I remember the exact moment Ol' Dirty Bastard became my favorite rapper in the world., it was at Summer Jam in 1997 when ODB insulted the radio station from the stage, wondering why he was there since they never played his music.
It was a fine performance and when he rapped, he had a jokiness that belied his abilities. Somewhere between insane and sensible, ODB was the leader that night.
I had bought Return To The 36 Chambers a coupla years later, but it didn't click with me. But after the show I went back to it. How can't you love somebody who puts his Food Stamp Card on his album cover? ODB's eccentric off-key warbling felt smart, his catchy nursery rhymes like "Shimmy Shimmy Ya" nothing but fun. He was a great rapper, with flow and a dep, powerful voice. And where Wu could be tough to warm too (RZA is too cerebral for his own good), ODB was one of the people. N**** Please was just about as good.
Pitchfork report, ODB's Return To 36 Chambersis getting the Box Set treatment.
Good.
According to PF, this is what you can expect: "The Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version Wallet Box features the remastered album on one disc and a second disc of remixes, rarities, instrumentals, and a cappellas. It comes packaged in a billfold wallet with a poster, sticker, and an Ol' Dirty Bastard food stamp card that replicates the one on the album cover.