKee has been a booking agent for 20 years and has represented some of the biggest names in music. His soon to be released book focuses on his time as the booking agent and tour manager for one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all-time; The Wu-Tang Clan.  

A Staten Island hip-hop group, since 1992, The Wu-Tang Clan has released seven gold and platinum albums with worldwide sales of more than 40 million. Their 1993 debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), is considered to be one of the greatest albums in hip-hop history.   

Rolling Stone Magazine called Wu-Tang Clan “the best rap group ever.”

There are very few outsiders who have been allowed access into the world of the Wu-Tang Clan until now.  

McKee worked with various members of the Wu-Tang for over 10 years and is ready to let people see what really goes on behind the curtain while on tour with members of the Wu-Tang Clan.  

The book is both a window into the world of the Wu-Tang Clan as well as a teaching tool to understanding the ins and outs of the music business. The book will feature stories about sex, drugs, rock n’ roll (or hip-hop) and murder.

McKee has released excerpts from his book which include the story of how of how a concert promoter (Matt ‘Dutch’ Garner) who was involved with producing a concert for Ghostface Killah in Montreal was murdered a week before the show.

“The thing about Montreal is that the line is blurred between certain parts of the entertainment industry and criminals and gangsters; more so than any other city in Canada.  In Montreal you have to tread very carefully when you go about your business if you want to stay out of trouble.

I guess Dutch missed that memo.

Dutch was murdered two weeks before the Ghostface show in Montreal.

According to various news reports, assailants broke into his apartment on St. Henri and taped Dutch and an associate to their chairs and set to the two of them on fire. Dutch was found dead in his apartment on the chair but the second victim had tried to escape and made his way down a flight of stairs onto the street while still ablaze where he eventually succumb to his injuries and died on a neighboring lawn.

Chris McKee. Photo Credit: Herosports

They have yet to arrest any suspects in the murder and the case remains open.”

The book also features a window into the absurdity of having to do business with various members of Wu-Tang. McKee tells the story of a breakfast meeting with Ghostface in Montreal the morning after a concert.

“Before our breakfast meeting ended, Ghost had one other interesting request to ask of me.

He said, “Don’t be putting me in any more hotels with French TV channels.”

He continued, “I was trying to watch some TV last night and relax and whatever and every channel was in French.”

Ghostface added, “I can’t have that in any of these other cities, so no more hotels with these French TVs.”

I stared back blank not knowing how to answer.

The thought occurred to me that this was a man who has travelled the world over at least a dozen times. He has performed concerts as Ghostface and as a member of the Wu-Tang Clan on probably every continent on the planet.  Yet he hasn’t figured out that when you’re in a city or country that speaks a different language that it is highly likely that the TV channels will probably be in that very same language. “

The yet to be titled book is set to be released in early 2018.

Some of the artists that McKee has produced concerts for include: Rihanna, Black Eyed Peas, The Roots, Akon, Busta Rhymes, 50 Cent and G-Unit, Slaughterhouse, Flo-Rida, D12 and hundreds more.  

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The post Scoop B Selects: Former Wu-Tang Clan Booking Agent, Chris McKee To Release Book Chronicling Life On The Road appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

From Snoop Doggy Dog, to Grandmaster Flash, we’re hopping in a time machine as we go through Hip-Hop’s 25 Most Memorable Album Covers.

25. Juvenile, 400 Degreez (1998)

From the diamonds and flames, to the Z in “Degreez” being a dollar sign…There’s just something about the WordArt feel of this album that keeps fans coming back.

24. Wale, Attention Deficit (2009)

The obvious shoutout to a digital world reigns as the focal point for this album cover. A strong, yet simple message burns through the vibrant cool colors, and captures your attention immediately.

23. De La Soul, 3 Feet High and Rising (1989)

You’ve probably seen these flowers before, or maybe even these 3 talented young men. Fun fact, rap group De La Soul actually hates this album cover. They felt that everyone would be associating them with flowers, peace, the whole hippie movement, when that wasn’t them at all!

22. Kanye West, 808s and Heartbreak (2008)

The minimalism in this cover is the beauty of it all. Kanye was hurting, simple as that!

21. 2Pac, Me Against The World (1995)

This album shook the charts, and you couldn’t go anywhere in 1995 without seeing it. 2Pac rocked the world right before his unfortunate passing, and sold hundreds of thousands copies of the album.

20. Run-D.M.C., Run-D.M.C. (1984)

Run-D.M.C.; Pioneers, legends, superstars. This classic cover had to make the list!

19. Lauryn Hill, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998)

Firstly, it’s Lauryn Hill etched into a school desk. This album taught everyone a couple of things. No further explanation needed.

18. Snoop Doggy Dogg, Doggystyle (1993)

From the dogcatcher in the back to the Snoop Dogg lookalike on top of the dog house, this album cover is full of style, steeze, and comedy!

17. Eric B. & Rakim, Paid in Full (1987)

Money. Harlem was all about money. Eric B. and Rakim made it clear that they had it, and there was never any problem getting it! The Dapper Dan Gucci sweatsuits, the huge rope chains… The aesthetic of it all represents a very transitional era in the development of Hip-Hop music.

16. Ice Cube, Death Certificate (1991)

Ice Cube next to Uncle Sam’s corpse. No further explaining to do.

17. Missy Elliott, Supa Dupa Fly (1997)

Missy Elliott has always held more swag than most artists in the music industry, remaining humble and subtly stunting on everyone! This cover embodies exactly who she is; chilling for the moment… but don’t forget that she’s fly.

18. Wu-tang Clan, Enter the Wu-tang: 36 Chambers (1993)

This album cover is actually kind of wild. Firstly, no face, no case. Secondly, does the guy in the front have a finger gun? This album cover is great for its immense mystery.

17. Jay-Z, The Blueprint (2001)

Jay-Z wearing a Rocawear jean jacket smoking a cigar. He won.

16. A Tribe Called Quest, Midnight Marauders (1993)

The various facial expressions in the background, the bulging eyes… What do we look at first?! This album cover is great because it leaves so much space for interpretation, the colors on the cover represent so many things, and everyone would formulate their own meaning.

15. Kendrick Lamar, To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)

We need to take over the White House… and keep it. Bring our culture, our families, our music… make it OUR country. Simply put.

14. Kanye West, The College Dropout (2004)

We all know the bear. This bear costume (that Kanye FOUND, by the way) looks like any college student during the longest finals week ever: TIRED. The album cover is warm, relatable, and not complex; perfect in a sense.

13. Grandmaster Flash, The Source (1986)

Do we start off with the fly guy with this legs crossed, or old boy with the red leather hat to match his shoes? This album cover embodies the true start of Hip-Hop. B-boys, spitting bars in New York City’s uptown train station, even down the pager on homeboy’s hip!

12. Snoop Doggy Dogg, The Doggfather (1996)

The Godfather is a critically acclaimed cult classic, and Snoop Dogg actually might’ve done something, by simply switching 2 letters! This was Snoop’s final album on Death Row Records under his name of Snoop Doggy Dogg, and he was owning the game. The West coast made no moves without you hearing about Snoop, rightfully making him the Doggfather.

11. NWA, Straight Out of Compton (1988)

One of the most controversial groups, with one of the most rebellious albums of all time. These young men all banded together and shook the West coast with words that everyone in Compton couldn’t bring themselves to say.

10. The Fugees, The Score (1996)

Firstly, Lauryn Hill AND Wyclef Jean on ONE album cover… That’s art. The beauty lies in the minimal yet intense typography, and the 3 beautiful black faces.

9. Nas, Illmatic (1994)

This kid is too cute. Too cute for the cover, and too cute for the hood he reigns from. Nas showed that everyone was suffering and surviving, even the young.

8. Master P, The Ghettos Tryin To Kill Me! (1994)

The lace bra hanging from Master P’s name, the Boosie fade, my man creeping in the window “Cell Therapy” style… The lo-fi quality wraps it all together, you feel like you’re watching a movie, and you’ve barely even looked at the cover.

7. DMX, Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood (1998)

This album cover is bloody and gory, in every sense. Its beauty lies in the naive state of such a “Ruff” guy, and almost goes to show that the black man is one of the most sensitive species.

