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.
Loyalty
D12 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Welcome to our world
Turn your CD's up
Woo, yeah, ah (motherfuckers think they know us)
Guess who's back? D-Twizze, O-Trizzy
Doc-Trizzy, Shady-Twizzie slash Aftermath
50 Cent, G-Unit, here we go, free Yayo
Someone better tell 'em so
You don't me, McVay and I doubt if you understand me
Why would I give a fuck about you if we ain't family?
I roll with a chosen few, and those of you that's behind me
Witness the most coldest, ferocious niggas that rhyme
These bitches turn they back on you, actin' like they ain't did shit
When you rappin' never mix business up with your friendship
If you lackin' up in this jungle, then what you breathe for?
Niggas don't love you, you got habits of breaking street codes
Far as static, I automatically get medieval
When I'm after people, then I'll explode you bitches with C-4
These hoes have no insurance, bodies get repo'
Making you vanish even when we ain't got our heat close
Keepin' .44's where you're hoes are swallowing deep throat
If you owe me dough then you know you falling asleep, close
Niggas pupils that's what I do, I'm foolish will shoot you
'Cause I'm coo-coo, but I don't think niggas can take in heat tho' (yo)
See I'm a man, and a man gon' do what he gotta do (yeah)
And he ain't really family if he ain't loyal to you (yeah)
If they was really soldiers then they would do what we do (what?)
And be loyal to crew when crew was loyal to you (yeah)
See I'm a man, and a man gon' do what he gotta do (yeah)
And he ain't really family if he ain't loyal to you (yeah)
If they was really soldiers then they would do what we do (what?)
And be loyal to crew when crew was loyal to you (yeah)
I don't give a fuck, I'm quick to blaze chronic
Smoke on so much green, you swear I was a supersonic
Bizarre pack guns and knives, put to dick to nuns and wives
Now who the fuck wanna fight?
Ain't nobody fucking with me, ain't nobody fucking with the D
They get beat like a M-P (what?)
You heard about Bizarre taking all them drugs
You heard about Proof wildin' in the clubs
You heard about that nine that Eminem packs
You diss us, you get you're fucking face cracked
I'm from 7 Mile and Stout, I'll shoot up you're house
Next day, I'll pee in you're mouth
Ayo, loyalty's first, all the bullshit second
I showed you on the record, Cheers to who respect it
Most of these niggas neglect it
Even though it's a known method
From the hectic hood that you slept in
You wanna be an exception
That's when the weapon is leaving you half steppin'
With that 'caine in you're left hand
Obie from a section that'll stain up you're flesh and
Have you on bed rest
Questionin' you're affection for streets
D-Twizzie no question
One of the best groups that done it
And Obie is their reflection
Lil' homie that knows soley that loyalty is reckin'
D-Twizzie for life, Obie Trice is second (yo)
See I'm a man, and a man gon' do what he gotta do (yeah)
And he ain't really family if he ain't loyal to you (yeah)
If they was really soldiers then they would do what we do (what?)
And be loyal to crew when crew was loyal to you (yeah)
See I'm a man, and a man gon' do what he gotta do (yeah)
And he ain't really family if he ain't loyal to you (yeah)
If they was really soldiers then they would do what we do (what?)
And be loyal to crew when crew was loyal to you
Which one of you niggas wanna be bulsh' and bump heads
When I got a passion for clappin', with one hand
Talent's on my roster this mobster'll dump land
Send a gangsta to sleep two by two like bunk beds
Never leave the crib without packing my black burner
On some Chi Ali rapper to murk and have murder
Incorporated, Hitman Harry is at you're service
Reach for me one more again and that's curtains
For life as D12, no ice and Spreewells
Every night that I chill in, I fight by free-will
Knowing I can be killed
Leaving my group, pieces of proof
With a reason to shoot and a license to ill
We lost Bugz and I'll be damned if we loose another man from our clan
Without forcing our hand
Extortin' your family, I'll torture your granny
For my niggas, I'm on you're motherfucking porch with a Cammy (yo)
See I'm a man, and a man gon' do what he gotta do (yeah)
And he ain't really family if he ain't loyal to you (yeah)
If they was really soldiers then they would do what we do (what?)
And be loyal to crew when crew was loyal to you (yeah)
See I'm a man, and a man gon' do what he gotta do (yeah)
And he ain't really family if he ain't loyal to you (yeah)
If they was really soldiers then they would do what we do (what?)
And be loyal to crew when crew was loyal to you (yeah)
Yo it's funny how niggas get caught alone and get bombed on
Knock your teeth in back of your throat and break you're jaw bone
I'm on ignorant shit, these niggas is bitch
Pass me a cigarette quick, shit is finna get thick
Your man'll get split by a brutal and critical hit
With identical dents or bullets with identical prints
I'm wishing you if, you come your lieutenant's a snitch
You timid and sick, and we know that you ain't finna do shit
I'll stick with my clique, The Kon Artis, Bomb Artist
Kuniva, The Rida shooting through you're fucking Long John garments
Dirty Dozen, we deep in the street
Unbelievable heat, we'll even lay you out in front of the chief of police, motherfucker
See I'm a man, and a man gon' do what he gotta do (yeah)
And he ain't really family if he ain't loyal to you (yeah)
If they was really soldiers then they would do what we do (what?)
And be loyal to crew when crew was loyal to you (yeah)
See I'm a man, and a man gon' do what he gotta do (yeah)
And he ain't really family if he ain't loyal to you (yeah)
If they was really soldiers then they would do what we do (what?)
And be loyal to crew when crew was loyal to you (yeah)
Yeah, D-Twizzie
D12, Dirty Dozen
Nothing but family up in this motherfucker
Loyal to everything that we do
You ain't never gonna' catch none of us slippin' by ourself
'Cause we always together
You know what I'm sayin'?
Y'all niggas don't know what family means
Bugz watching over our ass
That's why we still alive know
Knocking y'all niggas out of the clubs and shit
Haha, Runyon Ave, baby
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Shady Records, haha
Where your mama at, nigga?
The song Loyalty by D12 is a rap song that speaks about the idea of family and loyalty. The group expresses their loyalty to each other and the need for real soldiers who are ready to do what it takes to protect the family. They talk about the importance of choosing their company wisely and not mixing business with friendship, as the latter can be easily broken. The lyrics showcase the idea of trust and respect in family and the need for soldiers who will be reliable and stick to their code. The song also represents the collective's pride in where they come from and in their ability to survive even after losing one of their members, Bugz.
Moreover, the lyrics emphasize the group's toughness and readiness to fight against anyone who disrespects them. The members rap about their street credibility and violent tendencies if their loyalty and trust is threatened. They are not afraid to use weapons to defend themselves and their crew. Eminem's lyrics, in particular, highlight his quick temper when it comes to his crew and his readiness to go to extreme lengths to protect them.
Overall, Loyalty is a song that speaks about the bond between friends who become family and how this bond is protected with the utmost strength and loyalty. The lyrics are full of aggression and violence but emphasize the need for reliability and trust between the members of the family.
Line by Line Meaning
You don't me, McVay and I doubt if you understand me
You don't know me or McVay, and I highly doubt you truly comprehend my perspective
Why would I give a fuck about you if we ain't family?
I have no reason to care about you if we're not closely connected like family
I roll with a chosen few, and those of you that's behind me
I associate only with a select group, including those who support and back me up
Witness the most coldest, ferocious niggas that rhyme
Observe the most ruthless and intense individuals who excel in rapping
These bitches turn they back on you, actin' like they ain't did shit
These women betray you, pretending as if they have no responsibility in the situation
When you rappin' never mix business up with your friendship
When pursuing a career in rap, it's important to keep business separate from personal relationships
If you lackin' up in this jungle, then what you breathe for?
If you're struggling and weak in this challenging environment, what purpose does your existence serve?
Niggas don't love you, you got habits of breaking street codes
People don't genuinely love you if you constantly violate the unwritten rules of the streets
Far as static, I automatically get medieval
When it comes to conflict, I naturally resort to extreme and brutal methods
When I'm after people, then I'll explode you bitches with C-4
If I'm pursuing my adversaries, I'll obliterate them with explosive force
These hoes have no insurance, bodies get repo'
These women are not protected, and their lives can be taken away at any moment
Making you vanish even when we ain't got our heat close
We can make you disappear even when we don't have our weapons in close proximity
Keepin' .44's where you're hoes are swallowing deep throat
I always have .44 caliber guns where your women engage in deep oral sex
If you owe me dough then you know you falling asleep, close
If you owe me money, you should be prepared to face severe consequences
Niggas pupils that's what I do, I'm foolish will shoot you
I cause fear in people, and I'm willing to harm or kill them thoughtlessly
'Cause I'm coo-coo, but I don't think niggas can take in heat tho' (yo)
Because I'm crazy, but I don't believe people can handle the intensity and danger we bring
See I'm a man, and a man gon' do what he gotta do (yeah)
As a man, I will do whatever is necessary to fulfill my obligations
And he ain't really family if he ain't loyal to you (yeah)
A person is not truly family if they are not devoted and faithful to you
If they was really soldiers then they would do what we do (what?)
If others were truly committed and dedicated, they would replicate our actions
And be loyal to crew when crew was loyal to you (yeah)
They should demonstrate loyalty to the group that showed them loyalty
I don't give a fuck, I'm quick to blaze chronic
I don't care at all, and I'm fast to consume marijuana
Smoke on so much green, you swear I was a supersonic
I smoke so much marijuana that it feels like I have supernatural speed
Bizarre pack guns and knives, put to dick to nuns and wives
Bizarre carries weapons and engages in inappropriate sexual acts with religious figures and married women
Now who the fuck wanna fight?
Now, who is really willing to engage in physical confrontation?
Ain't nobody fucking with me, ain't nobody fucking with the D
No one can compete with me, no one can compete with D12
They get beat like a M-P (what?)
They get defeated thoroughly, just like a beat from an MP3 player
You heard about Bizarre taking all them drugs
You've heard about Bizarre consuming excessive amounts of drugs
You heard about Proof wildin' in the clubs
You've heard about Proof causing trouble and acting recklessly at clubs
You heard about that nine that Eminem packs
You've heard about Eminem carrying a 9mm gun
You diss us, you get you're fucking face cracked
If you disrespect us, you will face severe physical consequences
I'm from 7 Mile and Stout, I'll shoot up you're house
I'm from a specific location, and I'm capable of launching an attack on your residence
Next day, I'll pee in you're mouth
The next day, I will humiliate and degrade you by urinating in your mouth
Ayo, loyalty's first, all the bullshit second
Loyalty takes priority, and everything else is insignificant
I showed you on the record, Cheers to who respect it
I expressed this sentiment through my music, and I toast to those who acknowledge and honor it
Most of these niggas neglect it
Most individuals disregard the importance of loyalty
Even though it's a known method
Although loyalty is commonly emphasized
From the hectic hood that you slept in
From the chaotic neighborhood where you resided
You wanna be an exception
You desire to be an anomaly or an exemption from the norm
That's when the weapon is leaving you half steppin'
That's when a weapon is used to put you in a vulnerable and compromised position
With that 'caine in you're left hand
With cocaine in your left hand
Obie from a section that'll stain up you're flesh and
Obie is a member of a particular group that will inflict harm and leave visible marks on your body
Have you on bed rest
Leave you in a condition where you need to remain in bed to recover
Questioning you're affection for streets
Doubting your loyalty and love for the streets
D-Twizzie no question
D-Twizzie unquestionably represents loyalty
One of the best groups that done it
One of the top-tier groups that achieved success
And Obie is their reflection
Obie Trice embodies the characteristics and values of the group
Lil' homie that knows soley that loyalty is reckin'
Younger acquaintance who understands that loyalty is essential and powerful
D-Twizzie for life, Obie Trice is second (yo)
D-Twizzie loyalty is a lifelong commitment, while Obie Trice's loyalty ranks second in command
Yeah, D-Twizzie
An affirmation acknowledging D-Twizzie's presence
D12, Dirty Dozen
The group D12, consisting of twelve artists
Nothing but family up in this motherfucker
Only family members are present in this gathering
Loyal to everything that we do
We prioritize loyalty in every action and decision
You ain't never gonna' catch none of us slippin' by ourself
You will never find any of us alone and vulnerable
'Cause we always together
Because we always remain in a group
Y'all niggas don't know what family means
You individuals don't understand the true meaning of family
Bugz watching over our ass
Bugz, a deceased member, is protecting and watching over us
That's why we still alive know
That's why we are still alive and thriving currently
Knocking y'all niggas out of the clubs and shit
We aggressively remove you individuals from clubs and similar environments
Haha, Runyon Ave, baby
A humorous acknowledgement of the location Runyon Ave
Shady Records, haha
Affiliation with Shady Records, expressed humorously
Where your mama at, nigga?
Asking your whereabouts in a confrontational manner
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Obie Trice, Marshall B. III Mathers, Luis Edgardo Resto, Denaun M. Porter, Von M. Carlisle, De Shaun Dupree Holton, Rufus B. Johnson, Ondre C. Moore
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind