However, it was as a solo artist that D12 member Eminem found success. All of the members of D12 have aliases and Eminem chose Slim Shady as his. Eminem was formerly in a group called Soul Intent along with Proof before leaving and forming with D12.
Eminem's success persuaded Proof to establish D12 on a more permanent basis in early 1999. Bizarre, Eminem, Kon Artis, Bugz, and Kuniva were recruited to join the group. Kuniva and Kon Artis were previously part of Da Brigade. However, Bugz passed away in Detroit on May 21, 1999 because of a gun incident at a picnic that turned into a shooting, leading to Kuniva proposing Swift take Bugz's place. Each of the members of the crew wears a tattoo of Bugz's name in his honor. The tracks Good Die Young and Bugz 97 (the latter of which features an appearance from Bugz) on D12 World are also in his memory.
The six members of D12 signed a contract with Eminem's Shady Records and Interscope in 2000. The fact that D12 rose to prominence after Eminem led many people to assume that the other members had less significance in the group - this would be the concept of the group's 2004 hit single My Band. They also made the song to adress the common using of Eminem featuring D12.
Despite Eminem's prominence in the music industry, D12 insists that there is no frontman in the group and that Eminem is just another member. In spite of this, D12 recently began to tour as a separate entity to Eminem, a controversial move that could lead to confusion among concert-goers who may believe they are paying to see Eminem as well as the other five performers.
Sadly, early morning on April 11, 2006, Proof was shot and killed at a Detroit-area nightclub. Proof, real name DeShaun Holton, was 32 years old. Proof was also one of Eminem's best friends and will be missed by fans and friends.
History
Early career and The Underground EP (1996–1998)
In 1997, they released their debut extended play, The Underground EP, which was recorded between 1996 and 1997. In 1997 and 1998, its members began establishing reputations locally. Bizarre was named Inner City Entertainment's "Flava of the Week" and went on to release an album, Attack of the Weirdos. Along with Eminem, Rah Digga and Young Zee, he became an honorary member of The Outsidaz. Proof won a freestyling competition run by The Source. In 1999, Bugz released These Streets EP, and made several appearances on other rappers' songs.
Around the time of Eminem's first record deal, Proof attempted to revive D12. He managed to recruit local Detroit hip hop duo Da Brigade, composed of Kuniva, a local MC, and Mr. Porter, a longtime friend of Eminem and Proof. At the time, Porter was the group's producer (he later produced Eminem's first album, Infinite), but Kuniva persuaded him to join the group as an artist. Later the group was joined by Bugz, and Bugz introduced his longtime friend Swift, who at the time was a member of rap duo Da Rabeez.
Death of Bugz (1999)
On May 21, 1999, Bugz was shot and killed at a picnic. One of his final acts had been a request that Swift join the group. Eminem volunteered to replace Bugz; this led to him rejoining the group. Mr. Obnoxious, his first solo album, was released in February 2000 after his death. D12's first album, Devil's Night, is dedicated to him.
Devil's Night, D12 World and appearances without Eminem (2000–2005)
Their debut album, Devil's Night, referring to the tradition of setting unoccupied buildings on fire the night before Halloween, was released in June 2001. It debuted at number one on the U.S. and number two on the UK chart, 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. In 2021, the album was rereleased digitally as an expanded edition to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of its release which featured three bonus tracks, an unreleased freestyle, the a cappella version of "Shit On You" and the instrumentals to "Shit On You", "Purple Pills", "Fight Music" and "Blow My Buzz".
In August 2001, D12 and Esham were kicked off the Warped Tour after members of the group physically attacked Esham over the lyrics of his song "Chemical Imbalance", which contained a reference to Eminem's daughter. Eminem was not present during the tour. D12 World was released on April 27, 2004, featuring production by Dr. Dre, Eminem, Porter 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 albums charts, and at 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, also reached number one in Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. rhythmic top forty, the top five in the UK[9] and Germany, and the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100.
D12 was eclipsed by Eminem's success, touring without him to promote their second album while he recorded Encore. D12 members Bizarre and Proof managed mildly successful solo careers with the releases of Hannicap Circus and Searching for Jerry Garcia in 2005. D12 performed live, without Eminem, at the House of Blues in Chicago to promote both albums. That concert was released on DVD in 2005 as D12: Live in Chicago. D12, without Eminem, performed on the track "She-Devil" of Tech N9ne's 2002 album Absolute Power. They recorded "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" for Eminem's album Recovery but the song wasn't included on the album. It was eventually included on an Eminem mixtape Straight from the Lab Part 2 in 2011.
Death of Proof and Eminem Presents: The Re-Up (2006)
On April 11, 2006, Proof "pistol-whipped an unarmed man and shot him in the head", and was in turn fatally shot by the man's cousin. On December 5, 2006, Shady Records released Eminem Presents: The Re-Up which featured performances by Eminem, D12, 50 Cent, Obie Trice, Stat Quo, Bobby Creekwater and Cashis while affiliated artists such as Lloyd Banks, Akon and Nate Dogg, made guest appearances. Some tracks were collaborative performances from D12 members, such as "Murder" by Bizarre and Kuniva and "Whatever You Want" by Swifty McVay and Mr. Porter. The track "Trapped" by Proof included an intro by Eminem paying his final respects saying, "Big Proof, rest in peace dudey we love you. We just wanna keep making you proud."
Member changes, hiatus, mixtapes and comeback (2007–2013)
After four years of inactivity D12 released a new mixtape Return of the Dozen Vol. 1 (2008), without Eminem who was working on his solo album Relapse. There were solo performances by D12 members such as Kuniva's "If You Want It", similar to Eminem's solo performance "Girls" on Devil's Night. The mixtape Return of the Dozen Vol. 2 (2011) followed three years later. It featured Fuzz Scoota, an original member of D12 who left in 1999. Eminem performed on one track. Because Eminem was on tour promoting Recovery with Mr. Porter his hype man D12 had only four active members, Bizarre, Kuniva, Fuzz and Swift.[citation needed] D12 performed at the Kanrocksas Music Festival on August 5, 2011. The track, "Outro", off the Return of the Dozen Vol. 2 mixtape, had a music video released on September 1, 2011, though the video did not feature either Eminem or Mr. Porter. The group also stated intentions to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the release of the Devils Night album, though the celebration was held on the actual Devil's Night on October 30 in Saint Andrew's Hall in Detroit, Michigan, even though the album was released months earlier on June 19, 2001. In 2012 Bizarre left D12, citing creative differences, and Mr. Porter left to pursue a solo career, leaving D12 with four members. Asked about the group's status in 2012, Kuniva replied that it's "not over, we're still coming. However, when Mr. Porter was asked in 2013 about a possible new D12 album he responded "Not happening bro sorry".
Bizarre and Kon Artis rejoin, Shady XV, unreleased third studio album and The Devil's Night Mixtape (2014–2015)
In January 2014, Mark Bass of the Bass Brothers confirmed that D12 had been recently recording at the F.B.T. studio and he had been mixing their recorded material. He also confirmed that Eminem was featured on at least three songs that had been completed. February 2014, Bizarre confirmed that he was back in the group and that D12 would be releasing their third studio album during 2014. On August 25, 2014, a press release on Eminem's official website also revealed D12 to be featured on the label's upcoming 2-disc compilation album, titled Shady XV. The album, released on November 24, 2014, featured one greatest hits disc and one disc with new material from a variety of Shady Records recording artists including D12. The new D12 song was entitled "Bane", which features the return of Kon Artis and was also produced by him. The song did not feature Eminem or returning member Fuzz Scoota.
On August 18, 2015, D12 confirmed on Tim Westwood TV that they had already recorded a large number of songs for the album and will release it "when the time is right."[25] On October 1, 2015, it was announced that D12 would be releasing a new mixtape, The Devil's Night Mixtape was released on October 30, 2015, and it featured Lazarus, King Gordy, Royce da 5'9", Bizarre, Swifty McVay, Kuniva and Mr. Porter. It also included a freestyle by Eminem for its introduction although he wasn't present on any other tracks throughout the whole mixtape. It was hosted by DJ Whoo Kid.
Solo careers, collaborative works and breakup (2017–2018)
In 2017, D12 had been focusing on their respective solo careers. On February 17, Swifty McVay released his debut album Grey Blood. Bizarre released his new mixtape Tweek Sity 2,in addition to working on collaborations with other artists such as Riff Raff, King Gordy and Qom Qazamah respectively. Swifty McVay and Kuniva are currently working on their collaboration album, titled My Brother's Keeper. On August 31, 2018, Eminem released a song titled "Stepping Stone" on his album Kamikaze. On it, Eminem announced that D12 was officially broken up due to the death of Proof.
Bitch
D12 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
These bitches always be all, giggling and shit
But they get mad when their favorite song don't come on in the club
Catch an attitude and shit
So we got one for them, it goes like this
We wrote a song for the hoes
You like to hear it, here it goes
So when it comes on in the club it's one that everyone knows
And if I'm talking too fast it just means you're listening too slow
And if you listen a little faster maybe you'll catch up, bitch
Ju jah jah jah dah du ju jah, you just made me mess up, bitch
Blibiri babiler blabber, it don't matter, I'm just blabbering
Like you understand what I'm saying anyway
I'm just traveling in one ear and I'm out the other
You're so fucking drunk all you hear is the beat b-b-beat
I could be saying anything, just get your ass on the floor
Wear the same pants that you wore from the day before
Baby and shake that ass like a whore
Yeah, I'm talking to you, bitch
Get up and dance, bitch
Wiggle that ass, bitch
Yeah that's it, bitch
Yeah, I called you a bitch, bitch
What you going to do about it, bitch?
Sit there and cry like a little bitch, bitch
Get up and dance, bitch
Wiggle that ass bitch
You little trash, bitch
Yeah, that's it
Yeah, I called you a trash, bitch
Not trailer trash, switch
Take the person you with and exchange partner, bitch
Tell me that it ain't no hanging and fuck calling home
Until you look at me, before you answer the phone
When I flee, your ass can get naked and be as free
As you wanna be freak, but I'm taking the key with me
You ain't gonna get shit, so don't even ask
Disrespect my wishes (Bitch) I'll beat your ass
Watch me coming home full, eating half of your doggy bag
And I leave laughing, while you calling me on the rag
I'm the type that might cut off the lights when I hit
And before she cut them on, Kuniva already (switched)
Your ass ain't even riding with Swift unless you're hoeing
When I'm done, I'll throw you out and ask you where you going
Ho ain't the only thing you call a girl
Slut, Tramp
Oh, how you doing, Sheryl?
Ever since I was eight I been starting to hate
I said fuck the hoes and started eating cheesecake
Scrambled eggs and steak, strawberries and grapes
Damn that sounds great, hold on wait, Bizzy
Okay back to the bitches, wash the dishes after that
Give me stitches, a fucking half Indian chick, sucked my dick
This time tomorrow, I won't remember shit
Got respect for a player, got on snoop gators
And they ain't Now and Laters, bitch
Yeah, I'm talking to you, bitch
Get up and dance, bitch
Wiggle that ass, bitch
Yeah that's it, bitch
Yeah, I called you a bitch, bitch
What you going to do about it, bitch?
Sit there and cry like a little bitch, bitch
Get up and dance, bitch
Wiggle that ass bitch
You little trash, bitch
Yeah, that's it
Yeah, I called you a trash, bitch
Not trailer trash, switch
Take the person you with and exchange partner, bitch
Hey baby, what's up with you?
Hey
Ayo, your man here with you?
Nope
Nah, you single, I can tell
You came with them hoes, didn't you?
Huh?
No, he meant friends girl, excuse him, it's the liquor
Hahahaha
Ayo, let's get this party cracking these bitches ain't got nigga's
Bitches?
Now you know he didn't mean that
Come on, you seen that
She all whining and shit, get this bitch a Kleenex
What did he say?
Nothing! He said you seem stressed
Naw, you gots big breasts
Huh?
And you wearing your nice dress
Cause I was finna say
Oh, you wasn't finna say shit
Excuse me?
He said Michael Jackson just got another face lift
Oh
Dumb hoe
Nigga?
Noo... Gumbo! He wanna cook it for you tonight
Bitch, what up though
Just fuck for a buck, do something strange for change
Or make me holla for a dolla, just hop in the range
Shh, shit, shut up nigga, no, shut up
Man, fuck both y'all niggas
See I was trying to be polite, stank ass trick
Oh, somebody's jacking off tonight
Oh you a bitch but don't choke
I say the same to my Momma
I got Christina, Britney with me
Shit, we banging Madonna
Watch her strip you on that ten bitch ain't got change for a dollar
Blow your tongue and give this one the mouth you came with a condom
Quick cum is the motto, so just swallow and breathe
Swallow and breathe, now swallow these seeds
I know you mocha lotti Mommies won't get down on your knees
You want some money honey damn you must be outta your weave
Hit the telly fuck her belly you ain't gotta go weak
Plus you wanna be a model you need a lot of more sleep
I'm a pimp bitch don't be shy, show me them big tits
Your lipstick, I want it smeared all on my limp dick
For instance, busting nuts is only my interest
So princess, don't get your feelings hurt cause men just
Party and bullshit 'til she gargle and swallow the dick
I'm taking the train to Spain, don't bother calling me, bitch
Yeah, I'm talking to you, bitch
Get up and dance, bitch
Wiggle that ass, bitch
Yeah that's it, bitch
Yeah, I called you a bitch, bitch
What you going to do about it, bitch?
Sit there and cry like a little bitch, bitch
Get up and dance, bitch
Wiggle that ass bitch
You little trash, bitch
Yeah, that's it
Yeah, I called you a trash, bitch
Not trailer trash, switch
Take the person you with and exchange partner, bitch
Hahah!
Yeah you heard me bitch, did I stu-stu-stutter stupid?
You ain't listein to the words of this song anyway
All you do is listen to the beats with your dumbass, bitch
Dancing, trying to get a nigga money in the club, haha, with your stupid manipular self
We was talking bout you, dodo
You, you dumb bitch, you
The one that want a drink and don't want to pay for it
Spend all your money you make all week on that dress
And I spill a drink on it, acting like I'm drunk when I'm not
I'm just tryna fuck
I'm just tryna fuck, bitch
Hahah
Woo, D-Twizzy, yeah
Bitch, bitch, bitch
The lyrics to D12's song "Bitch" are misogynistic and derogatory towards women. The lyrics describe women as materialistic and promiscuous, and refer to them primarily as "bitches." The song attempts to justify and normalize the language and behavior displayed towards women in the club and in sexual relationships.
The song begins by referencing the hypocrisy of women in the club who act entitled and get upset when their favorite song isn't played. The lyrics then continue with various sexual references and derogatory language towards women, encouraging them to "shake that ass like a whore" and to "just hop in the range." The song also includes references to violence towards women, with one verse stating that the singer will beat a woman if she disrespects him.
The song perpetuates toxic masculinity and reinforces harmful gender stereotypes. It portrays women as objects to be used for sexual gratification and encourages men to treat them poorly. The lyrics serve to normalize and perpetuate misogynistic attitudes and behavior towards women.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Denaun M. Porter, Deshaun Dupree Holton, Luis Edgardo Resto, Marshall B. Mathers, Ondre C. Moore, Rufus B. Johnson, Von M. Carlisle
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind