D12
- This article is about an American hip-hop group. For other uses, see d12 (disambiguation).
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D12 (also known as D-12, The Dirty Dozen, D-Twizzy and Detroit-Twelve) is an American hip-hop group from Detroit, Michigan. D12 has had chart-topping albums in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.[citation needed] D12 was formed in 1996, but only achieved mainstream success when one of its members, Eminem, rose to international fame and notoriety.
History
Early career
Proof formed D12 as a rap collective of local Detroit MCs including Bizarre, Eminem, Eye-Kyu, Killa Hawk, Fuzz and himself. The group was a loose collective in the vein of Wu-Tang Clan. The original concept of D12 was to have 12 of Detroit's most talented Rappers. However, when Eminem, Proof, Eye-Kyu, Bizarre and a few others who were members at the time, were unable to find 12 Rappers who were good enough, Proof decided in order to have 12, the then 6 members would create an alter-ego. Proof chose Dirty Harry. When Eminem found out Proof took that name, he decided on Billy The Kid. This was Eminem's first Dirty Dozen alter-ego. Eminem and Proof eventually decided to "fall-back" on the wild-west concept. At some point afterwards, most-likely early 1997, Eminem created the Slim Shady concept. Bizarre became Peter S. Bizarre. Kuniva became Hannz G., which later became Rondell Beene. Denaun became Kon Artis. Bugz became Robert Beck. During 1997, and continuing throughout 1998, several members began making names for themselves in Detroit. Bizarre was named Inner City Entertainment's "Flava of the Week". He went on to release an album called Attack Of The Weirdos and become an honorary member of The Outsidaz with Eminem, Rah Digga and Young Zee. Proof won a freestyling competition run by The Source in 1998.
Before the group had any success, Killa Hawk and Fuzz left the group due to various reasons. Fuzz in particular did not get along well with Proof (as stated by Eminem in his book Angry Blond). D12 went through many changes during its beginning stages - leaving only four official members: Proof, Bizarre, Eminem and Eye Kyu for a long while. Eminem then later left to pursue his solo career after being heard by Dr. Dre. D12 temporarily was over. Right about when Eminem got a deal, Proof decided to start D12 up again. Proof was set to find other local rappers to join the group. Proof managed to pick up local Detroit hip hop duo Da Brigade to join. Da Brigade featured longtime Eminem and Proof friend Kon Artis, who also produced Eminem's first album Infinite. The other half of Da Brigade was formed by local MC Kuniva. Kon Artis was just the producer for D12 at the time, but was later convinced to join D12 as an artist after his partner Kuniva decided to join the Dirty Dozen. Kuniva then introduced Bugz to Proof who later joined the group. Bizarre again joined, but Eye Kyu had decided not to. D12 were in need of one more member, until Bugz asked to have his long time friend Swift, who at the time was already a member of the rap duo Da Rabeez to join. [1]
Rise to fame
The first member of the group to achieve solo success was Eminem. After he recorded an independent EP called The Slim Shady EP in 1997 that caught the attention of famed rap producer Dr. Dre and Interscope CEO Jimmy Iovine, and he was quickly signed to Aftermath/Interscope records. Eminem stuck to his pact, and Dr. Dre once stated that while making The Slim Shady LP, his debut album, he kept insisting that he go back to sign the others. Dr. Dre told him to first establish himself as a solo artist, then go back for his friends.
In 1999 he released his hit debut The Slim Shady LP and quickly rose to super stardom as The Slim Shady LP went on to sell four million copies in the United States. Having taken Dre's advice, he had established himself as a solo artist and decided it was time to gather his friends. As a way to establish D12, he created Shady Records under the Interscope imprint. He then made D12 the first act to be signed to Shady/Interscope Records.
Death of Bugz
The group toured with Eminem after they signed with Shady Records. Before a show in Detroit, D12 member Bugz attended a picnic which would end with his death. Bugz argued with a man over a water-pistol fight. As the argument escalated, the man went to his SUV and retrieved a firearm which he then fired in Bugz's direction. Bugz was shot three times and hit by the assailant's vehicle as he fled the scene. The attack was caught on tape and shown on the local news later that night.
D12 was shaken by the incident, darkening the light mood of the rap collective. One of the last things Bugz had asked Proof was to allow Swift to join D12[2]. Unfortunately, a few weeks after Swift joined, Bugz was killed, and the rest of D12 couldn't cope and started to believe it was over. After Bugz's death, Eminem asked if he could substitute for Bugz to help them out and do some shows with them which they were booked for prior to Bugz's death. This eventually led to Eminem becoming a member of D12 again. [3] [1]
In memory of Bugz, the group recorded the track "Good Die Young" on their second album D12 World. The album also included a song titled "Bugz '97", which was a 1997 recording of Bugz, originally from the song 'Desperados'. All five members of D12 bear a tattoo of his name somewhere on their bodies in remembrance of him. The group recorded their first LP Devil's Night in his memory. Eminem's second album The Marshall Mathers LP was also dedicated to Bugz.
Success
The group has released two albums, Devil's Night and D12 World. Both albums debuted at number one on the Billboard music charts in the U.S. and topped the charts in many other countries. The two albums' hit singles included "Purple Pills", "Fight Music", "My Band", and "How Come".
D12 also made a song, Lies & Rumors, for the Shark Tale soundtrack.
The group was often overshadowed by Eminem's massive success, and toured without him for the second album while Eminem was busy recording Encore. Although shadowed by Eminem's success, other members Bizarre and Proof managed to prevail with mildly successful solo careers with the releases of Hannicap Circus and Searching for Jerry Garcia in 2005. D12 (minus Eminem) appeared on Tech N9ne's 2002 album entitled Absolute Power on the track "She-Devil". They also decided that Eminem would not be as prominent on their upcoming third album, which remains evident even after Proof's death. Their third album is estimated to be 70% completed with yet any input from Eminem. [4]
Death of Proof
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On April 11 2006, Proof died after suffering a gunshot wound to the head at approximately 4:30am EDT (08:30 UTC) at the CCC Club on 8 Mile Road in Detroit, Michigan, after fatally shooting Keith Bender Jr.. Proof fired the first shots into Bender's head after taking his pistol and striking Bender several times in the face. However, these reports contradict another eye-witness who states otherwise. The eruption is suspected to have been due to an argument over a game of pool. Proof was then allegedly shot by the bouncer Mario Etheridge, Bender's cousin. He was then taken by private vehicle to St. John Health's Conner Creek Campus, an outpatient emergency treatment site, and was pronounced dead on arrival shortly thereafter. Exact details of his death and the events that led to it remain unclear.[5]
He was buried on April 19 in The Fellowship Chapel, Detroit, to a full house of 2,000 with thousands mourning outside. Eminem and Obie Trice read eulogies at the service. An excerpt from Eminem's speech: "I'm sure everybody who has ever met him, even just once, can testify to the fact that he illuminated a room when he walked in it. I believe that Proof loved people and people loved him. He was a magnet. He lured you in. You wanted to learn about him, follow his swagger. Without Proof, there would be no Eminem, no Slim Shady, and no D12." Many rap artists offered their condolences to Proof's family after the passing. Proof is survived by his mother Sherallene; father McKinley; wife Sharonda; sons DeShaun Rice and Elijha Abel; and daughters Katieva Walker, Nassan, and Nyeem.[6]
Swift's incarceration
On April 21 2006, Swift was arrested in Novi, Michigan, after he failed to appear in court. He skipped the court date to attend fallen group-member Proof's funeral, where he served as an honorary pallbearer. Swift was on probation from a drunk-driving case and served two days in jail in October 2005 for failing a drug-test when they found alcohol in his blood stream. Swift was sentenced by District Court Judge Brian MacKenzie to 93 days in jail for violating terms of his probation. His incarceration stalled the recording process of D12's third album, and prevented him from appearing in magazine interviews or being reached for comment on Proof's death. He has now been released and is currently working on the third D12 album.
