Raekwon Honors Ol’ Dirty Bastard on 20th Anniversary of His Passing
Raekwon and Ol’ Dirty Bastard (O.D.B.) are two legendary figures in hip-hop, recognized for their profound contributions as members of the Wu-Tang Clan. In 1995, both artists made their mark with standout debut albums that highlighted their distinctive styles and resonated far beyond the group’s loyal fan base. O.D.B.’s untimely death in 2004 deeply affected the entire Wu-Tang Clan and its fan community.
On November 13, 2024, Raekwon commemorated the 20th anniversary of O.D.B.’s passing with an emotional Instagram tribute. Posting a photo of O.D.B. on stage, Raekwon expressed his continued sense of loss: “Miss you beloved. Today marks 20 years you been gone and it’s not a day that goes by we don’t miss feeling your presence in the world.” He also announced a special tribute event at the opening of his Hashstoria location in Newark, New York, where O.D.B.’s music would be played throughout the day.
Raekwon, who featured on O.D.B.’s 1995 track “Raw Hide,” highlighted O.D.B.’s critical role in Wu-Tang’s success: “Thank you for believing in us and putting ya mighty crew on the map… You will always remain general in my eyes. love you.” This tribute is part of a series of acknowledgments Raekwon has made over the years, including the song “Ason Jones” from his 2009 album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. 2, which honors O.D.B.’s life and legacy.
The Wu-Tang Clan also paid homage in 2005 with O.D.B.’s posthumous album A Son Unique, featuring Rae on tracks like “Intoxicated” and “I Go Through Life.” Currently, Raekwon is focused on his upcoming eighth studio album, continuing his storied career while keeping the memory of O.D.B. alive.
