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.
Bugz 97
D12 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fuck that!
Who run shit once these drums hit?
You dove headfirst into some old dumb shit
Here's a can of asswhip, for you to come get
Your click made they trip, I make them hoes suck mint
Ask them girl, they know the scoop, don't fuck with Bugz bitch
I chop off her titty, have you sucking one tit
Making half-ass songs, shitty snares and one kick
I hate your damn sound, don't like it one bit!
You could make a double album, won't have one hit!
Your entire outfit is on some bullshit
And there's not a damn one that I can't outwit
I ad-mit, that my style is unfit
For momma's baby boy, because I'm on some dumb shit
Like I commit, larceny, give harm quick
You pull the alarm switch I stab you in your armpit
Now who the nitwit wanna come get wit
This egotistic hip-hop fundamentalistic
Don't risk it, you get your shit split
Now keep your distance, and keep existence
I'm persistent when it comes to bend shit
Smoke the blunt with my judge right before my sentence
I'm relentless, to deny is senseless
Your bitch pay my bill, that's where the hell your rent went!
Fuck that!
The lyrics to D12's song Bugz 97 are a scathing diss track aimed at another group of rappers. Bugz opens the song by declaring his dominance in the rap game and deriding the other group's music as "old dumb shit" and "half-ass songs". He threatens violence against anyone who tries to challenge him, boasting about his ability to "stab you in your armpit". Bugz's aggressive and confrontational lyrics convey a sense of brash confidence, showing that he is not afraid to take on anyone who challenges him.
However, the song takes on a more tragic dimension when it is understood that Bugz, whose real name was Karnail Pitts, was killed in a shooting just two years after he recorded this track. Bugz's death was a devastating blow to D12, who lost not only a talented rapper but also a close friend. When listened to in the context of Bugz's untimely death, the lyrics of "Bugz 97" take on a haunting quality, with Bugz's threats of violence becoming all the more tragic in light of what happened to him.
Line by Line Meaning
Fuck that!
Disparaging exclamation expressing disdain and disregard for the previous statements
Who run shit once these drums hit?
Who is in control of the beat and dominates the rap game?
You dove headfirst into some old dumb shit
You have blindly and foolishly entered into an outdated form of rap
Here's a can of asswhip, for you to come get
Here is a challenge for you to come and face the consequences of your actions
Your click made they trip, I make them hoes suck mint
Your crew stumbled but I can make them succeed, and women are drawn to me
Ask them girl, they know the scoop, don't fuck with Bugz bitch
Ask any girl and they will tell you, don't mess with me
I chop off her titty, have you sucking one tit
I am so dominant that I can disfigure a woman and you will still submit to me
Them pink belly niggas, is who you run wit
You align yourself with weak and cowardly individuals
Making half-ass songs, shitty snares and one kick
Your music is of poor quality and lacks creativity
I hate your damn sound, don't like it one bit!
I strongly dislike your music and find no redeeming qualities in it
You could make a double album, won't have one hit!
You are incapable of producing a successful record, no matter how many tracks you release
Your entire outfit is on some bullshit
Your entire group is engaged in false and deceitful behavior
And there's not a damn one that I can't outwit
None of your group members are intelligent enough to outsmart me
I ad-mit, that my style is unfit
I acknowledge that my style is unconventional and not widely accepted
For momma's baby boy, because I'm on some dumb shit
My explicit and foolish lyrics are not suitable for a mother's innocent child
Like I commit, larceny, give harm quick
I am capable of committing theft and harm quickly
You pull the alarm switch I stab you in your armpit
If you sound the alarm, I will attack you swiftly and ruthlessly
Now who the nitwit wanna come get wit
Who is foolish enough to challenge me?
This egotistic hip-hop fundamentalistic
I am a self-centered and dogmatic rap artist
Don't risk it, you get your shit split
Don't take any chances, or else you will get hurt badly
Now keep your distance, and keep existence
Stay away from me and continue to exist without interference from me
I'm persistent when it comes to bend shit
I am determined to make changes and push boundaries in rap music
Smoke the blunt with my judge right before my sentence
I smoked marijuana with my judge just before my sentencing
I'm relentless, to deny is senseless
I am untiring and persistent, and refusing to acknowledge my skills is foolish
Your bitch pay my bill, that's where the hell your rent went!
Your girlfriend is paying my expenses, which is why you can't afford your rent
Contributed by Julia V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Sheriff K
No matter how much time passes, this is still stuck in my head, and still fire..
Tyloh Bolton
Listened to the album for the first time in awhile and replayed this more than a couple times
Nu The Enderman
bugz murdered this beat deffo my fav tract from d12 world
Brian Hunter
Same
CHRISTOPHER MENKE
Classic spittery
Gabe Garfield
Same
TheReviewSpace
I remember listening to D12 World when it dropped in '04 and it was really the first time I ever heard Bugz rhyme. He seemed like one of the best in the group, easily. Then I heard 'These Streets' later on and his other joints....he really was dope, and died at a very young age of 22.
Second Chance
No he died at age 21
darthmarticus
RIP. Still hot today, timeless
Acid Wisp
You only know one song. Get real man.