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.
That's How...
D12 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nigga (nigga)
Niggas (niggas)
Crackers (crackers)
Whities, Jews (Jews)
This is how it happens to you
That's how people get fucked up
Crackers (crackers)
Whities, Jews (Jews)
This is how it happens to you
That's how people get fucked up
Yo, if you a loudmouth, trying to wild out
And we see just how you laying and we peeped yo' style out
(You a punk) When you chilling out in front of your truck and get stuck
That's how niggas get fucked up
No love at home with your kinfolk
And the world just keep fucking with your mental
And all these kids making fun of your trench coat
That's how students get shot up
Hating on us but you come to our show
(Fuck them niggas) I crowd surf and you let me go
(Oh no) Whooped yo' ass when I get off the flo', just so you know though
That's how haters get fucked up
When the police pull you over and shit
Then find ganja, now every month they checking on yo' piss
They getting mad 'cause you ain't come back since, and now they sweating you
That's how P.O.'s get fucked up
When your mans hook you up with a bitch
Over the phone and when you see her she ugly as shit (goddamn)
Now at the end of date she want a kiss, and some dick
That's how blind dates get fucked up
Saying we not a real crew with a lot of skill
And only one nigga in our crew make the dollar bills
Y'all fools just mad 'cause y'all ain't got a deal
Local rappers talk too much
We gon' rob this bank, but you roll with punks
Manager tripped the alarm and you all get stuck
Cops got AK's, y'all only got pumps, that shit's just dumb
That's how Cool C got locked up
When yo' ass wanna walk in a club
Instead of telling you to wait, the nigga wanna push and shove (move)
Then get trampled from the niggas you brung, so move over
That's how bouncers get fucked up
Niggas (niggas)
Crackers (crackers)
Whities, Jews (Jews)
This is how it happens to you
That's how people get fucked up
Niggas (niggas)
Crackers (crackers)
Whities, Jews (Jews)
This is how it happens to you
That's how people get fucked up
Yo, when you get your guns out of the stash
And gather all your homies up to go and shoot up a pad
Soon as you finish y'all run out of gas, you better haul ass
That's how drivebys get fucked up
Mixing weed with the brew, ecstasy and Kahlua
Gasoline fumes, nitrous balloons
Acid tablets and the magic mushrooms
That's how D12 get fucked up
(Hey, I like your records)
But my album ain't dropped
(Dr. Dre's my favorite)
Bitch, get off his jock
Got a backstage pass and I need to get off, wanna meet da-da-Doc
That's how groupies get tossed up
Drop out of school, take drugs and molest sluts
Got your girlfriend sucking on my left nut
Your parents don't like me, but guess what?
'Cause Bizarre don't give a fuck
Chokin' your wife all in front of your peeps (bitch)
She toss a brick through the window of your Jeep
Get back together by the end of the week, that's so sweet
Slim and Kim argue too much
Invite a ho to your house while your bitch is out
Now you got your dick all up in her fucking mouth
Pull it out and then you bust off on her favorite blouse
That's how Clinton got caught up
Steal cars, wreck bars, get fucked up beyond
Recognition walk in titty clubs like we stars
Our mission every day is just to smoke bongs and fuck bitches in thongs
That's how Runyan Ave. is cut
When your life wasn't raised up right
Then see your mother coming home with different niggas every night
And then you run into the one you don't like, so get the fuck lost
That's how step-dads get fucked up
Niggas (niggas)
Crackers (crackers)
Whities, Jews (Jews)
This is how it happens to you
That's how people get fucked up
Niggas (niggas)
Crackers (crackers)
Whities, Jews (Jews)
This is how it happens to you
That's how people get fucked up
Niggas (niggas)
Crackers (crackers)
Whities, Jews (Jews)
This is how it happens to you
That's how people get fucked up
Niggas (niggas)
Crackers (crackers)
Whities, Jews (Jews)
This is how it happens to you
That's how people get fucked up
The song "That's How..." by D12 is a commentary on how different people get "fucked up," using racial slurs to describe various groups. The lyrics focus on situations that can lead to negative outcomes, such as getting into fights, doing drugs, and making bad decisions. The song also mentions specific examples of people who have been caught up in negative situations, such as rapper Cool C, who was sentenced to death for murder.
The first verse describes how loudmouth people trying to act tough can get into physical altercations and get "stuck," while people who are constantly being bullied may resort to violence in schools. The second verse talks about the consequences of drug use, including mixing drugs and alcohol, which can lead to dangerous situations. The third verse takes a political turn, criticizing Bill Clinton for his affair with Monica Lewinsky and suggesting that stealing cars and going to strip clubs is a typical lifestyle for those from a rough neighborhood.
Overall, the song uses provocative language to draw attention to how people can make bad decisions and get into trouble. The repeated refrain of "that's how people get fucked up" reinforces the idea that there are often consequences for making poor choices.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo
Introduction to the song
Nigga (nigga)
Addressing black people using a colloquial term
Niggas (niggas)
Addressing black people using a colloquial term
Crackers (crackers)
Addressing white people using a derogatory term
Whities, Jews (Jews)
Addressing white people and Jewish people using a derogatory term
This is how it happens to you
The following lines describe how people get messed up in different situations
That's how people get fucked up
Refrain indicating that the situations described lead to trouble
Yo, if you a loudmouth, trying to wild out
If you are aggressive and trying to act tough
And we see just how you laying and we peeped yo' style out
Others have observed your behavior and are aware of your true nature
(You a punk) When you chilling out in front of your truck and get stuck
You are vulnerable to attack when you let your guard down
That's how niggas get fucked up
Repeating refrain indicating that acting tough can lead to trouble
No love at home with your kinfolk
Growing up without emotional support from family
And the world just keep fucking with your mental
The world is harsh and unkind, making life difficult
And all these kids making fun of your trench coat
Being bullied and ostracized by peers
That's how students get shot up
Repeating refrain indicating that this situation can lead to tragedy
Hating on us but you come to our show
Criticizing us but still attending our concert
(Fuck them niggas) I crowd surf and you let me go
Ignoring haters and enjoying the support of fans
(Oh no) Whooped yo' ass when I get off the flo', just so you know though
Warning haters that they may face consequences if they cross the line
That's how haters get fucked up
Repeating refrain indicating that hatred and aggression can lead to trouble
When the police pull you over and shit
Being stopped by law enforcement while driving
Then find ganja, now every month they checking on yo' piss
Getting caught with marijuana and facing regular drug tests as a result
They getting mad 'cause you ain't come back since, and now they sweating you
Police becoming suspicious and watching you closely
That's how P.O.'s get fucked up
Repeating refrain indicating that illegal activity can lead to trouble
When your mans hook you up with a bitch
Being set up on a date by a friend
Over the phone and when you see her she ugly as shit (goddamn)
Being disappointed by the appearance of the person you are meeting
Now at the end of date she want a kiss, and some dick
Feeling pressure to engage in sexual activity despite lack of attraction
That's how blind dates get fucked up
Repeating refrain indicating that dating can lead to trouble
Saying we not a real crew with a lot of skill
Being criticized for lack of talent
And only one nigga in our crew make the dollar bills
Having limited financial success despite being in a music group
Y'all fools just mad 'cause y'all ain't got a deal
Jealousy of others' success
Local rappers talk too much
Being annoyed by other aspiring local musicians
We gon' rob this bank, but you roll with punks
Planning a robbery with unreliable accomplices
Manager tripped the alarm and you all get stuck
Getting caught and facing consequences for illegal activity
Cops got AK's, y'all only got pumps, that shit's just dumb
Being outgunned by law enforcement in a dangerous situation
That's how Cool C got locked up
Repeating refrain indicating that criminal activity can lead to severe consequences
When yo' ass wanna walk in a club
Trying to enter a nightclub
Instead of telling you to wait, the nigga wanna push and shove (move)
Being aggressive and confrontational when attempting to enter a venue
Then get trampled from the niggas you brung, so move over
Getting hurt by the actions of people you associate with
That's how bouncers get fucked up
Repeating refrain indicating that aggression can lead to trouble
Yo, when you get your guns out of the stash
Retrieving weapons
And gather all your homies up to go and shoot up a pad
Planning a violent attack on a residence
Soon as you finish y'all run out of gas, you better haul ass
Running out of resources during a criminal act and needing to flee
That's how drivebys get fucked up
Repeating refrain indicating that violent behavior leads to consequences
Mixing weed with the brew, ecstasy and Kahlua
Combining drugs and alcohol
Gasoline fumes, nitrous balloons
Inhaling dangerous substances
Acid tablets and the magic mushrooms
Using psychedelic drugs
That's how D12 get fucked up
Repeating refrain indicating that drug abuse leads to consequences
(Hey, I like your records)
Complimenting the music of others
But my album ain't dropped
Expressing frustration at lack of success despite positive feedback
(Dr. Dre's my favorite)
Expressing admiration for a prominent music producer
Bitch, get off his jock
Dismissing others' admiration for a famous figure
Got a backstage pass and I need to get off, wanna meet da-da-Doc
Excited to meet a famous musician/producer
That's how groupies get tossed up
Repeating refrain indicating that fame can lead to trouble
Drop out of school, take drugs and molest sluts
Engaging in dangerous and harmful behavior
Got your girlfriend sucking on my left nut
Boasting about sexual exploits with someone else's partner
Your parents don't like me, but guess what?
Others disapprove of your actions but you do not care
'Cause Bizarre don't give a fuck
Expressing disregard for criticism and social norms
Chokin' your wife all in front of your peeps (bitch)
Acting violently in front of others
She toss a brick through the window of your Jeep
Responding to violent behavior with more violence
Get back together by the end of the week, that's so sweet
Resolving a conflict within a short period of time
Slim and Kim argue too much
Noticing that others' relationships are tumultuous
Invite a ho to your house while your bitch is out
Cheating on a partner
Now you got your dick all up in her fucking mouth
Boasting about sexual escapades with multiple partners
Pull it out and then you bust off on her favorite blouse
Engaging in disrespectful behavior towards women
That's how Clinton got caught up
Repeating refrain indicating that poor decisions lead to consequences
Steal cars, wreck bars, get fucked up beyond
Engaging in reckless and illegal behavior
Recognition walk in titty clubs like we stars
Feeling a false sense of importance in strip clubs
Our mission every day is just to smoke bongs and fuck bitches in thongs
Living a hedonistic and irresponsible lifestyle
That's how Runyan Ave. is cut
Repeating refrain indicating that reckless behavior leads to consequences
When your life wasn't raised up right
Growing up in a difficult and unstable environment
Then see your mother coming home with different niggas every night
Witnessing unpleasant family situations
And then you run into the one you don't like, so get the fuck lost
Encountering someone who brings up negative emotions
That's how step-dads get fucked up
Repeating refrain indicating that difficult family situations lead to trouble
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Denaun M. Porter, Deshaun Dupree Holton, Jeffrey Irwin Bass, Marshall B. Mathers, Ondre C. Moore, Rufus Johnson, Von M. Carlisle
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind