ODB: A Son Unique

When ODB storms the stage at the 1998 Grammys, he cements his reputation as a nationally infamous prankster. Our host, photographer Khalik Allah takes us on a journey to meet the real ODB – the deeper, more complicated and misunderstood man behind the joker that the mainstream media portrayed. 

Please note that this episode contains racist language that some may find disturbing. 

ODB: A Son Unique...

1970s New York is the playground that makes ODB into one of the most memorable rappers of his generation. Khalik explores how Dirty’s musical family, the emergence of hip hop and the bold black spirituality of the Five-Percent Nation inspires ODB’s musical beginnings and the Wu-Tang’s rise to world domination. 

ODB: A Son Unique is produced by Novel and Talkhouse for USG Audio 

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With the Wu-Tang flying high, Dirty turns his attention to his solo career, producing a hip hop classic in the most unconventional way. To succeed Dirty needs to build the perfect team and stay away from fame’s temptations. Khalik takes us inside the making of ODB’s legendary debut solo album, a story of ups and downs, wild studio antics and bust ups with Dirty’s label.  

ODB: A Son Unique is produced by Nov...

With his record label trying to tame his wild antics, ODB has a fight on his hands to stay true to himself. Against the odds, Dirty’s struggle for artistic freedom leads him to produce one of the most iconic album covers in rap history. 

ODB: A Son Unique is produced by Novel and Talkhouse for USG Audio

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ODB scandalizes the nation by riding in a limo to collect a welfare check with an MTV camera crew in tow. His stunts make him a hero to the marginalized and opens doors to pop superstardom as Mariah Carey comes knocking. But as Dirty’s fame increases, the police begin targeting ODB and his brothers in the Wu-Tang Clan. 

ODB: A Son Unique is produced by Novel and Talkhouse for USG Audio

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Against a backdrop of continued police harassment, random attacks and memorials to gunned down rappers, ODB’s paranoia goes into overdrive. To save himself, Ol’ Dirty tries to rebrand by returning to the principles of the black freedom struggle and by changing his name to Osirus. But it’s too late. ODB seems to be a marked man. 

ODB: A Son Unique is produced by Novel and Talkhouse for USG Audio 

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For ODB, what began as a stint in rehab becomes a three and a half year ordeal stuck in the criminal justice system. A lifetime of unchecked mental health issues, police harassment, media exploitation and substance abuse compounds into a full-blown crisis. So when he is finally released from prison, and an exciting record deal with Rocafella Records awaits, can Dirty move past the deep scars incarceration has left and retu...

ODB died of an accidental drug overdose two days before his 36th birthday. Over the course of his short life, Dirty took on many names – Russell Jones, Ason Unique, Old Dirty Bastard, Osirius – each of them capturing a different facet of his personality. Khalik explores how Ol’ Dirty is remembered by the people who loved him, and why his art has endured so powerfully in the culture. 

ODB: A Son Unique is produced...