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New York City Council Designates Nov. 15 as Ol’ Dirty Bastard Day
In Brief
• The New York City Council has proclaimed November 15 as Ol’ Dirty Bastard Day in honor of the late musician’s 55th birthday.
The resolution, spearheaded by Democratic Councilmember Chi Ossé, was overwhelmingly supported, with 39 members voting in favor.
• O.D.B. co-founded the iconic hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan and achieved platinum status with his album “Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version,” leaving a lasting legacy on the music industry.
• This recognition is part of a trend honoring influential hip-hop artists in New York City for their contributions to the genre as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Other artist street namings and tributes include those of Ghostface Killah and the Notorious B.I.G., furthering their impact on NYC culture.
Recognizing his contributions as a co-founder of the Wu-Tang Clan and his legendary status as an MC, the New York City Council passed a resolution on Wednesday, officially proclaiming November 15 as Ol’ Dirty Bastard Day.
Born Russell Tyrone Jones in Fort Greene, O.D.B., would have been celebrating his 55th birthday today.
Though he passed away in November 2004, his impact on the music industry was monumental. Co-founding the iconic hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan and achieving platinum status with his album “Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version,” O.D.B. left a lasting legacy.
The resolution, spearheaded by Democratic Councilmember Chi Ossé, received overwhelming support, with 39 members voting in favor.
However, five council members, including Joann Ariola, James Gennaro, Robert Holden, Ari Kagan, and Inna Vernikov, voted against the resolution. Councilmember Kalman Yeger abstained, and six members were absent.
This recognition of Ol’ Dirty Bastard Day adds to the growing trend of honoring influential hip-hop artists in New York City. As the genre celebrates its 50th anniversary, street namings and public tributes have become more common, paying homage to the musicians who paved the way.
Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s official day joins those of his Wu-Tang colleagues Ghostface Killah and the Notorious B.I.G., further cementing their impact on the city’s cultural landscape.