6. Redman, Dare Iz a Darkside (1994)

Redman is stuck buried in this Children of the Corn looking field, and its freaking me out. I love it.

5. Outkast, Stankonia (2000)

This album cover is great for 3 reasons: One, Andre 3000 was having an amazing hair day. Two, so was Big Boi. Thirdly, it calls out the entire country, so subtly, being a black and white world. We all knew… But did we really know?

4. Gang Starr, Daily Operation (1992)

Gang Starr is really giving off intellectual and successful vibes, and who doesn’t love that? “The goal is money, and this is how we get it. Don’t ask no questions, I thought this through.” Guys from the hood are smart too!

3. Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Return of the 36 Chambers (1995)

Have you seen the O.D.B tv special, where he took America into the food stamp office in Brooklyn, and got his money right? This man never cared, was never too embarrassed to live his life and let whoever wanted to look come and see. Hoping his unbothered soul is resting in peace.

2. The Notorious B.I.G., Ready to Die (1994)

Foreshadowing? This was Biggie’s debut album, and just as his career was being born, he was ready to die. Sadly, he would pass away 2 years after its release. But in those 2 short years, he conquered the world. He started off on top, and he achieved what he needed to; he was truly ready to die.

1. Geto Boys, We Can’t Be Stopped (1991)

This man… Is in a hospital bed. The rap trio is standing in a hospital, posed for an ALBUM COVER. Who was stopping the Geto Boys? NOTHING! They literally cannot be stopped, no matter the circumstance. This cover is full of hustle and desire to reach success, and has to be respected as THE most memorable. Who’s forgetting this?

Do you have any albums you think should’ve been on this list? Leave a comment below and let us know!

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Mariah has made many contributions to the music world throughout her music career.  The singer is known for her signature whistle high note, but more importantly: Mariah is known for a good-ole collaboration.  Mimi’s partnership with artist that included singers and rappers has provided her with more than a few chart-topping collaborations that have broken records and made history. Here are a few of Mariah’s classic collaborations.

“Breakdown” featuring Bone Thugs-N-Harmony: In 1997 Mariah dropped her sixth studio album Butterfly. The album’s fourth single “Breakdown” perfectly explains one’s feelings when a relationship abruptly ends; causing one to have an emotional breakdown. Wish Bone & Krazyie Bone of the rap group Bone Thugs are featured on the song, which was written by Carey and Stevie J. with production from Puffy Daddy and Stevie J. both.

“Heartbreaker” featuring Jay-Z: Carey’s first commercial single to feature a hip-hop artist was assisted by Jay-Z and produced by DJ Clue. Serving as Mariah’s leading single off her 1999, Rainbow album, it also contains a sample of “Attack of the Name Game” by Stacy Lattisaw. Aside from constantly being compared to one of Mariah’s early hit songs, “Heartbreaker (Dessert Storm)” remix featured pals Missy Elliott and Da Brat spitting rhymes over the Snoop Dogg sampled “Ain’t No Fun (If the Homies Can’t Have None).” The remix received a video too; just not as theatrical and expensive as the songs original that cost $2.5 million.

“When You Believe” featuring Whitney Houston: Battle of the biggest diva with the biggest voice was laid to rest, when Mariah and Whitney joined vocal forces for “When You Believe” from The Prince of Egypt soundtrack. Written by Stephen Schwartz and produced by Babyface; the ladies went belt for belt on the inspirational tune. The tune went on to win an Oscar for Best Original Song at the 71^st ceremony.

“Honey” featuring The Bad Boy Family: Butterfly’s leading single was compliments of Stevie J., Q-Tip, Puff Daddy along with Mariah. All co-producing and writing the number one (3 weeks) hit song that’s credited as a re-defying moment in her career. The track contains samples from “The Body Rock” by the Treacherous Three, and “Hey DJ” by the World’s Famous Supreme Team. The popular remix features Mase and The Lox handling the intro and outro for the song, which critics called a “genuine transition!” However, the song’s video gained just as much attention with its James Bond theme, that had Mariah held hostage in a mansion before she makes a crafty escape. The video is rumored to mimic Carey’s divorce that took place at that time.

“Fantasy” featuring ODB: Mariah had a beautiful partnership with Puff Daddy when it came to music. In 1995 Puffy turned Daydream’s leading single “Fantasy” into a massive hit. Containing samples of “Genius of Love” from Tom Tom Club’s 1981 song. Mariah Carey and Dave Hall penned the perfect song but it was Wu-Tang Clan’s member Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s assisted verse that helped Carey’s transition into hip-hop. In the song, Mariah maybe fantasizing about an impossible relationship, but in real life the song experienced a new relationship, becoming the second song in Billboard history to debut atop the Hot 100, along with being the first female artist to achieve that. “Fantasy” held the number one spot down for eight consecutive weeks. *Sings “Me and Mariah…”

“One Sweet Day” featuring Boyz II Men: 1995 was really good to Carey. The Daydream album was Mariah’s best-reviewed album, and became her second album to become certified diamond (10 millions records sold.) The album’s success was due to her hit “Fantasy,” but even more her biggest hit to date “One Sweet Day.” It speaks about losing a loved one and hanging on to the thoughts of seeing them again. It features R&B group, Boyz II Men, who wrote the song with Carey and Walter Afanasieff. Released on November 14, 1995 and on December 2. 1995 “One Sweet Day” began its reign in the 58-year history of the Billboard Hot 100. “One Sweet Day” spent 16 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, and is the LONGEST RUNNING NUMBER ONE SONG ON THE CHART EVER! “One Sweet Day” would receive six Grammy nominations, but sadly Carey left empty-handed at the 38^th ceremony. However, the song is ranked as the Best Collaboration of All Time, and will go down in music history.

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RZA has linked up with Boombotix once again to unleash another gem. This time, it’s a track from the late and great Ol’ Dirty Bastard titled “Obey Me.” The song was originally cut during the recording of ODB’s 1994 debut album Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version. RZA sat down with Rolling Stone to talk about the cut:

He was f*ckin’ buggin’ out on this song that night. Dirty felt that anything he made was supposed to be released. I was more critical of what we released. And even though some people may listen to his first album and go, ‘Sh*t, this is crazy, this song fits right in.’ To me, there was a method to the madness of what we did. And with the stuff that didn’t make the album, there was a clear reason why in the narrative of what I was striving to create with his style.”

In order to get your hands on the track, you can purchase the REX portable speaker to get three versions of the song: the original, and two remixes from Shash’U and High Klassified. Listen to the Shash’U remix below.

The post RZA Drops Ol’ Dirty Bastard Track “Obey Me” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

“For two years I’ve been trying to figure out “how can I be the next best this or the next best that” when in all reality I wasn’t realizing that the reason I’ve even gotten this far was all off what i call the “3I’s” instinct, inclination and insight. I became overwhelmed with the fact of receiving such early success and fell victim to over thinking, heavily weighing every single option before making a move. My then child-like brain became jam packed with rational, concrete ideas as well as knowledge. I locked myself in a room and spent every minute of the day soaking up information like a sponge. My issue was how can I put it all together. I kept over thinking until I couldn’t write anything on paper. I really started to feel like my true uninhibited creativity was squashed into a box but yet I knew so much. Anyways I’ve finally came over to the other side of the mountain by realizing the best way for me to do this is to not ‘try’ to give you the best but give you the best version of myself, and that’s what I intend to do starting with this record here. I give you my first official record of 2015 “Big Baby Jesus 2 (The Dirty Version)” I didn’t leave the house or rarely talk to anyone until it was done, and YES IT IS ALL ONE SONG. Thanks for even reading this long ass shit. Love you for that my nigga Let’s get to it.”

If there’s anything to be said about the record, it’s that this is a clear indicator of the ability King Critical possesses as an all-around artist. Breaking the mold of being perceived as a “cypher rapper”, Critical delivers a 17-minute movie. Listen yourself and follow his Twitter for updates on future releases.

The post B.I.G.’s Lost Son? King Critical Drops 17 Minute Song, “Big Baby Jesus #2” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

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.

The post ‘Ol Dirty Bastard: The Forgotten Features From ’94 To The Millenium appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.