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.
Commercial Break
D12 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This thing back on again.
Alright, perfect, God damn good.
Yo, this is Rondell Beene,
I'm back on the motherfuckin' scene,
And I'm upset as a motherfucker.
I mean first I didn't get paid for the D12 shit.
You heard me rippin' on there, they just edited my verse out.
And that Obie go ahead and I didn't get paid for that shit.
And now they got this bald head weed smokin' mother fucker,
And his name is
[Young Zee]
Young Zee, keep movin' for the macs. Be cubin'.
Hmm? I'll make you sing like big Ruben.
Man, in the hood, I'm the American Idol.
First I fight you, and then run up on your stairs with a rifle.
Bang
Tech claims make you wipe out like X-Games
Next sprain's in your motherfuckin' leg bang?
Tryin' to shoot me like they tryin' to shoot 50.
Either you gon' die or need a new kidney.
Till I drop, I'm a sell to your friends.
Till I get some of that tin, in the federal pin.
I spit better than them.
Niggas wanna fight me, better go get in the gym
Or the metal'll spin. Since smokes' in 'Nam,
Doin' drugs than Eminem moms.
Ten times, Dirty Dozen. All x times.
Bash your ride, crash when you drive,
Flip your dumbass out the passenger side.
The opening lines of D12's song Commercial Break indicate that the singer is a frustrated rapper called Rondell Beene, who is angry about not being paid for his work with D12 and Obie Trice, and also unhappy about the representation of a new rapper who smokes weed and is identified by the name Young Zee. In the verse that follows, Young Zee engages in a wordplay-heavy rap that includes references to American Idol, violence, drugs, and the federal prison system. He also boasts about his superior skills as a rapper, daring anyone who wishes to challenge him to go to the gym or face the consequences of his "metal" (i.e. gun). Overall, the song reveals the competitive and cut-throat nature of the music industry, where fame, money, and recognition often come at a steep price.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, testing.
Starting off this track with a test recording.
This thing back on again.
This recording is now back in session.
Alright, perfect, God damn good.
The recording is sounding great and everything is going well.
Yo, this is Rondell Beene,
Introducing himself for the recording.
I'm back on the motherfuckin' scene,
Rondell Beene is back and ready to make music again.
And I'm upset as a motherfucker.
Rondell is angry about not getting paid for past work.
I mean first I didn't get paid for the D12 shit.
Rondell did not receive payment for work done on a D12 project.
You heard me rippin' on there, they just edited my verse out.
Rondell's contribution to the D12 project was cut from the final version.
Then I was on Obie's shit, I was in Obie's video,
Rondell worked on a video for Obie Trice but did not get paid for that either.
And that Obie go ahead and I didn't get paid for that shit.
Obie Trice went ahead with the production without paying Rondell.
And now they got this bald head weed smokin' mother fucker,
Rondell is frustrated that another artist is receiving attention and success while he is not.
Young Zee, keep movin' for the macs. Be cubin'.
Young Zee is motivated to earn money and make a name for himself by any means necessary.
Hmm? I'll make you sing like big Ruben.
Zee threatens to make someone suffer like American Idol contestant Ruben Studdard.
Man, in the hood, I'm the American Idol.
Young Zee is highly respected and admired in his community.
First I fight you, and then run up on your stairs with a rifle.
Zee is willing to fight and use violence to get what he wants.
Bang
Zee imitates the sound of a gunshot.
Tech claims make you wipe out like X-Games
Zee's technology will render opponents helpless.
Next sprain's in your motherfuckin' leg bang?
Zee warns that his actions could cause physical harm to others.
Tryin' to shoot me like they tryin' to shoot 50.
Like fellow rapper 50 Cent, Zee is also targeted by those who wish to do him harm.
Either you gon' die or need a new kidney.
Zee plans to deal with any threats by either killing them or causing physical injury.
Till I drop, I'm a sell to your friends.
Zee will continue selling his music and gaining new fans until he is no longer able to do so.
Till I get some of that tin, in the federal pin.
Zee plans to make money no matter the cost, even if it means going to prison.
I spit better than them.
Zee believes he is a better rapper than his peers.
Niggas wanna fight me, better go get in the gym
Zee challenges anyone who wants to fight him to train and get in better physical shape first.
Or the metal'll spin.
Zee is willing to use a firearm in a confrontation.
Since smokes' in 'Nam,
Referencing the effects of Agent Orange on Vietnam War veterans.
Doin' drugs than Eminem moms.
Implying that he is using drugs more excessively than Eminem's mother, who struggled with addiction.
Ten times, Dirty Dozen. All x times.
Zee is a member of the rap group Dirty Dozen and has been involved with them for ten projects.
Bash your ride, crash when you drive,
Threatening to damage someone's vehicle and potentially cause an accident.
Flip your dumbass out the passenger side.
Winning a fight against an opponent in their vehicle.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALICE NUTTER, ALLEN WHALLEY, BRUCE DUNSTAN, DARREN HAMER, JUDITH ABBOTT, LOUISE WATTS, NIGEL HUNTER, PAUL GRECO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind