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.
Words Are Weapons
D12 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My words are weapons, I never show no emotion
My words are weapons, I use 'em to kill whoever's steppin' to me
My words are like weaponry on a record
My words are weapons, I use 'em to crush my opponents
These words are weapons, never did show no emotion
My words are weapons, I use 'em to kill whoever's steppin' to me
My words are like weaponry on a record
Yo, the rage I release on a page
Is like a demon unleashed in a cage
Lunatic, soon as I hit the stage
My mind is like a fuckin' stick of dynamite
Once I get behind the mic
It's like the wick is lit, you bitches die tonight
My nine is like a guidin' light at night, shinin' bright
My fuckin' grip is tighter than my wife's vagina, psych
These cock-suckin' cops got my Smith & Wesson
I guess it's time to pick a different weapon, man, the shit's depressin'
But Swift is getting me a new one for a Christmas present
(Come on Slim, let's go and teach this fuckin' bitch a lesson)
They managed to confiscate the pistol that I brandish
But my plan is to use this bullshit to my advantage
Shady stay creative, baby, hold your head up, don't you let up
One bit on these motherfuckin' suckers, you're a soldier, get up
Stand up for what you believe in, long as you breathin'
They jealous of you man, that's the only reason they beefin'
My words are weapons, I use 'em to crush my opponents
My words are weapons, I never show no emotion
My words are weapons, I use 'em to kill whoever's steppin' to me
My words are like weaponry on a record
My words are weapons, I use 'em to crush my opponents
These words are weapons, never did show no emotion
My words are weapons, I use 'em to kill whoever's steppin' to me
My words are like weaponry on a record
It's that Dirty Dozen renegade, you done pulled the pin out my grenade
.38s'll move your shit up out the way
You niggas won't forget about McVay, you got somethin' to say?
Let it out today or watch these bullets spray
From these ten black fingers huggin' these deadly millimeters
That'll make Jeff Dahmer's look like he caught a misdemeanor
See I'm dirty, so I ain't gotta buy a pistol cleaner
An official beater, don't let me see you with yo' heater
You gets whipped with it, tell them motherfuckers, Swift did it
You packin' somethin' special in your crib, then bitch get it
I'm physically fitted to run yo' digits, I'm hostile
With this Roscoe pointed up your nostrils
You get splitted and guess what, I'm blowin' up the hospital
And wouldn't give a fuck if you a cop or a ho
I'm Hannibal Lector, the spinal cord disconnector
Findin whores to lock 'em up in motels to inject 'em
My words are weapons, I use 'em to crush my opponents
My words are weapons, I never show no emotion
My words are weapons, I use 'em to kill whoever's steppin' to me
My words are like weaponry on a record
My words are weapons, I use 'em to crush my opponents
These words are weapons, never did show no emotion
My words are weapons, I use 'em to kill whoever's steppin' to me
My words are like weaponry on a record
I'm eatin' crews like I'm Hannibal
There's no way I can be the gay rapper (why not?)
I only fuck animals (oh)
Stupid trick got my dick startin' to itch
Went to my mother's grave site, called her a stupid bitch
One on one in this bloodsport, I'm in divorce court
Sold my bitch off a pack of Newports (your Honor)
Six times I been arrested, how would you feel
If you was a Jehovah witness that always got molested? (It happens)
I'm smokin' dank, drinkin' drank
I can't have any kids 'cause I'm fuckin' shootin' blanks
Don't you know Bizarre don't give a fuck?
Nicole's a whore, I'm glad O.J. murdered the slut
Responsibility, I'm negligent
Bill Clinton's a fag, should be stabbed
Let Richard Simmons be the President (oh hey)
Call me a weirdo, call me Bi-zarre
While I stick it up yo' ass while you shittin' diarrhea
My words are weapons, I use 'em to crush my opponents
My words are weapons, I never show no emotion
My words are weapons, I use 'em to kill whoever's steppin' to me
My words are like weaponry on a record
My words are weapons, I use 'em to crush my opponents
These words are weapons, never did show no emotion
My words are weapons, I use 'em to kill whoever's steppin' to me
My words are like weaponry on a record
Yo
The song "Words Are Weapons" by D12 is a powerful rap song that explores the use of words as weapons to crush opponents. The lyrics suggest that the artists use their lyrics to kill whoever is stepping to them, and their words are like weapons on a record. They describe the rage they release on stage as being like a demon unleashed in a cage. The artists express their anger and frustration towards the police for confiscating their weapons and towards those who oppose them in the music industry. The lyrics are aggressive and confrontational, with each artist using their verse to display their own unique style and attitude.
Line by Line Meaning
My words are weapons, I use 'em to crush my opponents
I have a sharp tongue and use my words as a weapon to defeat my adversaries.
My words are weapons, I never show no emotion
I use my words to convey my thoughts and feelings, but I do not let my emotions affect me.
My words are weapons, I use 'em to kill whoever's steppin' to me
I use my words to personally attack and defeat anyone who comes at me with negative energy.
My words are like weaponry on a record
My lyrics are so powerful that they can be seen as weapons when recorded as music.
These words are weapons, never did show no emotion
My lyrical prowess is unmatched and I manage to use it to my advantage without letting emotions get in the way.
Yo, the rage I release on a page
Is like a demon unleashed in a cage
The anger that I express through my lyrics is like a powerful, unchained demon.
Lunatic, soon as I hit the stage
As soon as I step onto the stage, I let my craziness take over.
My mind is like a fuckin' stick of dynamite
Once I get behind the mic
It's like the wick is lit, you bitches die tonight
My mind is like a ticking time bomb, and as soon as I get behind the mic, it's like the fuse is lit and everyone who opposes me will lose.
My nine is like a guidin' light at night, shinin' bright
My fuckin' grip is tighter than my wife's vagina, psych
My gun is like a beacon of light, guiding me through the darkness. Also, I have a strong grip, but don't take that last part seriously.
These cock-suckin' cops got my Smith & Wesson
I guess it's time to pick a different weapon, man, the shit's depressin'
The police confiscated my gun, so I'll have to find a new way to protect myself, which is frustrating and depressing.
But Swift is getting me a new one for a Christmas present
(Come on Slim, let's go and teach this fuckin' bitch a lesson)
My friend Swift is buying me a new gun for Christmas, and we are going to use it to show someone a lesson they won't forget.
They managed to confiscate the pistol that I brandish
But my plan is to use this bullshit to my advantage
The police took my gun, but I plan on using this situation to my advantage in some way.
Shady stay creative, baby, hold your head up, don't you let up
One bit on these motherfuckin' suckers, you're a soldier, get up
Stay creative, don't give up, and keep being yourself. Fight back against anyone who tries to bring you down, and remember that you're a tough soldier.
Stand up for what you believe in, long as you breathin'
They jealous of you man, that's the only reason they beefin'
Fight for what you believe in as long as you're alive. People hate on you because they're jealous of your success.
It's that Dirty Dozen renegade, you done pulled the pin out my grenade
.38s'll move your shit up out the way
I am a member of the Dirty Dozen gang and I am dangerous. My words and guns combined will make anyone get out of my way.
You niggas won't forget about McVay, you got somethin' to say?
Let it out today or watch these bullets spray
Don't forget about the rapper McVay, and if you have anything to say, speak now or face the consequences.
From these ten black fingers huggin' these deadly millimeters
That'll make Jeff Dahmer's look like he caught a misdemeanor
My ten fingers are holding guns that are deadlier than Jeffery Dahmer's crimes.
See I'm dirty, so I ain't gotta buy a pistol cleaner
An official beater, don't let me see you with yo' heater
I am a dirty gang member, so I don't need to clean my gun. I am an official fighter, so don't let me catch you with a gun.
You gets whipped with it, tell them motherfuckers, Swift did it
You packin' somethin' special in your crib, then bitch get it
If you get beaten with my gun, blame it on my friend Swift. And if you have something special in your house, be prepared to hand it over.
I'm physically fitted to run yo' digits, I'm hostile
With this Roscoe pointed up your nostrils
I am physically equipped to fight you, and I am aggressively pointing my gun at your face.
You get splitted and guess what, I'm blowin' up the hospital
And wouldn't give a fuck if you a cop or a ho
I'm going to split you in half and blow up the hospital. I don't care if you're a cop or a prostitute.
I'm Hannibal Lector, the spinal cord disconnector
Findin whores to lock 'em up in motels to inject 'em
I am like Hannibal Lector, and I like to torture and kill people in motels.
I'm eatin' crews like I'm Hannibal
There's no way I can be the gay rapper (why not?)
I only fuck animals (oh)
I am devouring other rap crews like Hannibal Lector. And no, I can't be a gay rapper because I am only sexually attracted to animals.
Stupid trick got my dick startin' to itch
Went to my mother's grave site, called her a stupid bitch
A woman made me itchy down there, so I insulted my dead mother at her grave site.
One on one in this bloodsport, I'm in divorce court
Sold my bitch off a pack of Newports (your Honor)
I am dealing with a serious situation, but I am treating it like a competition. Also, I sold my wife for a pack of cigarettes.
Six times I been arrested, how would you feel
If you was a Jehovah witness that always got molested? (It happens)
I have been arrested six times, and it's difficult to deal with. Imagine being a Jehovah Witness who has been molested multiple times, it's a tragedy.
I'm smokin' dank, drinkin' drank
I can't have any kids 'cause I'm fuckin' shootin' blanks
I am smoking weed and drinking alcohol. I can't have children because my sperm is not viable.
Don't you know Bizarre don't give a fuck?
Nicole's a whore, I'm glad O.J. murdered the slut
I am Bizarre and I don't care about anything. And yes, I think Nicole was a whore and O.J. was right to murder her.
Responsibility, I'm negligent
Bill Clinton's a fag, should be stabbed
Let Richard Simmons be the President (oh hey)
I am irresponsible and do not take responsibility for my actions. I also think Bill Clinton is gay and should be stabbed, and that Richard Simmons should be the President.
Call me a weirdo, call me Bi-zarre
While I stick it up yo' ass while you shittin' diarrhea
You can call me strange, call me Bizarre. While you're on the toilet with diarrhea, I'll shove something up your ass.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Denaun Porter, Deshaun Holton, Kevin Bell, Marshall Mathers, Ondre Moore, Rufus Johnson, Von Carlisle
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind