Ol' Dirty Bastard

Ol' Dirty Bastard, born Russell Tyrone Jones (November 15, 1968 – November 13, 2004), also known as ODB, Dirt McGirt, Dirt Dog, Ason Unique, Osirus and Big Baby Jesus, was an African American rapper and member of the Wu-Tang Clan. As well as being well-known as one of the most distinctive hip hop artists of the 1990s, he became notorious for his problem-plagued private life and erratic public behavior.

Death

Russell Jones collapsed at approximately 4:35pm on November 13, 2004 at Wu-Tang's recording studio (36 Records LLC on West 34th Street in New York City). He was pronounced dead less than an hour later, only two days shy of his 36th birthday. He was buried at Brooklyn's Christian Cultural Center.

Related Topics:
November 13 - 2004 - New York City

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A statement was released on Saturday (November 13) evening by his mother Cherry Jones:

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:"This evening, I received a phone call that is every mother's worst dream," she said. "My son, Russell Jones, passed away. To the public, he was known as Ol' Dirty Bastard, but to me, he was known as Rusty, the kindest, most generous soul on earth. I appreciate all the support and prayers that I have received. Russell was more than a rapper, he was a loving father, brother, uncle, and most of all, son."

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A statement was also released by Damon Dash, who signed ODB to Roc-A-Fella Records in the Fall of 2004:

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:"All of us in the Roc-A-Fella family are shocked and saddened by the sudden and tragic death of our brother and friend. Russell inspired all of us with his spirit, wit and tremendous heart. He will be missed dearly, and our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences go out to his wonderful family. The world has lost a great talent, but we mourn the loss of our friend."

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The cause of death remained unknown until December 15, 2004; although he reportedly complained of chest pains prior to collapsing, a heart attack was not listed as the cause of death. During the initial autopsy of the 35-year-old rapper, a doubled plastic bag containing cocaine was discovered in his stomach http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/21186.htm. Final results from an autopsy show he had a lethal mixture of cocaine and the prescription painkiller Tramadol in his system at the time of his death, which was ruled an accidental overdose by the New York Medical Examiner's Office. http://www.livedaily.com/news/7457.html?t=77

Related Topics:
December 15 - 2004 - Autopsy - Tramadol

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