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.
Pistol Pistol
D12 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The reason why rappers gotta pack pistols (why is that?)
Slick criminal wit, the shit I spit chews
Like a bullet came back that just missed and hit you
I say the type of shit parents slit their wrists to
Need an anthem to amp you, then this the shit to
Too many enemies on my list to sift through
Sorry officer I don't care how pissed it gets you
But I don't go nowhere without my pistol pistol
Nigga, we violently active, so fuck with us
See I'm backwards, I slap niggas and punch bitches
Just for asking, they musta been wanting to meet the Lord
When my parents talked to me, they got mean mugged and ignored
They were snooping through my closet, seen drugs on the floor
Shells from the .44 scattered over they porch
Busting pistols in your windows with intentions to destroy you
Tryna break your neck to conversate? Bitch, I'll do it for you
Catch me laughing at your funeral when they lower you
You and your ho, you gots to go, bitches died slow and horrible
There's no tomorrow for any nigga we'll shower you
We young strapped and powerful and I ain't gotta lie to you
Stepped in the door, waving the .44
Blazing at po-po, escaping and lay low
They call my tongue ya-yo, but I spit fire
I lit five inside a fucking dick-rider
The clip slider, love to blast a Mag
You a fag, you love being ass to ass
Grab a gun by the nose with the butt to gat-spank ya
Never say that I'm a gangsta (now that's gangsta)
Y'all niggas sound like Jigga but act like Pac
Yo, my trigger got the flu and this gat might cough
It ain't nothing to tell, empty shells for the witness
I'm the hot nigga that's gon' put hell outta business
It won't be the same since we touching the game
Make the hardest nigga in your crew, tuck in his chain
Y'all think this shit's a game and I'm bluffing for fame?
I'll squeeze off this TEC until nothing remains
Slick criminal wit, the shit I spit chews
Like a bullet came back that just missed and hit you
I say the type of shit parents slit their wrists to
Need an anthem to amp you, then this the shit to
Too many enemies on my list to sift through
Nobody got my back in this bitch but this tool
Sorry officer I don't care how pissed it gets you
But I don't go nowhere without my pistol pistol
The only time that I'm at peace is when I'm close to one
'Cause I don't know what's waiting for me when my vocals are done
Tote the gun, it's my way of life and it works
These cowardly niggas'll put your fucking life in the dirt
'Cause it was wrong how they left my dog, he was priceless
Alone in the streets, bleeding, staring, laying lifeless
That's why I'm heated, you never know who starts creeping
Waking you up with AK's while you lie sleeping
I'd rather pack the heat and not need it
Rather than need one and not have it, I married this Glock-matic
You know the sound when I'm spinning 'round
Spitting these rounds from four pounds
While the whole crowd screaming as loud
From they mouths as they possibly allow?
Nothing is parallel to making you carousel
Aerial somersault like ferris wheels to a pair of shells
Denaun carry the nine where I go
Bullets whistle and hit you while I'm shooting at 5-0
Some semi-automatic for static's the motto
Spitting like, from Colorado
Slick criminal wit, the shit I spit chews
Like a bullet came back that just missed and hit you
I say the type of shit parents slit their wrists to
Need an anthem to amp you, then this the shit to
Too many enemies on my list to sift through
Nobody got my back in this bitch but this tool
Sorry officer I don't care how pissed it gets you
But I don't go nowhere without my pistol pistol
This nine'll turn a softy to a hard rock
It'll make Jehovah's Witnesses, think before they knock (sorry, sorry)
It'll make your grandmother come out of her purse
It'll make Limp Bizkit, get rid of Fred Durst
It'll make Holyfield start fighting
It'll make Ma$e say fuck church and go back to writing
It'll make Shyne say he sound like Biggie Smalls
It'll make R. Kelly, give respect to Aaron Hall
It'll make Christopher Reeves start walking
It'll make a dog with no voice, suddenly start barking
It'll make a nun turn to a filthy slut
It'll make the hardest pitbull, turn to a fucking mutt
It'll make a Muslim dye his hair blonde
It'll make a redneck start to read the Holy Quran (need Jesus)
It'll make Ike stop beating Tina
It'll make Slim Shady fall back in love with Christina
Slick criminal wit, the shit I spit chews
Like a bullet came back that just missed and hit you
I say the type of shit parents slit their wrists to
Need an anthem to amp you, then this the shit to
Too many enemies on my list to sift through
Nobody got my back in this bitch but this tool
Sorry officer I don't care how pissed it gets you
But I don't go nowhere without my pistol pistol
Ha, nigga, nigga, nigga, you better have aim
'Cause if you don't, you finished, flat out
Nigga, nigga, nigga
Detroit
Sorry
What?
Fucking
Where the fuck we stay out
Fuck around and get popped
With no hesitation, straight up
Look where the fuck we stay at
Nigga, look where the fuck we stay at
Fuck around with us
You good as popped
You fucking good as popped
You good as popped
The lyrics of D12's song Pistol Pistol tell the story of life growing up in Amityville, Detroit, and the necessity for carrying a pistol to defend oneself. The song speaks to the violence and danger that exists in the area, and the need to protect oneself from the enemies and threats that surround them. The lyrics describe the raw brutality of street life, mentioning various violent acts, such as shooting, slapping, and punching. The chorus serves as a reminder that the only reliable protection is one's pistol, and that it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
The lyrics of the song are filled with irony, humor, and sardonic wit, which are characteristic of D12's style. One example is the line, "'Cause it was wrong how they left my dog, he was priceless/ Alone in the streets, bleeding, staring, laying lifeless," which has a double meaning. The dog could be a literal pet, or it could be a metaphor for a friend or a family member who has been left alone and in danger. Another example is the verse, "It'll make Ike stop beating Tina/ It'll make Slim Shady fall back in love with Christina," which takes a stab at the popular culture of the time, referencing Ike Turner's domestic abuse of his wife and Eminem's popular song with Christina Aguilera.
Overall, Pistol Pistol is a gritty, violent, and humorous representation of life growing up in Detroit and the need for protection in the face of constant danger.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, welcome to Amityville (Detroit, nigga)
The song is a violent anthem from Detroit, where packing pistols is necessary for survival.
The reason why rappers gotta pack pistols (why is that?)
Rappers need to pack pistols because of the enemies they make.
Slick criminal wit, the shit I spit chews
The violent lyrics of the song are sharp, cutting, and dangerous.
Like a bullet came back that just missed and hit you
The lyrics hit hard and can potentially be deadly.
I say the type of shit parents slit their wrists to
The lyrics are so dark, that they might make parents feel suicidal.
Need an anthem to amp you, then this the shit to
If you want a song to hype you up for violence, this is the one.
Too many enemies on my list to sift through
The artist has too many enemies to keep track of and must be ready for anyone.
Nobody got my back in this bitch but this tool
The only thing the artist has to rely on is their pistol.
Sorry officer I don't care how pissed it gets you
The artist does not care about the police.
But I don't go nowhere without my pistol pistol
The artist is never seen without their pistol.
Nigga, we violently active, so fuck with us
The artist and their crew are always ready for violence.
See I'm backwards, I slap niggas and punch bitches
The artist is violent towards both men and women
Just for asking, they musta been wanting to meet the Lord
The artist is so violent they will resort to murder.
When my parents talked to me, they got mean mugged and ignored
The artist disrespects their parents and does not listen to them.
They were snooping through my closet, seen drugs on the floor
The artist has drugs and weapons in their possession.
Shells from the .44 scattered over they porch
The artist has fired off their weapon multiple times.
Busting pistols in your windows with intentions to destroy you
The artist will use their pistol to destroy their enemies.
Tryna break your neck to conversate? Bitch, I'll do it for you
The artist is willing to commit murder.
Catch me laughing at your funeral when they lower you
The artist will celebrate their enemy's death.
You and your ho, you gots to go, bitches died slow and horrible
The artist is willing to commit heinous acts of violence toward women.
There's no tomorrow for any nigga we'll shower you
The artist is willing to kill anyone at any time.
We young strapped and powerful and I ain't gotta lie to you
The artist and their crew are young, well-armed and deadly.
Stepped in the door, waving the .44
The artist is ready to use their pistol.
Blazing at po-po, escaping and lay low
The artist will use their pistol against the police.
They call my tongue ya-yo, but I spit fire
The artist's words and lyrics are as deadly as their pistol.
I lit five inside a fucking dick-rider
The artist has shot someone who has disrespected them.
The clip slider, love to blast a Mag
The artist's clip of bullets are usually used and reloaded quickly.
You a fag, you love being ass to ass
The artist is insulting someone who they think is weak or effeminate.
Grab a gun by the nose with the butt to gat-spank ya
The artist is threatening someone with physical violence and their pistol.
Never say that I'm a gangsta (now that's gangsta)
The artist is both threatening and mocking their enemy at the same time.
Y'all niggas sound like Jigga but act like Pac
The artist is calling out other rappers for faking their gangster ways.
Yo, my trigger got the flu and this gat might cough
The artist's pistol is unreliable and could possibly fail them in a critical moment.
It ain't nothing to tell, empty shells for the witness
The artist is willing to leave evidence behind at the crime scene.
I'm the hot nigga that's gon' put hell outta business
The artist is so violent they will destroy hell.
It won't be the same since we touching the game
The artist is making an impact in the rap industry with their violent lyrics.
Make the hardest nigga in your crew, tuck in his chain
The artist is scaring other rappers to the point where they take precautions.
Y'all think this shit's a game and I'm bluffing for fame?
People underestimate the artist's seriousness and think they're doing it for attention.
I'll squeeze off this TEC until nothing remains
The artist will empty their pistol until they are out of bullets.
The only time that I'm at peace is when I'm close to one
The artist feels safe when they are near their pistol.
'Cause I don't know what's waiting for me when my vocals are done
The artist is unsure what their future holds.
Tote the gun, it's my way of life and it works
The artist's lifestyle revolves around their pistol and it has been effective for them.
These cowardly niggas'll put your fucking life in the dirt
The artist is saying that other people will kill you if you don't defend yourself with a pistol.
'Cause it was wrong how they left my dog, he was priceless
The artist is seeking revenge for someone close to them who was killed.
Alone in the streets, bleeding, staring, laying lifeless
The artist's friend was left to die alone in the streets.
That's why I'm heated, you never know who starts creeping
The artist is always on guard because they don't know who their enemies are.
Waking you up with AK's while you lie sleeping
The artist's enemies are willing to attack them while they are sleeping.
I'd rather pack the heat and not need it
The artist prefers to be prepared for violence rather than caught off guard.
Rather than need one and not have it, I married this Glock-matic
The artist is married to their pistol and will never leave it behind.
You know the sound when I'm spinning 'round
The artist is familiar with the sound of bullets being fired from their pistol.
Spitting these rounds from four pounds
The artist is firing from a four-pound pistol.
While the whole crowd screaming as loud
The artist's violent lyrics are popular with their fans.
From they mouths as they possibly allow?
Their fans scream the lyrics as loudly as they can.
Nothing is parallel to making you carousel
The artist feels that nothing is as satisfying as making their enemies suffer.
Aerial somersault like ferris wheels to a pair of shells
The artist is using violent metaphors to describe their actions.
Denaun carry the nine where I go
The artist's crew member always carries their pistol.
Bullets whistle and hit you while I'm shooting at 5-0
The artist is shooting at the police.
Some semi-automatic for static's the motto
The artist always carries a semi-automatic pistol for protection.
Spitting like, from Colorado
The artist's violent lyrics are as dangerous as a gunfight in Colorado.
This nine'll turn a softy to a hard rock
The artist's pistol is powerful enough to intimidate someone who is normally weak.
It'll make Jehovah's Witnesses, think before they knock (sorry, sorry)
Even Jehovah's Witnesses would be intimidated by the artist's pistol, and they apologize for saying so.
It'll make your grandmother come out of her purse
Even a grandma would be afraid of the artist's pistol.
It'll make Limp Bizkit, get rid of Fred Durst
Even a popular band like Limp Bizkit would be afraid and disassociate themselves with Fred Durst.
It'll make Holyfield start fighting
The artist's pistol would be enough to make a former boxer come out of retirement.
It'll make Ma$e say fuck church and go back to writing
Even a religious person like Ma$e would be so scared they would abandon their beliefs.
It'll make Shyne say he sound like Biggie Smalls
Even someone who sounds like the late Biggie Smalls would be intimidated.
It'll make R. Kelly, give respect to Aaron Hall
Even R. Kelly would show respect to Aaron Hall when faced with the artist's pistol.
It'll make Christopher Reeves start walking
Even Christopher Reeves, who was paralyzed, would be so scared they would try to walk.
It'll make a dog with no voice, suddenly start barking
Even a dog without a voice would be so scared they would bark.
It'll make a nun turn to a filthy slut
Even a nun would be so scared they would change their ways.
It'll make the hardest pitbull, turn to a fucking mutt
Even the strongest and most aggressive pitbull would be intimidated.
It'll make a Muslim dye his hair blonde
Even a devout Muslim would change themselves to avoid the artist's pistol.
It'll make a redneck start to read the Holy Quran (need Jesus)
Even someone with strong beliefs in Christianity would turn to Islam to avoid the artist's pistol.
It'll make Ike stop beating Tina
Even someone like Ike Turner would be intimidated by the artist's pistol.
It'll make Slim Shady fall back in love with Christina
Even someone like Eminem would change their ways when faced with the artist's pistol.
Ha, nigga, nigga, nigga, you better have aim
The artist is challenging their enemies to shoot them if they want to.
'Cause if you don't, you finished, flat out
If the artist's enemies can't shoot straight, they will be killed.
Detroit
The song is about the dangerous streets of Detroit.
Sorry
The artist is not actually sorry for their violent lyrics.
What?
The artist is responding sarcastically to someone who may be doubting their pistol skills.
Fucking
The artist is emphasizing their words with vulgarity.
Where the fuck we stay out
The artist is telling people to be careful where they are.
Fuck around and get popped
The artist is warning people that they may be shot if they mess with them.
With no hesitation, straight up
The artist will shoot someone without hesitation.
Nigga, nigga, nigga
The artist is using the N-word to refer to themselves and others.
Look where the fuck we stay at
The artist is emphasizing how dangerous their neighborhood is.
You good as popped
The artist is telling people that they will be shot if they mess with them.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Marshall Mathers, Rufus Johnson, Denaun Porter, Deshawn Holton, Ondre Moore, Von Carlisle
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind