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.
I Am Gone
D12 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dear Brenda,
This letter goes out to you and my kids,
Pray for me,
Cause' I'll see y'all again one day,
Let you know,
Daddy loves you.
I just lost my job my wife is gone I cant go home no more,
oh this life's too hard where are you god, your child is coming home,
Lord I've tried to stay but there's no way I can fight carry on,
If i die today please find a way to keep my family strong,
I am gone.
Verse 1 (Swifty McVay)
I'm a soldier that's been haunted by Satan,
I'm gonna hold a Calibur straight to my cranium,
Created as the angriest baby since Damien,
I'm grown and my family hate me, psychopathic majorly,
Drama persona, spirit Bio-hazard,
I create Bastards caskets for grandads,
A ??? seedless hospital???
the child of a wild family, dark cloud on top of the roof,
There's nothing to lose, cabinet full of booze,
And 2's that get rid of who don't understand my views,
The news destroy me, not trusted,
a null employee, busted from holding a gun to the customer,
They must got an APB and I been beating my wife twice as much since she seen me on TV,
An outcast, that's haunted because my past done had it,
so when you gonna cap my Ass Mother*****
(Chorus)
Verse 2 (Bizarre)
Heroin Addict, crack heads gone wild,
2 years using, 2 years in denial,
??? straight from the drug centre, timberlands, yellow thong in the middle of winter,
like where the F*** am I going?
Who knows its snowing,
2 days from now my girl will be out here hoeing,
for my little girls birthday I promised her a bike,
but I also promised myself a pint,
cant see me, ain't washed my ass in a week,
I smell like feet, face full of Taco meat,
I ain't F***** my wife, since our wedding night,
viagras, cant even give me a hard pipe,
F*** it, give me a F***** long knife,
in 2 minutes, I'll take my own f***** life,
leave my fishing rods to my son and my car to my girl and F*** it,
I'm a say goodbye to the world.
(Chorus)
Verse 3 (Kuniva)
Yo, I'm life F*** the jokes I need revenue,
So when I Hail, (get the F*** down)
that's what you better do,
I didn't want to resort to bringing out the guns,
or breaking in your savings wiping out all of your funds,
but I'm a dollar away from being homeless,
so late night I'm drunk and roaming mouth foaming (grrr)
I ain't seen my kids in years,
my wife left somewhere between the coke, grief and beer,
now that I'm stuck staying in hotels with rats and roaches,
you eating a steak and I'm stealing cakes from hostess (I'm out)
Man I'll be damned if I be out on these streets,
Watching mo'F***** riding round laughing at me,
I'm a strong arm a school teacher,
stick up a few preachers, (uhh)
Jack you for two pizzas, (give me that)
Give me some new sneakers,
I stuck the wrong kid he pulled out a few heaters,
i hear a voice calling me I hope its you Jesus.
(Chorus)
The lyrics to D12 ft. King Gordy's song "I Am Gone" explore the struggles and hardships faced by the four different verses, all of whom are facing personal turmoil and contemplating suicide. The song starts with Bizarre's intro, which is a letter to his wife and kids, telling them that he loves them and that he hopes to see them again one day. The chorus by King Gordy expresses the desperation and hopelessness each of the verses feels due to their circumstances. Swifty McVay's verse deals with his past and how it's haunting him, leading him to contemplate taking his own life. Bizarre's verse describes his struggles with addiction and how he feels like he's failing his family. Finally, Kuniva's verse describes his financial struggles and how he's resorted to crime to make ends meet.
The song tackles some heavy themes, such as depression and suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, financial hardship. The verses all reflect on their personal situations and how they feel like they've hit rock bottom, with no way out. The title "I Am Gone" is a reference to their current state of mind - feeling like they don't belong in this world anymore. The chorus is a plea to the higher powers to help them through their struggles, but each verse ends with the singer coming to the conclusion that they have no other option than to end their life.
Overall, "I Am Gone" is a somber and poignant reflection on the difficulties of life and the devastating consequences that can occur when someone feels like they have reached the end of their rope.
Line by Line Meaning
This letter goes out to you and my kids
Bizarre is writing a letter to his wife and children.
Pray for me
Bizarre is asking his wife and children to pray for him.
Cause' I'll see y'all again one day
Bizarre hopes to reunite with his wife and children someday.
Let you know, Daddy loves you.
Bizarre wants his wife and children to know that he loves them.
I just lost my job my wife is gone I cant go home no more,
King Gordy has lost his job and his wife has left him, he cannot return home.
oh this life's too hard where are you god, your child is coming home,
King Gordy questions where God is in his time of need and asks for his protection as he feels like a lost child.
Lord I've tried to stay but there's no way I can fight carry on,
King Gordy has tried to stay strong but feels like he cannot fight or carry on any longer.
If i die today please find a way to keep my family strong,
King Gordy hopes that if he were to die, his family would remain strong.
I am gone.
King Gordy feels like he is lost and cannot continue on.
I'm a soldier that's been haunted by Satan,
Swifty McVay feels like he is constantly being pursued by evil forces.
I'm gonna hold a Calibur straight to my cranium,
Swifty McVay is referencing the possibility of committing suicide with a gun.
Created as the angriest baby since Damien,
Swifty McVay was an angry child, much like the character Damien from the movie 'The Omen.'
I'm grown and my family hate me, psychopathic majorly,
Swifty McVay is grown now and his family dislikes him, and he has become very disturbed mentally.
Drama persona, spirit Bio-hazard,
Swifty McVay's personality is drama-filled and his spirit is like a contagious bio-hazard.
I create Bastards caskets for grandads,
Swifty McVay is responsible for creating caskets for those who have deceased without children or close relatives.
A ???? seedless hospital???
The meaning behind this line is unclear as it is difficult to understand. It may refer to Swifty McVay's birthplace or a specific hospital he is referencing.
the child of a wild family, dark cloud on top of the roof,
Swifty McVay came from a chaotic family and feels like he is surrounded by misfortune.
There's nothing to lose, cabinet full of booze,
Swifty McVay feels like he has nothing to lose and often turns to alcohol to cope.
And 2's that get rid of who don't understand my views,
Swifty McVay may be referring to guns he owns and the idea of using them to get rid of those who do not understand him.
The news destroy me, not trusted,
Swifty McVay feels like the media is against him and he cannot be trusted.
a null employee, busted from holding a gun to the customer,
Swifty McVay has lost his job due to an altercation where he held a gun to a customer.
They must got an APB and I been beating my wife twice as much since she seen me on TV,
Swifty McVay, who is a known public figure, is being pursued by the police and is struggling with domestic violence towards his wife.
An outcast, that's haunted because my past done had it,
Swifty McVay feels like an outcast and is tormented by his past mistakes.
so when you gonna cap my Ass Mother*****
Swifty McVay is questioning when someone will take his life.
Heroin Addict, crack heads gone wild,
Bizarre has struggled with addiction to harmful drugs like heroin and crack.
2 years using, 2 years in denial,
Bizarre has been addicted for 2 years and was in denial about his addiction for an additional 2 years.
??? straight from the drug centre, timberlands, yellow thong in the middle of winter,
The meaning behind this line is unclear as it is difficult to understand. It may refer to Bizarre's appearance while he was in a rehab center.
like where the F*** am I going?
Bizarre is questioning his direction in life.
Who knows its snowing,
The weather is snowy and uncertain, mirroring Bizarre's feelings about his future.
2 days from now my girl will be out here hoeing,
Bizarre's girlfriend will be engaging in prostitution in just a couple of days.
for my little girls birthday I promised her a bike,
Bizarre had promised to give his daughter a bike for her birthday.
but I also promised myself a pint,
Bizarre had also promised himself a drink of alcohol.
cant see me, ain't washed my ass in a week,
Bizarre is unkempt and has not showered in a week.
I smell like feet, face full of Taco meat,
Bizarre smells bad and has taco meat on his face.
I ain't F***** my wife, since our wedding night,
Bizarre and his wife have not had sexual relations since their wedding night.
viagras, cant even give me a hard pipe,
Bizarre has tried using Viagra to enhance his sexual performance but has had no success.
F*** it, give me a F***** long knife,
Bizarre is contemplating suicide with a knife.
in 2 minutes, I'll take my own f***** life,
Bizarre is planning on committing suicide in the next 2 minutes.
leave my fishing rods to my son and my car to my girl and F*** it,
Bizarre plans on leaving his possessions to his son and girlfriend before taking his own life.
I'm a say goodbye to the world.
Bizarre is saying goodbye to the world as he prepares to take his own life.
Yo, I'm life F*** the jokes I need revenue,
Kuniva's life is serious and he needs money to make ends meet.
So when I Hail, (get the F*** down)
Kuniva is referencing the idea of robbing someone and expects them to comply.
that's what you better do,
Kuniva expects his victim to follow his orders.
I didn't want to resort to bringing out the guns,
Kuniva did not want to use deadly force but feels like he has no choice.
or breaking in your savings wiping out all of your funds,
Kuniva is willing to rob his victim and take all of their money.
but I'm a dollar away from being homeless,
Kuniva is very close to becoming homeless due to his financial situation.
so late night I'm drunk and roaming mouth foaming (grrr)
Kuniva is roaming the streets intoxicated and angry.
I ain't seen my kids in years,
Kuniva has not seen his children in years and may have lost custody.
my wife left somewhere between the coke, grief and beer,
Kuniva's wife left him due to his substance abuse and emotional instability.
now that I'm stuck staying in hotels with rats and roaches,
Kuniva is in a tough living situation where he is staying in hotels full of pests.
you eating a steak and I'm stealing cakes from hostess (I'm out)
Kuniva is struggling to make ends meet and has resorted to theft to survive.
Man I'll be damned if I be out on these streets,
Kuniva does not want to continue living on the streets any longer.
Watching mo'F***** riding round laughing at me,
Kuniva feels like he is being mocked by people who are better off.
I'm a strong arm a school teacher,
Kuniva is willing to use physical force to take what he needs from others, even a school teacher.
stick up a few preachers, (uhh)
Kuniva is willing to rob a few preachers to get the money he needs to survive.
Jack you for two pizzas, (give me that)
Kuniva will even steal pizza from someone if he is desperate enough.
Give me some new sneakers,
Kuniva needs a new pair of shoes and is willing to steal them.
I stuck the wrong kid he pulled out a few heaters,
Kuniva had attempted to rob the wrong person and was met with them pulling out guns.
i hear a voice calling me I hope its you Jesus.
Kuniva is possibly referring to hearing voices in his head and is hoping for divine intervention.
Contributed by Elliot J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Grigorie Marian
The best song of D12
Collector101
Mm I like loyalty and the good die young
jonathan sdoafa
Proof will always be a part of D12.. R.I.P. Big Proof and Bugz
Ethan Peterson
RIP Bugz
RIP Proof
D12 for life
dertyharry313
two years using, two years in denial... lol bizzare These guys were fire at the dirty tour in milwaukee last week. Swifty is sick especially when he talkes about venus fly traps
Damien Bryant
That Damien line hit me in the soul...
Jacob
bruh i swear you got my brothers name and my mothers last name god dayum
Damien Bryant
@Jacob that's wild. Much love
Thissssss
best song on their mixtape. does any1 else think that swift's solo song back against the wall beat sounds like whats being played on the piano here?
NSnegative
bizarre kills it like allways :D