I grew up in the 8s and 90s, so I was a WU Tang fan. ODB has always been a fave of mine, so I was excited to read this book. I truly enjoyed that this book was written by three people who cared for and loved him. They each narrated their own stories, which was nice. This story recounts his inner turmoil and struggles with diagnosed schizophrenia, his struggles with relationships and friendships, and his attempts to stay clean. This was a quick read that was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. I highly recommend this audiobook!

Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Everybody Loves Dirty is a deeply personal and intimate portrait of Russell Tyrone Jones, better known to the world as Ol' Dirty Bastard (ODB), one of the most iconic and influential figures in hip-hop history. This audiobook, narrated by those who knew him best—his mother Cherry Jones, his bodyguard Jerome Baldwin, and his manager Jarred Weisfeld—offers a rare and authentic glimpse into the life of the man behind the legend.

The strength of Everybody Loves Dirty lies in the raw and unfiltered memories shared by the narrators. Cherry Jones, ODB's mother, brings a profound emotional depth to the narrative, recounting stories of her son's childhood and the path that led him to become a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan. Her voice is filled with love, pride, and a palpable sense of loss, making her contributions both touching and heartbreaking.

Jerome Baldwin, ODB's bodyguard, adds another layer of insight, sharing firsthand accounts of the highs and lows of ODB's career. His stories are candid and often humorous, but they also highlight the struggles and vulnerabilities that ODB faced as he navigated fame and personal demons. Baldwin's narration is grounded in respect and loyalty, offering a perspective that balances the chaotic energy often associated with ODB.

Jarred Weisfeld, who provides the foreword, offers a different angle, reflecting on the business side of ODB's career and the challenges of managing such a unique and unpredictable talent. His insights help contextualize the broader impact of ODB's work and the legacy he left behind.

The audiobook format enhances the storytelling experience, allowing listeners to feel as though they are sitting in a room with those who knew ODB best, hearing their stories directly. The narrators' personal connections to ODB add an authenticity that makes the audiobook particularly engaging. Their voices convey the complexities of ODB's character—his brilliance, his struggles, his humor, and his undeniable impact on the world of hip-hop.

While Everybody Loves Dirty is filled with moments of laughter and warmth, it does not shy away from the darker aspects of ODB's life. The audiobook captures the tension between his larger-than-life persona and the man who faced very real challenges, including legal troubles, substance abuse, and the pressures of fame. The narrators handle these topics with sensitivity and honesty, providing a well-rounded portrait of a man who was as much a product of his environment as he was a revolutionary artist.

Everybody Loves Dirty is a must-listen for fans of Ol' Dirty Bastard and the Wu-Tang Clan, as well as anyone interested in the personal stories behind the figures who have shaped modern music. The audiobook's blend of humor, heartache, and history makes it a powerful tribute to a man who, despite his untimely death, continues to influence the world of hip-hop. It's an essential listen that offers a deeper understanding of the man behind the music, told by those who knew and loved him best.

As a person who came of age in the 90s, who's a huge WU Tang fan, I was really excited to listen to this! This was an enlightening, albeit brief, look into the experiences of those closest to ODB during his last years (though his mom does share some from his earlier years). To be clear, this is not a biography, and not comprehensive. Instead, Everybody Loves Dirty is a short collection of stories from three sources (ODB's manager, mom, and bodyguard) sharing their perspectives and experiences as they relate to ODB. It was entertaining and informative, but also very sad at times. I really appreciate the information about what led up to his death, especially from Jermones perspective, as there's been a lot of misinformation in the media about that.

Written and narrated by his mother Cherry Jones and his bodyguard Jerome Baldwin, with a foreword written and narrated by his manager Jarred Weisfeld,

Thanks Tantor for my gifted audiobook 🎧

4.5 rounded to 5 stars

An account of ODB’s career, as told by three of the people who genuinely cared for him. A sad but true story of his life, struggles to stay clean, and efforts to push away the voices in his head caused by his diagnosed schizophrenia. ODB’s spiral into addiction was ultimately his demise, but where would he be now if someone hadn’t handed him that baggy? We will never truly know.

A quick read for people who enjoy biographies, memoirs, rappers, the 90s, and Black culture.

(I received this ALC via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you.)

I loved hearing the personal stories and experiences shared by ODB's former manager and mom. It's pretty amusing that both of them were so adamant about that 10,000 ODB's ex-wife wanted! lol. Despite any personal thoughts I may have had about ODB, it's clear that he was deeply loved and is truly missed. It's a beautiful touch to have this story told from the perspective of those who loved him

Growing up I’ve always heard of ODB and it was never in the best of lights however this book def gave me a new perspective. With his life being cut short he was unable to tell his story but I love who was able to tell it. How him and his manager came together was very accidental but it worked out perfectly. His mother having such a big part in the process is what makes this book that much more special. I appreciate this brief overview of their memories with ODB and def recommend this book for anyone that wants a better insight on the man ODB, not just the artist.

Thank you, NetGalley for an advanced ALC of this book

I have heard of this artist in the past but have never really been in the rap scene. But I was interested in hearing about this guy/artist from his nearest and dearest who know him because beyond what we got to see on the TV etc.

Listening to the individual stories/memories these people had was lovely to hear but at the same time a bit saddening because we get to look into a guy who was struggling in many ways throughout his life with drugs, and certain friendships. Relationships and much more... but each person said that Ol'Dirty Bastard loved his 7 children beyond life itself and did everything he could for them.

I am happy I read this book and learned more about an artist we lost in times past