For the first time in his career, it seemed O.D.B (Ol’ Dirty Bastard) was on the right track in his career, not burdened by legal troubles and reportedly drug free. He was released from prison in 2003 and signed with Roc-a-Fella, a deal that would signify a fresh start.

He was working on his comeback album Saturday when he collapsed in the New York recording studio and died. He would have turned 36 on Monday.

He was known more for what he did outside the studio than what he did inside.

O.D.B, whose real name is Russell Jones, was often in trouble with the law. He had traffic violations, was wounded in shootings, and had drug possession charges, which landed him in jail for two years starting in 2001.

In 1998, he interrupted Shawn Colvin’s acceptance speech at the Grammy Awards and complained about losing to Puff Daddy in the Best Rap Album category.

He reportedly had over a dozen children with several different mothers.

But with all that trouble, he was somewhat of a rap icon. He was a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan, frequently being the center of attention in a 8-man group that also featured Method Man, Redman, RZA and Ghostface Killa.

He released several solo albums, and had a memorable remix on Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy.”

When he was released from jail, Carey was by his side, along with Rock-A-Fell boss Damon Dash. O.D.B. asked to be called by his new name, Dirt McGirt.

For over a year, his label said, O.D.B was working on the comeback album, and he was almost finished.

Before he collapsed on Saturday, he had reportedly been complaining of chest pains. EMS workers arrived shortly after 5 p.m. and pronounced him dead.






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