ODB: 20 years gone

A founding member of Wu Tang Clan and one of hip hop’s most explosive characters, ODB was a showman, a stage crasher, a comedian, a father, a husband, a literal hero. He was also flawed. ODB struggled with addiction, had real run-ins with the law and grappled with mental health issues. But he was in no way, as the media often portrayed him, a caricature. A new podcast, hosted by photographer and filmmaker Khalik Allah, seeks to strip away the bombastic persona and paint a more nuanced profile of the man. Over eight episodes, “ODB: A Son Unique“ unpacks the origins and impact of Ol’ Dirty Bastard, his own influences — not the least of which was the Five-Percent Nation, an offshoot of the Nation of Islam — his style and the indelible mark he left on hip hop through interviews with the people closest to him. Allah joins us to discuss his legacy.   Brooklyn news and views you can use: bkmag.com Email: [email protected] Follow along on Facebook: Brooklyn Magazine Twitter: @brooklynmag Instagram: @brooklynmagazine Follow Brian Braiker on Twitter: @slarkpope