Chart success
Their debut album, Devil's Night, referring to the old Detroit tradition of setting abandoned buildings on fire (something that has become huge in Detroit) the night before Halloween, was released in June 2001. It debuted at number one on the U.S. and British charts, also reaching the top of the Canadian charts. Devil's Night went on to sell four million albums worldwide and two million in the U.S. It featured the following hit singles:
- "Purple Hills" (the clean version of "Purple Pills") reached the top twenty on the Billboard 100 and number one on the rap tracks charts in 2001 as well as number two in the UK and the top ten in Australia.
- "Shit on You" reached the British top ten and the Canadian top five.
- "Fight Music", featuring Ice T, Angie Martinez, Fat Joe,in its music video, reached the British top twenty and the Australian top forty.
The group's second album was D12 World released on April 27 2004, featuring production by Dr. Dre, Eminem, Kon Artis and Kanye West, and guest appearances by Obie Trice on the track "Loyalty", and B-Real of Cypress Hill on the track "American Psycho II". It debuted at the top of the U.S., UK, and Australian album charts, and number two in Germany — selling over half a million records in its first week of release in the U.S. alone. "My Band", the album's first single, was also successful reaching number one in Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. rhythmic top forty, the top five in the UK and Germany, and the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100.
Appearances in film
The members of the group have also, on occasion, turned to acting. Eminem is the lead actor in 8 Mile and has a cameo appearance in The Wash, while Proof also appears in 8 Mile as a freestyle rapper called "Lil' Tic". The group (without Eminem) appear in 2005's The Longest Yard credited as "Basketball Convicts". Although, Eminem rapping about football can be heard while the convicts are practicing at one point. The group recorded the song "My Ballz" for The Longest Yard soundtrack.
D12 member Eminem is set to star in a new film, as of 2006, titled Have Gun — Will Travel, a modernized remake of the 1957 cowboy western television series of the same name. The rest of the group was previously stated to be producing and starring in two movies, one titled Devil's Night — a horror film, and another titled Runyon Cash — about growing up in the streets of Detroit. Since this statement however, there has been no official word about these releases.
Disputes
D12 became involved in a rivalry with Ja Rule and Murder Inc. (which had been primarily been between Ja Rule and 50 Cent) when Ja released "Loose Change", a diss track aimed at 50 Cent as well as Eminem. On the song, Ja insulted Eminem's daughter saying the lines "Em you claim your mother's a crackhead and Kim is a known slut so what's Hailie gonna be when she grows up?" Eminem responded on a DJ Green Lantern mixtape freestyle along with 50 Cent and Busta Rhymes called "Hail Mary 2003" (over 2Pac's Hail Mary beat). D12 also released a diss track in response to the "Loose Change" record called "Doe Ray Me" which featured Eminem and Obie Trice. They also dissed Murder Inc. on the outro of Obie Trice's Cheers album. Even Proof released a diss track entitled "Ja In A Bra." D12's involvement in the feud faded after Eminem released Like Toy Soldiers a song in which Eminem offers Ja to put an end to the "beef". Ja ended his feud with Shady Records but continues to feud with 50 Cent & G-unit.
Fuzz Scoota was a former member of D12. He had a dispute with Bizarre and he was eventually dropped from the group. Afterward, Fuzz Scoota released "F.U.Z.Z.", a diss track aimed at D12.
In 2002, Royce called Eminem and asked to be signed to Shady Records. Busy with his movie 8 Mile at the time, Eminem refused, but about a week later signed 50 Cent. Royce took this in stride, agreeing to do the Anger Management Tour with his crew D-Elite. While on tour, D12 took offense to a line Royce had written for the tour: "Fuck Anger Management, I need someone to manage my anger."
They took the line to Eminem, and from there a series of misunderstandings escalated the beef. A barfight between D12 and D-Elite culminated in Eminem and Royce not speaking, and a rekindled beef between Royce and all of D12, including Proof.
Detroit's radio stations were alive with the controversy, playing diss tracks back and forth which included "Smack Down" (Kon Artis and Bizarre over 50 Cent's "Back Down" beat). The track opens with an audio clip from an interview where Royce disses D12, calling them "the worst rap group ever". It attacks Royce's street credibility and alleges that D12 made his career possible. Proof recorded "Many Men" (over 50 Cent's "Many Men" beat), which addressed false rumors that Royce had ordered a hit on Proof.
Royce released several diss tracks including "Shit on U" (over D12's "Shit on You" beat), which was mostly aimed at Bizarre. This track ridicules Bizarre's limited ability as a rapper and his suffering from a speech impediment. Royce also recorded "We Ridin'" and "Death Day" (over 50 Cent's "In da Club" beat). Royce Da 5'9' later recorded "Malcolm X" (over Capone-N-Noreaga's "Bang Bang" beat), featuring Tre Little of D-Elite which ended up being an instant Detroit classic. Royce and Eminem have also released many subliminal track regarding the beef (but not necessarily dissing each other) Such as Royce's "We Ridin" and Eminem's verse in D12's "How Come". [7]
While Royce and Eminem never directly dissed each other, the rap world focused on their relationship, mostly overlooking the beef between Royce and Proof. The feud continued for two years, during which Royce suffered from a severe drinking problem, but released some of his most recognized material. For instance, his dark second LP Death Is Certain, which garnered favorable reviews from many publications and critics. (See links section for reference.)
In 2003, his conflict with Proof finally boiled over in a confrontation on the streets of Detroit. The two rappers' entourages gathered around them, but fled when they both drew guns. They spent a night in jail, working out differences, and eventually returned to the studio, and even went on an over-seas tour together. In the DJ Premier produced track "Ding!", Royce mentions his late friend: "Rest in peace to Proof/probably rollin over in his grave/niggas poisoning his name/the misfortunes of the fortune and the fame". In 2008 Royce and Eminem have officially squashed their beef. Royce told AllHipHop.com, “I hate cleaning up other peoples messes when it comes to rumors. Eminem is my brother, and as long as we are brothers, I couldn't ever have a real problem with any Shady Records artist. Cashis said something about me, but he was just looking out for Em. He was being a soldier and Em needs soldiers around him. So, if Em says he (Cashis) is sorry, then he is sorry. If he says it’s over, then it's over. That my nigga. I love him and my loyalty is with him.
On D12's 2008 mixtape Return Of The Dozen Vol.1 Royce appears on a track with D12 entitled Plead For Your Life.
Members
Current members
Deceased members
Former members
D12 Solo Label
- Eminem: Shady Records
- Proof: Iron Fist Records
- Kon Artis and Kuniva: Runyon Ave. Records
- Bizarre: Red Head Records
- Swift: Fyre Dapartment
Discography
Albums
- 2001: Devil's Night Platinum
- 2004: D12 World 2X Platinum
- 2008: Third studio album
Mixtapes
- 2003: D12 Limited Edition Mixtape
- 2008: Return of the Dozen Vol. 1
Singles
- 2000: "Shit on You"
- 2001: "Purple Pills"
- 2001: "911 (w/Gorillaz, w/o Eminem)"
- 2001: "Fight Music"
- 2004: "My Band"
- 2004: "How Come"
- 2004: "Git Up"
- 2004: "40 Oz."
- 2004: "U R the One"
References
- ^ a b "Bugz Nation: Crews". Bugz Nation.
- ^ "D12World.com: Swift member page". D12 World. 2001.
- ^ Joseph Patel, with reporting by Rahman Bugg. "Eminem: Rolling The Dice On D12". MTVNews.com.
- ^ "Hip-hop's Porter puts beats up for sale on Web". The Detroit News. Thursday June 21, 2007.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Robertson, Jessica (2006-04-11). "D12 Rapper Proof Fatally Shot". Rolling Stone @ RollingStone.com.
{{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ "D12, Eminem, 50 Cent and Others Attend Proof's Funeral". SixShot.com. 2006-04-20.