Five Years After ODB's Death, Rapper's Son Plans Debut

As the fifth anniversary of Ol' Dirty Bastard's death approaches, fans of the extraordinary and unique MC have something exciting to look forward to, the debut recording from Boy Jones, ODB's son. The young rapper will be releasing his first single before the year's end, according to reports.

Born Barson Unique Jones, Boy Jones began his rap career at the age 9, appearing onstage with his father at the storied Apollo Theater in Harlem, where he performed verses from the ODB classic 'Shimmy Shimmy Ya.' Yet, his father wasn't always encouraging of his son's rap career. On the Boy Jones track 'