Editor’s Note: This post was originally issued as an e-mail blast after the tragic death of RUSSELL T. JONES a/k/a OL’ DIRTY BASTARD. The WU-TANG Collective gathers at the Hammerstein Ballroom in N.Y.C. to celebrate the life and legacy of O.D.B. on February 14, 2006. Peace to OL’ DIRTY. Peace to the WU.
I never got a chance to really open up and show my love to BIG BABY JESUS(OL’ DIRTY). Next to GHOSTFACE, I felt the soundtrack to his life the most. There is so much mental energy that we Black men exert on an everyday basis just to keep from going crazy. The socio-political-economic system that we live under acts like water running down a drain and we struggle daily not to go under. Not that anyone out here has it particularly easy(white included) because when your taxes aren’t paid on time, Uncle Sam will come to your door to get his regardless of your last name. Your last name only determines if he will ring the doorbell or kick in the door.
I should pra’li give thanks to the WU real quick also. The WU-TANG clan illustrated the diaspora that is the Black Man. The members were individually talented and collectively invincible. Not since PUBLIC ENEMY has there been a group as diversely and intelligently orchestrated. Each member of the clan used their particular style to imprint and transform rap music. The term ‘ice’ belonged to the WU. If you don’t believe me please go copp RAEKWON’s ultra-classic first album also featuring GHOSTFACE KILLAH.
Without the WU-TANG CLAN who could we look for to express Black male unity? The 1980’s wannabe crack dealing reminscent DIPLOMATS? STATE PROPERTY? Isn’t ‘State Property’ the term used for incarcerated slave labor?!? The Gay Unit, oops, I meant to say G-UNIT.
Well all I got to say is one thing to say. ‘Shimmy Shimmy Y’all’. WU-TANG FOREVER!
Brooklyn Zoo
The Stomp
Baby C’mon
Shimmy Shimmy Ya’
Hippa To Da Hoppa
Rawhide
Brooklyn Zoo II (Tiger Crane)
I was at that show. Epic shit! RIP ODB.