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.
Come On In
D12 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Haha, wake your motherfuckin' asses up
Yo, what is the what?
Well, come on then, you know what time it is
Stop sleepin' on my roof, bitch
For whatever it's worth, it's worth me havin' my ass whipped
'Cause I'ma have the last lips to ever kiss ass with
That wanna be brawny bad asses so bad
And they so mad they can't stand it
'Cause we can and they can't spit
And they can't handle it like a man
And that's when it just happens
And I snap and it's a wrap, and it's scrap
And then it isn't rap, is it?
Hip-hop isn't a sport anymore
When you gotta go and resort back into that shit
Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but my passion is
To smash anyone rappin' without havin' to slap him
Believe me, I'd much rather lift a pencil than a pistol
When I'm pissed now, but it all depends on just how far
It gets took on the mic 'cause I'm tellin' you right now
You're not gonna like it
'Cause if I get pushed over the edge, then I'm pullin' you with me
You poke a stick at a pitbull, you get bit, B
These words stick to you like Krazy Glue when you diss me
'Cause they just bounce off me, like bullets do 50
I'm the beautiful-lest thing and you're gonna miss me when I'm gone
Like Keith Murray when he threw a stool and hit a girl accidentally
I do this for Swifty, Kon and Kuniva, Bizzy amd Proof, are you with me?
Good morning, everybody, good morning
Kick your shoes off, motherfuckers, come on in
'Cause we get it on until the break of dawn and
Wake your ass up, motherfuckers, quit yawning
'Cause we ain't leaving 'til six in the morning
So have a sing along with the words of the song and
If you don't know the words and you can't sing along then
Fake like you know 'em motherfuckers and join in
Everybody, good morning
They consider me the epitome me of a beef starter
In a party with heat, it's hard to keep me without one
Fuck snubs, I'm walk in clubs with a shotgun
Constantly poppin' slugs, they hot, son, better not run
The bosses of all bosses
A holocaust to whoever ain't conscious
In a house full of dog shit
I'm a Gothic death project, you'll stop believin'
You'll die quicker than Mach speed without bleedin'
It ain't about what you readin'
When you meet me, better speak like a season's greetings
Either that or we'll be beefin' frequent
You niggas need an E just to speak shit
Your leader is a petite bitch
Keep the heater where you can reach quick
I snipe you with it and we won't even keep it a secret
Nigga, I did it from the mind of a mental patient
When Glocks wave, you can save that conversation for Satan
You brave?
Good morning, everybody, good morning
Kick your shoes off, motherfuckers, come on in
'Cause we get it on until the break of dawn and
Wake your ass up, motherfuckers, quit yawning
'Cause we ain't leaving 'til six in the morning
So have a sing along with the words of the song and
If you don't know the words and you can't sing along then
Fake like you know 'em motherfuckers and join in
Everybody, good morning
I heard you niggas don't like us but so what?
This beef is like, "what the fuck did he say in his rap, Em?"
I can see that he's just a punk
I mean these niggas'll squeeze
Only pleased with seeing guts
I don't need no enemies, as my family a couple trucks
And my MPC and a mic
Then empty out and then bike to fight you
In front of every reporter that I don't like
No need for metaphors to get points across when I write
This emotion's enough to say, "Fuck you bitch and I don't like you"
What, I might as well give this up but that'd be selfish as fuck
To leave D12 in this but we can't self-destruct
I've never felt it this much, c'mon, fellas, get up
We gotta fight like Bugz last night of his life, come on
I walk with a limp, pistol hanging off of the hip
I'm awkward and quick enough and sick when sparking a fifth
Your carcass is split, even if beef is partially thick
We can't take you serious, you a comedy skit
You probably wish that you could be out, shooting at Gs
But the only thing you shoot is the breeze, I can't believe
You speaking on moving keys, but every time we hear you kick it
The only thing that you selling is woof tickets
I look wicked 'cause niggas'll test your nutsack
So when they bust, you better bust back
Or get your guts clapped outta your stomach
And when they want it, I'll bring a hundred niggas from Runyon
So get to gunnin' if you coming
Good morning, everybody, good morning
Kick your shoes off, motherfuckers, come on in
'Cause we get it on until the break of dawn and
Wake your ass up, motherfuckers, quit yawning
'Cause we ain't leaving 'til six in the morning
So have a sing along with the words of the song and
If you don't know the words and you can't sing along then
Fake like you know 'em motherfuckers and join in
Everybody, good morning
D12’s “Come On In” is a high-energy and slightly aggressive diss track directed towards their haters in the rap industry. The song is full of wordplay and boasts their lyrical abilities, especially that of lead rapper Eminem. The song starts with an amusing wake-up call, followed by a verse where Eminem speaks on his frustration with other rappers. He challenges them, saying that they can't handle his rap skills, and that it's not a sport anymore once violence is involved. Eminem makes it clear that he’d rather use his lyrical prowess to debate beef than resort to violence.
The chorus is an invitation for anyone to come and join them for a party that lasts until 6am. The second verse is delivered by rapper Bizarre, who boasts of his power and strength when it comes to the use of guns. He also boasts of his affiliation with D12 and their support for each other. Kuniva and Proof deliver lines about their love of rap and their commitment to D12. Eminem comes back in with a final verse, in which he addresses his haters directly, telling them that he is ready to fight and defend D12 until the end. He concludes the song by challenging anyone who wants to come and test his skills.
Overall, “Come On In” is a high-energy, boastful diss track that showcases the lyrical abilities of D12, with Eminem leading the way. The lyrics are full of wordplay and clever rhymes, and not meant to be taken too seriously.
Line by Line Meaning
Good morning
A friendly greeting for the start of a new day.
Haha, wake your motherfuckin' asses up
A playful way of telling people to get out of bed.
Yo, what is the what?
An invitation to start the day with some energy and excitement.
Well, come on then, you know what time it is
An invitation to join in with the fun and start the day right.
Stop sleepin' on my roof, bitch
An expression of annoyance at someone who is not contributing to the group.
For whatever it's worth, it's worth me havin' my ass whipped
Acknowledgment that there is a risk that comes with being true to oneself.
'Cause I'ma have the last lips to ever kiss ass with
Determination to never sell out or compromise to gain favor with others.
I just can't get past these little piss ants
Frustration with people who are not genuine or lack courage.
That wanna be brawny bad asses so bad
Pity for those who feel the need to put on a tough front.
And they so mad they can't stand it
Jealousy or envy towards those who are more confident and capable.
'Cause we can and they can't spit
Acknowledgment of one's own skills and abilities in comparison to others.
And they can't handle it like a man
Criticism of those who are unable to handle challenges or defeat with grace.
And that's when it just happens
Implying that violent behavior can be triggered by others' actions or words.
And I snap and it's a wrap, and it's scrap
Admitting that losing self-control can lead to physical altercations.
And then it isn't rap, is it?
Shifting away from constructive, artistic expression to violent confrontation.
Hip-hop isn't a sport anymore
Disappointment with the current state of hip-hop culture and its emphasis on aggression.
When you gotta go and resort back into that shit
Disgust with having to rely on violence to prove oneself as a rapper.
Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but my passion is
Acknowledgment that one's values and priorities may be different from current trends.
To smash anyone rappin' without havin' to slap him
The desire to win or compete through skill, not violence.
Believe me, I'd much rather lift a pencil than a pistol
Stating preference for non-violent expression and problem solving.
When I'm pissed now, but it all depends on just how far
Acknowledgment that someone's behavior can push one to harmful actions.
It gets took on the mic 'cause I'm tellin' you right now
Warning that actions and words will have consequences.
You're not gonna like it
Implying that there will be retaliation or consequences for harmful behavior.
'Cause if I get pushed over the edge, then I'm pullin' you with me
Vowing to take revenge on those who provoke a harmful response.
You poke a stick at a pitbull, you get bit, B
Warning that harm will come to those who provoke or taunt others.
These words stick to you like Krazy Glue when you diss me
Asserting that one's words and reputation have a lasting impact.
'Cause they just bounce off me, like bullets do 50
Boasting that one is unscathed by insults or attacks.
I'm the beautiful-lest thing and you're gonna miss me when I'm gone
Confidence in one's value and the impact it will have when gone.
Like Keith Murray when he threw a stool and hit a girl accidentally
Comparing oneself to another rapper known for their violent behavior.
I do this for Swifty, Kon and Kuniva, Bizzy amd Proof, are you with me?
Acknowledgment of the importance of one's creative partners and collaborators.
Kick your shoes off, motherfuckers, come on in
Encouraging listeners to let loose and enjoy themselves.
'Cause we get it on until the break of dawn and
Asserting that the group will party and have fun until morning.
Wake your ass up, motherfuckers, quit yawning
Telling listeners to wake up and join in the excitement.
'Cause we ain't leaving 'til six in the morning
Vowing to party until morning, refusing to leave early.
So have a sing along with the words of the song and
Encouraging listeners to participate in the music and sing along.
If you don't know the words and you can't sing along then
Allowing for newcomers or those unfamiliar with the music to still participate.
Fake like you know 'em motherfuckers and join in
Encouraging people to join in regardless of their knowledge of the lyrics.
They consider me the epitome me of a beef starter
Acknowledgment that one is often the cause of conflict in hip-hop culture.
In a party with heat, it's hard to keep me without one
Acknowledging the importance of protection in violent or hostile environments.
Fuck snubs, I'm walk in clubs with a shotgun
Emphasizing one's willingness to engage in violent behavior.
Constantly poppin' slugs, they hot, son, better not run
Boasting about one's violent tendencies and skill with firearms.
The bosses of all bosses
Claiming dominance and leadership over others.
A holocaust to whoever ain't conscious
Threatening harm to those who are unaware or unprepared.
In a house full of dog shit
Acknowledging a negative environment or situation.
I'm a Gothic death project, you'll stop believin'
Claiming to be a force of darkness or death, causing fear in others.
You'll die quicker than Mach speed without bleedin'
Warning that harm will be quick and severe.
It ain't about what you readin'
Disregarding academic or intellectual status in favor of violence.
When you meet me, better speak like a season's greetings
Warning others to show respect and caution when meeting them.
Either that or we'll be beefin' frequent
Warning that conflict may arise if respect is not shown.
You niggas need an E just to speak shit
Insinuating that others need substances to feel confident or powerful.
Your leader is a petite bitch
Disrespecting another rapper's authority or influence.
Keep the heater where you can reach quick
Advice to always be prepared for violence.
I snipe you with it and we won't even keep it a secret
Threatening to harm someone covertly.
Nigga, I did it from the mind of a mental patient
Acknowledging one's unstable or dangerous tendencies.
When Glocks wave, you can save that conversation for Satan
Implying that violence is akin to selling one's soul to the devil.
You brave?
Challenging someone's courage or bravery.
I heard you niggas don't like us but so what?
Showing indifference to others' opinions or feelings.
This beef is like, "what the fuck did he say in his rap, Em?"
Acknowledging conflict between rappers and questioning its cause.
I can see that he's just a punk
Insulting a rival's character or bravery.
I mean these niggas'll squeeze
Implying that others will engage in violence or harm.
Only pleased with seeing guts
Describing one's opponents as violent and sadistic.
I don't need no enemies, as my family a couple trucks
Declaring loyalty to one's group or team.
And my MPC and a mic
Acknowledging the tools and instruments used to create music.
Then empty out and then bike to fight you
Threatening violence on a rival, even if it means losing one's musical career.
In front of every reporter that I don't like
Claiming that one is not afraid to engage in conflict even in front of the media.
No need for metaphors to get points across when I write
Claiming that one's words are direct and to the point.
This emotion's enough to say, "Fuck you bitch and I don't like you"
Asserting that one's emotions are strong enough to warrant aggression or animosity.
What, I might as well give this up but that'd be selfish as fuck
Acknowledging the temptation to leave the group, but realizing it would be a selfish act.
To leave D12 in this but we can't self-destruct
Stating that the group must remain united and not break up.
I've never felt it this much, c'mon, fellas, get up
Expressing that the current conflict or situation is particularly intense and requires everyone's effort.
We gotta fight like Bugz last night of his life, come on
Calling for the group to fight with the same passion and intensity as a fallen member.
I walk with a limp, pistol hanging off of the hip
Describing one's physical appearance and weaponry.
I'm awkward and quick enough and sick when sparking a fifth
Claiming to be skilled and quick with a firearm.
Your carcass is split, even if beef is partially thick
Asserting that even in the face of conflict or opposition, one will prevail.
We can't take you serious, you a comedy skit
Disrespecting others and not considering them a threat or challenge.
You probably wish that you could be out, shooting at Gs
Imagining what it might be like to be more powerful or respected.
But the only thing you shoot is the breeze, I can't believe
Disrespecting others and not considering them a credible challenge.
You speaking on moving keys, but every time we hear you kick it
Criticizing others who brag about selling illegal drugs.
The only thing that you selling is woof tickets
Implying that others are only selling fake threats or inflated bravado.
I look wicked 'cause niggas'll test your nutsack
Advising others to brace themselves for challenges or aggression.
So when they bust, you better bust back
Encouraging self-defense and retaliation when provoked.
Or get your guts clapped outta your stomach
Warning that harm or death will come to those who do not act quickly.
And when they want it, I'll bring a hundred niggas from Runyon
Asserting that one has a large group of supporters or allies.
So get to gunnin' if you coming
Warning that anyone who approaches with bad intentions will face retaliation.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Marshall Mathers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@prof3ssor178
Produced by: Eminem
One of his best beats right here in my opinion
@josefernando4516
Damn, good song & beat 🔥🔥🔥
@AntonioCarlos-rh5dr
<3 Te amo Eminem
@doge_2005
Y yooo
@CallMeMicahT
Probably the best underground D12 track that was good they released it on the album
@jamesdavid2563
It's good shit man
@Exon16249
0:21 Eminem
1:47 Swifty McVay
2:48 Kon Artis
3:22 Kuniva
@yayo4787
& mr.porter
@mmendpara4814
@김 잔디 kon artis is Mr. Porter
@codyjones4263
Who else is trying to listen to every eminiem song ever made to be eminiems #1 fan