Brooklyn Honors Hip-Hop Legend: ODB Jones Way Unveiled
The legacy of Wu-Tang Clan icon Ol’ Dirty Bastard has been permanently etched into the geography of Brooklyn. In a heartfelt tribute to the late rapper, a Bedford-Stuyvesant street corner has been officially designated as “ODB Jones Way.”
A Permanent Tribute in Bed-Stuy
The intersection of Putnam and Franklin Avenues now bears the name of the legendary performer, born Russell Tyrone Jones. This location holds deep significance, as it is already home to a prominent mural depicting the artist-an image famously pulled from the cover art of his seminal 1995 solo record, Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version. According to Bushwick Daily, the official unveiling ceremony took place on Sunday, July 26th, drawing fans and local figures alike to celebrate the rapper’s enduring influence on hip-hop culture.
Family and Community Collaboration
The initiative to rename the street was a joint effort between the Estate of Ol’ Dirty Bastard and New York City Council Member Chi Ossé. The unveiling was a deeply personal affair, attended by the artist’s mother, Cherry Jones, and his eldest brother, Ramsey Jones. As reported by Billboard, the event served as a poignant reminder of the rapper’s roots in the borough.
Reflecting on the significance of the location, Ramsey Jones shared his gratitude during the ceremony: “I am very honoured to be here because my grandmother’s house is on this block on Putnam Avenue, right next to where the mural is. I’m so honoured, my mother’s honoured. Thank you.”
Celebrating an Unapologetic Icon
Council Member Chi Ossé took to Instagram to express his admiration for the late star, highlighting the unique blend of charisma and authenticity that defined ODB’s career. “ODB was brilliant yet hilarious. Above all, he stayed unapologetically true to himself,” Ossé noted. “Through Wu-Tang and as a solo artist, he changed the landscape of music forever.”
This street naming follows a growing trend of cities honoring hip-hop pioneers. Much like the recent tributes to The Notorious B.I.G. in Clinton Hill or the renaming of streets for Run-D.M.C. in Queens, the designation of ODB Jones Way ensures that the next generation of Brooklyn residents remains connected to the borough’s rich musical history. With Wu-Tang Clan’s influence still resonating globally-evidenced by their continued sold-out tours and the success of the Wu-Tang: An American Saga series-this tribute serves as a vital landmark for fans visiting the birthplace of the genre’s most eccentric and beloved personality.
