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 (1996โ1998)
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 (2000โ2005)
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 Germanyโselling 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 (2007โ2013)
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 (2014โ2015)
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 (2017โ2018)
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.
Slow Your Roll
D12 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Guess who, New shit!
D12 World, D-Twizzy!
[ Chorus ] [ Eminem ]
You don't got a reason to want no beef
You don't got a cause, you better put it on pause
You don't got the balls to fit in them draws
So whatever it is you thinking that's got you gassed
You better start rethinking and thinking it fast
Ain't nobody told you, homie, ya wanna ask
You better put them brakes and let off the gas
And Slow Your Roll
[ Verse 1 ] [ Swifty ]
??? a menace to many, I'm not friendly you get shot in da kennedy fast
You popped willingly you walkin around with Pac's identity
I'm a mockery you bout to watch what its fin to be
I'm not mentally focused but lyrically we got it locked
And its not about droppin albums, I'll sock a nigga on da spot
You cant help it but to imagine this walkin massacre
A madman strapped with a magnum blow that spasm out ya back
And just stand there and snatch your medallion
See I cant fear any nigga that can not happen
The immaculate Mack handler
That got this wrappin by the back of his neck
A scavenger I'm a threat then you fear me like a hand full of syringes
I'm ill enough to scream at your front do', blow it off the hinges
I'm marksmatic to press marksman outta walkin
Cause soon your body can catch me shootin up your carcus
So dont provoke shit, I wish the whole mankind was a neck so I can choke it,
Furocious and you aint gonna be knowin where ya folks is
F**k the milk cartons and posters its over, they ghosts
[ Verse 2 ] [ Proof ]
Niggaz is bitch instead of diggin a ditch
I'ma see how fill this river can get even bitches get hit
I'ma walk a dog on all fours embark 'em with long claws
Just fight for the wrong cause your boss with thong drawers
You aint in my racket bitch followin faggots wit wanksta tats on their ass
Eminem: Magic Stick If I get hit once you get hit twice ( backwards )
These thugs need to do what he love and just play the back
Before I'll Put A Sword On Ya Head Like A Raider Cap
You bust I'm sprayin back, leave your hood layin flat
Now what you gonna say to that?
[ Chorus ] [ Eminem]
[ Verse 3 ] [ Bizarre ]
Pull upย ??? truck, throw up, blow up, beat a handicap bitch up
F**k butter I kill the DJ
I dont need you bitch I got a instant replay
Lay down bitch get butt naked
And f**k the viagra I'm tryna nut in two seconds
All around the world, f**k wit different cliques
You aint got no weed get the f**k out my room bitch
[ Verse 4 ] [ Kuniva ]
I'm calm but I steal on niggaz like I was Clepto
Put that chrome shit to ya head like you was Destro
Why stop niggaz, why not pop niggaz, we cop figures
Keep them toast like I hop nigga, we breathe dirt so be alert
Or get them guns on ya chest like a welcome to the hood T-shirt
Let's go back before throw backs, before I dro sacks
I used to blow gats, bullets'll find you like a low jack
I'm hopeless, a ferocious dosage of dope shit
A culprit of culture a chaotic comotion
Kuniva will blow shit off the map I post it
Knock you off your penny load so f**k that cold shit
[ Chorus ] [ Eminem ]
[ Verse 5 ] [ Kon Artis ]
I point my fingers to the ground, throw my waist to left of me
To knuckle should ship like a Em upside down and you best be
On your p's and q's people we sees to use
No one see's your views, so now you see's exclusives
And put it in your little magazine, but you should
Know that was the most desperate thing that you could
Pull out of your crotch you faggots all owe us much
Start doing herion lines for as much as you gossip
Like bitches with Oscars, ya'll actresses
45's make bodies flip like flabby tits
Bullets coming at your doom like a buck up 6th
Now what the f**k you gonna do to get up out of this shit?
Your record was released 17 years ago you dumb bitch
Do the math, you'll never have a shady / aftermath ring
And that kind of staff to back that ass up so back that ass up
Before we clap that ass up ...
[ Chorus ] [ Eminem ]
[ Outro ] [ Kon Artis ]
Nigga you better ask somebody
These niggaz think they can just put shit out on their own, F**k 'em ..
The song Slow Your Roll by D12 featuring Eminem, was released as part of their second studio album D12 World, in 2004. The song begins with Eminem announcing the album name and his stage name, signaling the start of a fresh new sound. The chorus focuses on the idea of someone who is causing trouble without reason, and advises them to slow down and reconsider their actions before it's too late. The verses, however, are dominated by each member of the group taking turns to showcase their rapping skills and attitude. In Verse 1, Swifty describes himself as a walking massacre and a madman with a magnum. In Verse 2, Proof talks about his toughness and how he is not impressed by others. Bizarre continues to infuse humor into his verse, and Kuniva talks about his past and how he used to be involved in violent activities. Kon Artis ends the song with a scathing attack on people who just put out music without any substance.
The lyrics of Slow Your Roll are filled with references to violence, sex, and drugs, which is a hallmark of the D12 and Eminem collective. However, the underlying message to take stock of one's actions before it's too late can resonate with many listeners. The song reminds us that being reckless can have serious consequences, and that it's always better to think things through before we act. The production of the song is slick and modern, with a catchy beat that complements the lyrics well. The song ends on a strong note, with Kon Artis taking a swipe at people in the music industry who are all talk and no substance, making it a fitting end to an energetic and thought-provoking song.
Line by Line Meaning
Guess who, New shit!
Introducing a new song by D12World featuring D-Twizzy (Eminem)
You don't got a reason to want no beef
If you have no justification for starting a conflict, it's better to refrain from it
You ain't got no ends to justify the means
If you have no clear goal or objective to justify the actions you take to achieve it, you're better off not doing it
You don't got a cause, you better put it on pause
If you have no strong conviction or belief that drives your actions, it's better to stop and re-evaluate your choices
You don't got the balls to fit in them draws
If you lack the courage and strength to handle the consequences of your actions or decisions, it's better not to take risks
So whatever it is you thinking that's got you gassed
Whatever thought or idea has inflated your confidence, causing you to act recklessly or arrogantly
You better start rethinking and thinking it fast
You need to quickly reconsider your thoughts and actions before it's too late
Ain't nobody told you, homie, ya wanna ask
No one has informed or warned you, so it's best to seek advice or guidance before making decisions
You better put them brakes and let off the gas
You need to slow down and stop what you're doing before you cause harm to yourself or others
I'm not mentally focused but lyrically we got it locked
Although I may not be mentally stable, we are solid lyricists and our music holds its ground
And its not about droppin albums, I'll sock a nigga on da spot
It's not just about releasing albums, I have the ability to beat someone up on the spot if necessary
You cant help it but to imagine this walkin massacre
One cannot help but imagine the destructive power of this walking massacre
A madman strapped with a magnum blow that spasm out ya back
An insane person holding a gun capable of causing a spasm or convulsion in someone's back
See I cant fear any nigga that can not happen
I am not scared of anyone who cannot pose a realistic threat to me
The immaculate Mack handler
An expert in the art of handling guns
That got this wrappin by the back of his neck
I have complete control or domination over my music
F**k the milk cartons and posters its over, they ghosts
I don't care about missing persons posters or ads, they're already dead
Niggaz is bitch instead of diggin a ditch
Some men behave like women instead of doing hard labor work
I'ma walk a dog on all fours embark 'em with long claws
I will unleash my vicious attack dogs with long, sharp claws
Just fight for the wrong cause your boss with thong drawers
Don't fight for a cause that's not worth fighting for, or you'll end up being humiliated by your boss wearing women's underwear
Pull upย ??? truck, throw up, blow up, beat a handicap bitch up
Arriving in a specific type of truck and then vomiting, exploding something, and assaulting a disabled woman
F**k butter I kill the DJ
I don't care about the DJ, I'll kill him
I dont need you bitch I got a instant replay
I don't need a woman, I have an instant replay (to watch my own success)
You aint got no weed get the f**k out my room bitch
If you don't have any marijuana, get out of my room
Put that chrome shit to ya head like you was Destro
Pointing a chrome gun to your head like the villain from G.I. Joe
Knock you off your penny load so f**k that cold shit
Knocking you off of whatever pedestal you're on, and not caring about that false sense of superiority
I point my fingers to the ground, throw my waist to left of me
Making a confident and aggressive gesture with my body while rapping
On your p's and q's people we sees to use
Be alert and careful, because we are watching you
No one see's your views, so now you see's exclusives
No one cares about your opinions, so now you're seeing exclusive content from us
And put it in your little magazine, but you should
We'll give you content to put in your magazine, but you should
Know that was the most desperate thing that you could
Realize that publishing our content was the most desperate move you could make
Pull out of your crotch you faggots all owe us much
Admit that you relied on us for your success, you homosexual men
Like bitches with Oscars, ya'll actresses
You all are pretending to be someone you're not, like actresses pretending to win awards
45's make bodies flip like flabby tits
A powerful gun can make a body jerk around like flabby breasts
Your record was released 17 years ago you dumb bitch
Your album is too old to matter anymore, you idiotic person
Do the math, you'll never have a shady / aftermath ring
Calculate your chances and you'll realize you'll never be in the same league as us
And that kind of staff to back that ass up so back that ass up
We have the support and backing to prove our greatness, so step aside
Nigga you better ask somebody
You need to ask someone who knows what's up, because you clearly don't
These niggaz think they can just put shit out on their own, F**k 'em ..
Some rappers believe they have what it takes to succeed on their own, but they will ultimately fail
Contributed by Owen C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@hoqnakipr5304
[Hook:Eminem]
You don't got a reason and don't want no beef
You ain't got no ends to justify the means
You don't got a cause, you better put it on pause
You don't got the balls to fit in them draws
So whatever it is you thinking that's got you gassed
You better start rethinking and thinking it fast
Ain't nobody told you, homie, ya wanna ask
You better pump them brakes and let off the gas (Swift)
And slow your roll
Verse 1: Swift]
Sinister, a menace to many, I'm not friendly
You get shot in a Kennedy fashion
Pop willingly you walking around with Pac's identity
I'm a mockery you 'bout to watch what it's fin to be
I'm not mentally focused but lyrically we got it locked
And it's not about dropping albums, I'll sock a nigga on the spot
You can't help it but to imagine this walking massacre
A madman strapped with a Magnum blow that spasm out ya back
And just stand there and snatch your medallion
See I can't fear any nigga that can not happen
The immaculate Mac handler
That got this wrapping by the back of his neck
A scavenger I'm a threat then you feel me
Like a hand full of syringes
I'm ill enough to scream at your front do'
Blow it off the hinges (nigga)
I'm marksmatic, depressed marksman outta walking
'Cause soon your body they catch me shooting up your carcass
So don't provoke shit, I wish the whole
Mankind was a neck so I can choke it
Ferocious and you ain't gonna be knowing where ya folks is
Fuck the milk cartons and posters, it's over, they ghosts (hey)
[Verse 2: Proof]
Niggas is bitch instead of digging a ditch
I'ma see how filled this river can get even bitches get hit
I'm raw dog on all fours, I'm barking with long claws
Just fight for the wrong cause
Your boss with thong drawers (oh no)
You ain't in my bracket bitch, following faggots
With wanksta tats on their ass, see ya
[Eminem backwards:] Magic Stick If I get hit once you get hit twice
These scrubs need to do what he love and just play the back
Before I'll put a sword on ya head like a Raider cap
You bust I'm spraying back, leave your hood laying flat
Now what you gonna say to that?
[Hook: Eminem]
[Verse 3: Bizarre]
Pull up new county truck, throw up, blow up, beat a handicap bitch up
Fuck butter I killed the DJ
I don't need you, bitch, I got a instant replay
Lay down bitch get butt naked
And fuck the Viagra I'm trying to nut in two seconds
All around the world, fuck wit' different cliques
You ain't got no weed get the fuck out my room bitch
[Verse 4: Kuniva]
I'm calm but I steal on niggas like I was klepto
Put that chrome shit to ya head like you was Destro
Why stop niggas, why not pop niggas, we cop figures
Keep them toast like IHOP nigga, we breathe dirt so be alert
Or get them guns on ya chest like a welcome to the hood T-shirt
Let's go back before throw backs, before I dro sacks
I used to blow gats, bullets'll find you like a LoJack
I'm hopeless, a ferocious dosage of dope shit
A culprit of culture and a chaotic commotion
Kuniva will blow shit off of the map and post it
Knock you out of your penny loafers, fuck that ho shit
@Exon16249
0:33 Swifty McVay
1:23 Proof
2:12 Bizarre
2:32 Kuniva
3:18 Kon Artis
@SamouelAGant
Chorus is dope. Em should have continued on this line
@shanmusic161
Golden era of Em hooks
@jeserodriguez2042
The thing with D12 nd Em is that.... they all sit in the studio... pic the beat.... nd they write together..... nd make music... that doesnt happen if u r not friends with the artist u collab with
@mr.westpark5568
Back in the day it always happend like that.
@TERRELLTURNER1999
@Dilshod ุฏููุดูุฏ :|
@CallMeMicahT
Eminem has the dopest shit ever recorded stashed in his vault. And Iโll ski mask way it just to hear
@leonardodavinchii3885
Its like tryna break into area 51
@manea7074
The hard drive is in his mansion in Detroit good luck with that.
@cypressdogsy425
@Manea Al Manea no its not lol, it's in umg archive studios