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.
Filthy
D12 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
FILTH, Shit, Fuckin filth yeea
Lalalalalala
[Proof]
Ayo my style bust holes in the earth
Crush the crust by the dirtiest
Be the specializing in stoppin breathin
My legion a bleed man whether you belive in
Make your grill swell it aint hard to tell
I work spells or wicked like
Put head first, the round bursts another victim
[Bizarre]
Nah man the boy pick em, stick em
[Eminem]
Hands on the half shit, I'm fillin my glands full of acid
Two hands full of ass dancing with Angela Bassett
Make plans for the casket
Your head lands in a basket
A dead mans in a plastic
I got red hands and a mass of fits
[Bizarre]
Yeaah Em
Fuckin rap pervert, I serve dirt
My sick thoughts get all mixed up like rainbow sherbert
Get every nerve hurt, spot a mic and walk toward it
My whole click will beat your fuckin ass and camcord it
[Bizarre]
Somebody hide my too many hoes on my dick
Smoked all your hay who wants to start the crucial conflict
Im the big daddy smokin blunts in cali
End up doing a drive by at the stay in school rally
Stop Stop knockin cuz aint nobody there
Hoes with AIDS I still fuck bare
Cuz I, I just dont care
Ill enuff to fuck up all your dental care
When Bizarre Kid comes through you better yell may day
Or you was havin good times like Dynamite Kujo
[Kon Artis]
Yeah Yeah Bitch I get helmet from stank crack heads
And read my kids horror stories when I lay em to bed
Ridin bikes butt naked
Gettin freshed by police men
Fuck christmas this is take a gift season
Beatin kids up for no reason
Take lunch boxes and all
Get em high off mushrooms
And play a friendly game of dodgeball
BIIITCH!
Ayo
Battlin the dirty dozen that dont pay
You god dam right punk stay outta my way
[5x then fades out]
The lyrics to D12's song "Filthy" revolve around the concept of disgust and uncleanliness. The use of the word "filth" throughout the chorus emphasizes this concept, and the verses highlight different ways in which the members of D12 engage in dirty or perverse activities.
Proof's verse focuses on his ability to destroy and cause chaos, describing his style as "busting holes in the earth" and making his enemies "bleed." He also mentions heaven and hell, suggesting that his actions are morally ambiguous and possibly damned. Bizarre's verse is filled with graphic imagery, including smoking blunts in California and doing a drive-by at a stay-in-school rally. He also boasts about being "ill enough to fuck up all your dental care," further emphasizing his lack of concern for cleanliness or hygiene. Eminem's verse is especially vulgar, referencing acid and dead bodies, as well as describing himself as a "rap pervert."
The final verse by Kon Artis is similarly perverse, describing his sexual exploits with "stank crack heads" and engaging in violent activities like stealing lunch boxes and beating up children. The overall tone of the song is rebellious and offensive, encouraging listeners to embrace their most dirty and taboo impulses.
Line by Line Meaning
Fuck fat ass nasty dirty niggas
We despise people who are unclean and unsavory in appearance and character.
FILTH, Shit, Fuckin filth yeea
Our disgust at the filth we've encountered is palpable.
Ayo my style bust holes in the earth
My rap style is powerful enough to make a lasting impression.
Crush the crust by the dirtiest
I'm so dirty, I can grind dirt into dust.
Be the specializing in stoppin breathin
I'm highly skilled at suffocating my enemies.
My legion a bleed man whether you belive in Heaven and Hell
My followers will draw blood regardless of their religious beliefs.
Make your grill swell it aint hard to tell
I can easily give someone a black eye.
I work spells or wicked like
I'm capable of using my words to curse people.
Put head first, the round bursts another victim
I can shoot someone in the head without any hesitation.
Nah man the boy pick em, stick em
I select my enemies and stick them with something deadly.
Hands on the half shit, I'm fillin my glands full of acid
I'm taking hallucinogens and enjoying it.
Two hands full of ass dancing with Angela Bassett
I'm grabbing a lot of booty while dancing with a famous actress.
Make plans for the casket
I'm plotting someone's death.
Your head lands in a basket
I will decapitate someone and collect their head.
A dead mans in a plastic
I'm responsible for someone's death and their body is decomposing in a plastic container.
I got red hands and a mass of fits
I have bloody hands and I'm out of control.
Yeaah Em
I'm addressing my colleague, Eminem.
Fuckin rap pervert, I serve dirt
I'm a twisted rapper who enjoys disgusting things.
My sick thoughts get all mixed up like rainbow sherbert
My depraved thoughts are jumbled together like different flavors of rainbow sherbert.
Get every nerve hurt, spot a mic and walk toward it
I'm confident in my skills and always ready to rap.
My whole click will beat your fuckin ass and camcord it
My associates and I will physically assault you while filming it for entertainment purposes.
Somebody hide my too many hoes on my dick
I have too many women attracted to me and I need to find a place to hide them.
Smoked all your hay who wants to start the crucial conflict
I've smoked all the marijuana and I'm ready to start a fight.
Im the big daddy smokin blunts in cali
I'm a well-established drug user in California.
End up doing a drive by at the stay in school rally
I'm likely to shoot someone randomly while driving by a school event.
Stop Stop knockin cuz aint nobody there
Stop knocking on my door because no one is there to answer.
Hoes with AIDS I still fuck bare
I'm reckless and willing to have unprotected sex with women who have AIDS.
Cuz I, I just dont care
I'm indifferent to the consequences of my actions.
Ill enuff to fuck up all your dental care
I'm tough enough to cause severe harm, even to your teeth.
When Bizarre Kid comes through you better yell may day
People should be afraid when I approach because I'm dangerous.
Or you was havin good times like Dynamite Kujo
If you don't yell for help when I come around, you're going to regret it.
Yeah Yeah Bitch I get helmet from stank crack heads
I'm willing to have sex with unclean crack addicts.
And read my kids horror stories when I lay em to bed
I'm exposing my children to scary stories before they sleep.
Ridin bikes butt naked
I like to ride bicycles while naked.
Gettin freshed by police men
I'm being frisked by law enforcement officials.
Fuck christmas this is take a gift season
I'm not interested in traditional gift-giving during the holiday season, I just want to take things for myself.
Beatin kids up for no reason
I'm physically assaulting children for no particular reason.
Take lunch boxes and all
I'm stealing children's lunch boxes, among other things.
Get em high off mushrooms
I'm feeding children mushrooms to get them intoxicated.
And play a friendly game of dodgeball
After getting children high and stealing their belongings, I'm playing a game of dodgeball with them as if nothing is wrong.
Ayo Battlin the dirty dozen that dont pay
I'm engaged in a battle with twelve people who have not yet paid their dues.
You god dam right punk stay outta my way
If you know what's good for you, you'll steer clear of me.
[5x then fades out]
Reinforcing the idea that our group is not to be messed with.
Contributed by Ruby H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Kencer
only real eminem fans will find us here
@Krafty
Always loved Em's verse in this. The whole song is dope but Em's verse is just too sick.
@CasperSigma
Em is too sick on this. Especially when Bizzy is like "yea Em", you just know he just killed that line
@Wutwut1n1
"Riding bikes buck naked, getting frisked by policemen Fuck Christmas this is take a gift season" Remember to bump D12 this holiday
@huh6449
On it.
@jonathanhart54
you can tell Em had made the change to Slim Shady in this song, some of the other songs on this album he hadn't yet
@audiyoo
here in 2021 runnin back em verse. and bizarre was definitely rockin tf outta cyphers
"canceled the hash shit, I'm fillin my glands full of acid, 2 hands full of ass, dancin with Angela Bassett. make plans for the casket, ya head lands in basket, a dead man's in the plastic, I got red hands and the mask fits..."
swoons
@johnnycash2876
Found this song in 2012 it’s my birthday and still bumpin.
@theofficialPALM
i love that underground shit it gives me the viiibe man
@cameroncoop7878
Love this style