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.
Just Like U
D12 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I wanna be just like you
When I grow up, yes, I do
I wanna be just like you
When I grow up, yes, I do
I wanna be just like you
When I grow up, yes, I do
When I grow up, yes, I do
You don't wanna be just like your daddy
Pimpin' hoes out here drivin' caddies
Runnin' 'round town, fuckin' with skeezers
Shots in your ass, catchin' diseases
Son, your daddy got a foul mouth
For fuckin' bitches in they foul mouths
I can't help it, my group's D12
All we do is pop pills and stay in jail
Talkin' nasty shit, Bizarre won't stop
I fuck two twins, with a midget on top
A sick mind, rapin' an old lady
Knowin' damn well Bizarre shouldn't have a baby
All I can teach you, learn how to mac
Smoke crack, smack a bitch when she talk back
Matter of fact, slap your sister, she's a slut
Don't you realize Bizarre don't give a fuck? Haha
I wanna be just like you
When I grow up, yes, I do
I wanna be just like you
When I grow up, yes, I do
I wanna be just like you
When I grow up, yes, I do
I wanna be just like you
When I grow up, yes, I do
Don't go to school, become a Catholic priest
Sell crack to your auntie Denise
If auntie Denise is short forty cent
Make her get on the ground and-, some more
Nas is gon' probably hate me
When Mos Def hear this he probably gon' suffocate me
"Why they let Bizarre rap on Hi-Tek track?
All he gon' do is talk about whores and smoking crack"
If your wife is pregnant I call her a whore
Leave her no money and go out on tour
Nah, I'm playin' leave her somethin'
I pack a hot dog and a fuckin' dirty muffin (damn)
You're my son, I'm tryna teach you somethin'
You're years old? It's time to start fuckin'
You know daddy won't give you the wrong advice
Smoke weed and listen to Obie Trice
I wanna be just like you
When I grow up, yes, I do
I wanna be just like you
When I grow up, yes, I do
I wanna be just like you
When I grow up, yes, I do
I wanna be just like you
When I grow up, yes, I do
I wanna be just like you
When I grow up, yes, I do
I wanna be just like you
When I grow up, yes, I do
I wanna be just like you
When I grow up, yes, I do
I wanna be just like you
When I grow up, yes, I do
All I can tell you how to do is pop pills and stay high
And tell a bitch to suck a dick, aha
I'm a parent, yeah
A motherfuckin' role model
Hi-Tek
The lyrics in D12's song "Just Like U" are a depiction of a father who is attempting to dissuade his son from wanting to be like him when he grows up. The father explains to his son that he is a pimp who forces women into prostitution, has sexual relations with men and is addicted to drugs. The father, who is a member of D12, admits that his band is all about living the worst kind of life; doing drugs, commiting crimes, and staying in jail. When the father advises his son to sell crack cocaine and get Aunt Denise to suck more dicks to get the drugs sold, he suggests that there is nothing wrong with living a life of crime, and he even advises his son to have sex at the age of eight. The father also urges his son to smoke marijuana and listen to Obie Trice.
This song is used to depict real-life situations that go on in our everyday lives, such as drugs, sex, and crime. It’s an interpretation of different lifestyles that people live and how a child’s upbringing can influence them. The song serves as a warning to parents to teach their children better and avoid leading them down a similar path. Even though the song contains explicit lyrics, it delivers a more significant message about the negative effects of leading a life of crime, drugs, and sex on one's family and community.
Line by Line Meaning
Daddy?
The child speaks to their father, expressing their desire to be like him as they grow up.
I want to be just like
When I grow up, just like
I want to be just like
When I grow up, just like
I want to be just like
When I grow up, just like
I want to be just like
When I grow up, just like
The child reiterates their desire to emulate their father's behavior when they become an adult.
Son, you don't want to be just like your daddy
Pimping hoes out here driving caddies
Running round town, fucking geezers
Shot's in your ass, catching diseases
The father dissuades their child from following in their footsteps and indulging in promiscuity, drugs and prostitution, which could get them into trouble.
Son, your daddy got a foul mouth
For fucking bitches in they foul mouth
I can't help it, my group's D12
All we do is pop pills and stay in jail
The father admits his own flaws and attributes them to his involvement with the controversial music group D12, which glorifies drugs and jail time.
Talking nasty shit, Bizarre won't stop
I fuck two twins, with a midget on top
A sick mind, raping an old lady
Knowing damn well Bizarre shouldn't have a baby
The father mentions the explicit and inappropriate content that D12's member Bizarre brings to the group and highlights his problematic behavior and mindset.
All I can teach you, learn how to mac
Smoke crack, smack a bitch when she talk back
Matter fact slap her until she's a slut
Don't you realize Bizarre don't give a fuck?
The father sarcastically gives suggestions on how to be successful in life, involving abusive language and actions towards women, and mocks the lack of responsibility demonstrated by Bizarre.
Don't go to school, become a catholic priest
Sell crack to your auntie Denise
If auntie Denise is short 40 cent
Make her get on the ground and suck some more dick
The father continues his dark humor and encourages his child to make unlikely life choices, such as selling drugs to family members and exploiting them for money, while also using vulgar language.
Nas is probably gon' hate me
When Mos Def hear this he probably gon' suffocate me
Why they let Bizarre rap on Hi-Tek track?
All he gon' do is talk about whores and smoking crack
The father anticipates criticism from other rappers, such as Nas and Mos Def, for D12's obscene lyrics, especially those contributed by Bizarre, and questions their eligibility to work with the producer Hi-Tek.
If your wife is pregnant I call her a whore
Leave her no money and go out on tour
Nah, I'm playing leave her something
I pack a hot dog and a fucking dirty muffin (Damn)
The father makes another inappropriate joke by belittling pregnancy and marriage, and creates a persona of irresponsibility and neglect towards his family, even though he says he's only kidding.
You're my son, I'm trynna teach you something
You're eight years old? It's time to start fucking
You know daddy won't give you the wrong advice
Smoke weed and listen to Obie Trice
The father contradicts his previous statements and assumes a role of imparting advice to his child, telling them to engage in underage sexual activity and drug use, while promoting another artist associated with D12.
I'm telling ya all I do is pop pills and stay high
Tell them bitches to suck my dick
Aha! I'm prepared, Yeah
Motherfucking role model
Hi-tek
The father boasts of his own addictive habits and explicit language, implying that it's a desirable and cool lifestyle, and sarcastically declares himself a role model, while acknowledging the involvement of Hi-Tek in producing the song.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Rufus B. Johnson, Tony Cottrell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind