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 Ft. Obie Trice
D12 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
G-g-g-g Guess who's back? D-Twizze!, O-Twizzie!
Doc-Twizzie!, Shady-Twizzie!, slash Aftermath!
Fifty cent!, G Unit!, Here we go!, Free Yayo!
Motherfucker!, Benzino!, They don't know we finna' blow!
Someone better tell them so
You don't me, McVay and I doubt if you understand me
I roll with a chosen few, and those of you that's behind me
Witness the most potest' 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 automaticly get medieval
When I'm after people, then I'll explode you bitches with see-4
These hoe's, 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'
See I'm a man, and a man gon' do what he gotta do
And he ain't really family if he ain't loyal to you
If they was really soldiers then they would do what we do
And be loyal to crew and crew was loyal to you
I don't give a fuck, I'm quick to blaze chronic
Smoke on so much green, use twelves and supersonic
Bizarre pack guns and knives, put to dick to nuns and wife's
Now who the fuck want to fight?
Ain't nobody fucking with me, Ain't nobody fucking with the D'
They get beat like a M-P
You heard about Bizarre taking all them drugs
You heard about Proof wilding 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.
Aiyyo, 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 want to' be an exeption
That's when the weapon is leaving you're half stepping
With that 'caine in you're left hand
Obie from a section that'll stain up you're flesh and
Have you on bare breast
Questionin' you're affection for streets
D-Twizzie no question
One of the best groups that done it
And Obie is their reflection
Lil' homey that know sowly that loyalty is reckin'
D-Twizzie fo' life, Obie Trice is second
Which one of you niggas want to be abolition bump heads
When I got a passion for clappin', with one hand
Talent's on my roster this mobster's in dump land
Send a gangsta to sleep two by two like bunk beds
Never leave the crib without packing my black burner
On some T. Ali rapper to merk a have murder
Incorporated, Hitman Harry is at you're service
Reach for me one more gain' and that's closed
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
Escorting you're family, I'll torture you're granny
For my niggas, I'm on you're motherfucking porch with a 'Cammy
Yo its funny how niggas get caught along (and get bombed on)
Knocking teeth in back of you're 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)
Yo' man I'll get split (by a brutal and critical hit)
With identical dent (or bullets with identical prints)
I'm wishing you if (you come you're Lutenints a snitch)
You teminant fick (and we know you ain't finna' do shit)
I'll stick with my clique (The Kon Artis Bomb Artist)
Kuniva The Rider (Shooting through you're fucking Long John garments)
Dirty Dozen (We deep in the street)
Unbelivable heat, we'll even lay you out in front of the chief of police
Muthafucka'
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 our self
'Cause we always together
You know what I'm sayin',
Why yall niggas don't know what family means
Bugz watching over our ass
That's why we still alive know
Knocking why yall niggas outta the clubs and shit
Haha! Runyan Av. Baby!
Shady Records!
Where yo' mamma at nigga?
The lyrics to D12's "Loyalty" are a powerful commentary on family and loyalty in the face of violence and betrayal. The song features powerful verses from each member of the group, with Obie Trice delivering particularly poignant lines about the importance of true loyalty in a world where friends and acquaintances can turn on you in an instant.
Throughout the song, D12 delivers hauntingly powerful lines about the harsh realities of street life, from drug abuse to gang violence. They paint a vivid picture of a world where trust is in short supply, and where loyalty is often what stands between life and death. The chorus emphasizes the importance of staying true to your family and your crew, no matter what may come your way.
Line by Line Meaning
Whoa! Yeah! Ahh! (Motherfuckers think they know us)
We are back and ready to show everyone that they don't really know us.
G-g-g-g Guess who's back? D-Twizze!, O-Twizzie!
Guess who has returned? It's D-Twizze and O-Twizzie!
Doc-Twizzie!, Shady-Twizzie!, slash Aftermath!
Doc-Twizzie, Shady-Twizzie, representing both Shady Records and Aftermath.
Fifty cent!, G Unit!, Here we go!, Free Yayo!
Shoutouts to Fifty Cent and G Unit, and a call to free Yayo.
Motherfucker!, Benzino!, They don't know we finna' blow!
Benzino and others don't realize that we're about to achieve great success.
Someone better tell them so
Someone should inform them of our impending success.
You don't me, McVay and I doubt if you understand me
You don't know me, McVay, and I doubt if you truly comprehend me.
Why would I give a fuck about you if we ain't family?
I don't care about you if we aren't family.
I roll with a chosen few, and those of you that's behind me
I only associate with a select few, and those who support me.
Witness the most potest' ferocious niggas that rhyme
See the most powerful and fierce rappers in the game.
These bitches turn they back on you, actin' like they ain't did shit
These women betray you and pretend like they never did anything for you.
When you rappin' never mix business up with your friendship
When pursuing a rap career, never let business interfere with friendships.
If you lackin' up in this jungle, then what you breathe for?
If you're weak in this competitive industry, what's the point of even trying?
Niggas don't love you, you got habits of breaking street codes
People in the streets don't truly love you if you consistently violate their codes of conduct.
Far as static, I automaticly get medieval
In the face of confrontation, I respond aggressively.
When I'm after people, then I'll explode you bitches with see-4
If I'm pursuing my enemies, I'll obliterate them with explosive force.
These hoe's, have no insurance, bodies get repo'
These women have no protection, and their bodies can easily be taken away.
Making you vanish even when we ain't got our heat close
We can make you disappear, even without our weapons nearby.
Keepin' .44's where you're hoes are swallowing deep throat
We keep .44 caliber guns close to where your women are performing oral sex.
If you owe me dough then you know you falling asleep, close
If you owe me money, you better be prepared to face dire consequences.
Niggas pupils that's what I do, I'm foolish will shoot you
I am reckless and will shoot you without hesitation.
'Cause I'm coo-coo, But I don't think niggas can take in heat tho'
I may be crazy, but I doubt that people can handle the intensity I bring.
See I'm a man, and a man gon' do what he gotta do
I'm a man who will do whatever is necessary.
And he ain't really family if he ain't loyal to you
If someone isn't loyal to you, they aren't truly family.
If they was really soldiers then they would do what we do
If they were truly soldiers, they would follow our actions.
And be loyal to crew and crew was loyal to you
They should be loyal to their group, as the group is loyal to them.
I don't give a fuck, I'm quick to blaze chronic
I don't care, I'm quick to smoke marijuana.
Smoke on so much green, use twelves and supersonic
I smoke a lot of marijuana and use speakers that produce powerful sound.
Bizarre pack guns and knives, put to dick to nuns and wife's
Bizarre carries weapons and engages in inappropriate sexual acts.
Now who the fuck want to fight?
Who is stupid enough to want to fight with us?
Ain't nobody fucking with me, Ain't nobody fucking with the D'
Nobody can compete with me or the D12 crew.
They get beat like a M-P
They get beaten like an MP3 file.
You heard about Bizarre taking all them drugs
You've heard about Bizarre's drug use.
You heard about Proof wilding in the clubs
You've heard about Proof causing chaos in the 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'll get your face smashed.
I'm from 7 Mile and stout, I'll shoot up you're house
I come from 7 Mile and Stout and I'm not afraid to shoot up your residence.
Next day, I'll pee in you're mouth
And the next day, I'll humiliate you by urinating in your mouth.
Aiyyo, loyalty's first, all the bullshit second
Loyalty is the most important, everything else is secondary.
I showed you on the record, Cheers to who respect it
I've demonstrated loyalty in my music, cheers to those who appreciate it.
Most of these niggas neglect it
But most rappers disregard the importance of loyalty.
Even though it's a known method
Even though loyalty is a well-known concept.
From the hectic hood that you slept in
From the dangerous neighborhood that you were unaware of.
You want to' be an exeption
You want to be an exception to the rule.
That's when the weapon is leaving you're half stepping
That's when a weapon will punish you for being indecisive.
With that 'caine in you're left hand
With cocaine in your possession.
Obie from a section that'll stain up you're flesh and
Obie represents a neighborhood that will harm and mark you.
Have you on bare breast
Leaving you vulnerable and exposed.
Questionin' you're affection for streets
Making you doubt your love for the streets.
D-Twizzie no question
D-Twizzie is without a doubt loyal.
One of the best groups that done it
D-Twizzie is part of one of the greatest rap groups ever.
And Obie is their reflection
Obie Trice is a reflection of the loyalty and skill of D-Twizzie.
Lil' homey that know sowly that loyalty is reckin'
Obie is a young friend who understands the importance of loyalty.
D-Twizzie fo' life, Obie Trice is second
D-Twizzie is loyal for life, and Obie Trice comes after.
Which one of you niggas want to be abolition bump heads
Which one of you wants to start a conflict and face the consequences?
When I got a passion for clappin', with one hand
I have a strong desire for shooting, even with just one hand.
Talent's on my roster this mobster's in dump land
I possess talented artists in my team, and this gangster is in control.
Send a gangsta to sleep two by two like bunk beds
I can easily take out gangsters two at a time, like bunk beds.
Never leave the crib without packing my black burner
I always carry my black gun before leaving the house.
On some T. Ali rapper to merk a have murder
I'm a rapper who can commit murder like T. Ali.
Incorporated, Hitman Harry is at you're service
I'm part of a group called Incorporated, and I'm a hitman at your service.
Reach for me one more gain' and that's closed
If you try to confront me again, it's the end for you.
For life as D12, no ice and spreewells
We are loyal to D12 for life, without superficial luxuries.
Every night that I chill in, I fight by free-will
I willingly engage in fights every night.
Knowing I can be killed
Despite the risks, I know that I could be killed.
Leaving my group, pieces of proof with a reason to shoot
If I were to leave my crew, it would give them a reason to retaliate.
And a license to ill
And I have permission to cause harm.
We lost Bugz and I'll be damned if we loose another man from our clan
We have already lost Bugz, and I refuse to lose another member of our group.
Without forcing our hand
Without us having to initiate violence.
Escorting you're family, I'll torture you're granny
I'll harm your family and tormented your grandmother.
For my niggas, I'm on you're motherfucking porch with a 'Cammy
For my loyal friends, I'll be on your doorstep with a firearm.
Yo its funny how niggas get caught along (and get bombed on)
It's amusing how people get unexpectedly involved and become victims of violence.
Knocking teeth in back of you're throat (and break you're jaw bone)
I'll knock your teeth into the back of your throat and break your jaw.
(I'm on ignorant shit) these niggas is bitch
I'm on a violent and aggressive mindset, while these individuals are weak.
Pass me a cigarette quick (shit is finna' get thick)
Give me a cigarette quickly, as the situation is about to escalate.
Yo' man I'll get split (by a brutal and critical hit)
Your friend will be seriously injured by a powerful blow.
With identical dent (or bullets with identical prints)
Using bullets with matching markings or characteristics.
I'm wishing you if (you come you're Lutenints a snitch)
I hope you bring your subordinates, who might be informants.
You teminant fick (and we know you ain't finna' do shit)
You're hesitant and unreliable, and we know you won't do anything.
I'll stick with my clique (The Kon Artis Bomb Artist)
I'll stick with my group, The Kon Artis Bomb Artist.
Kuniva The Rider (Shooting through you're fucking Long John garments)
Kuniva, known as The Rider, is shooting through your clothing.
Dirty Dozen (We deep in the street)
We, the Dirty Dozen, have a strong presence in the streets.
Unbelivable heat, we'll even lay you out in front of the chief of police
We have intense firepower and are not afraid to even confront the authorities.
Muthafucka'
Fuck you.
Yeah! D-Twizzie
Yeah! D-Twizzie!
D12, Dirty Dozen
D12, the Dirty Dozen.
Nothing but family up in this motherfucker
We are nothing but family in this group.
Loyal to everything that we do
We are loyal to everything we do.
You ain't never gonna' catch none of us slippin' by our self
You will never catch any of us alone or vulnerable.
'Cause we always together
Because we are always together.
You know what I'm sayin',
Do you understand what I'm saying?
Why yall niggas don't know what family means
Why don't you understand the meaning of family?
Bugz watching over our ass
Bugz is watching over us and protecting us.
That's why we still alive know
That's why we are still alive now.
Knocking why yall niggas outta the clubs and shit
That's why we are overpowering and removing guys like you from the clubs and similar places.
Haha! Runyan Av. Baby!
Haha! This is Runyan Avenue, baby!
Shady Records!
Representing Shady Records!
Where yo' mamma at nigga?
Where's your mother, dude?
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 D. HOLTON, RUFUS B. JOHNSON, ONDRE C. MOORE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind