Dirty: The Official O.D.B. Biography

In Dirty: The Official O.D.B. Biography, filmmaker Stephon Turner profiles his cousin, the controversial hip-hop icon Russell Jones, from his birth in Brooklyn in 1968 to his death in 2004 at a recording studio in Manhattan. Jones dabbled in crime before turning to rhyming and beat-boxing in 1978, and rapper/producer RZA takes credit for rechristening him Ol' Dirty Bastard (ODB), a name he embraced. In 1980, ODB, RZA, and Dirty's cousin GZA formed the Wu-Tang Clan, which eventually expanded to nine members, including Method Man. Bestselling group and solo albums followed, such as Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) in 1993 and Return to the 36 Chambers in 1995, but so did shootings and scuffles with the law. Friends, relatives, and collaborators agree that ODB was an eccentric talent and an unrepentant ladies man (none of his girlfriends participate in the documentary; nor does his pal Mariah Carey, who contributes the song “Fantasy” to the soundtrack). As ODB's fame grew, legal problems became an increasing concern, including charges of child support nonpayment and drug possession, and he spent two years behind bars (RZA and GZA believe the experience destroyed his will to live). Turner also speaks with B-Real (Cypress Hill), Sticky Fingaz (Onyx), Steve Rifkind (Loud Records), and others, including ODB's sisters, parents, and grandmother. As a profile, Dirty never quite penetrates the enigma that was Ol' Dirty Bastard, but fans will want to see. Recommended, overall. Aud: P. (K. Fennessy)