The legacy of legendary Wu-Tang Clan co-founder Ol’ Dirty Bastard continues to live on in his hometown of Brooklyn.
On Sunday, July 26, a stretch of Putnam Avenue in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood was officially co-named “ODB Jones Way” in honor of the late rapper, whose real name was Russell Tyrone Jones. Family members, friends, fans and local officials gathered at the corner of Putnam and Franklin avenues to celebrate the historic occasion.
The emotional unveiling featured ODB’s mother, Cherry Jones, and his eldest brother, Ramsey Jones, who pulled the cord to reveal the new green street sign. Following the ceremony, the family received a ceremonial version of the sign as ODB’s classic 1995 hit “Brooklyn Zoo” played through speakers
Ramsey Jones reflected on the significance of the tribute, noting that their grandmother’s home is located on the same block where the sign now stands, just steps away from the well-known mural inspired by the cover art of ODB’s debut solo album, Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the Jones family and thanked the community for continuing to honor his brother’s memory.
The celebration doubled as a neighborhood block party, with fans paying tribute by wearing Wu-Tang Clan apparel, displaying customized vehicles, purchasing commemorative merchandise, and celebrating the rapper’s lasting influence on hip-hop culture. Ahead of the event, Wu-Tang Clan encouraged supporters to attend through a social media post celebrating the historic milestone.
Although Ol’ Dirty Bastard was born in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene neighborhood, he maintained deep ties to Bedford-Stuyvesant throughout his life. More than two decades after his passing in 2004 at the age of 35, the street co-naming serves as a permanent reminder of his impact on music, New York City, and hip-hop history.
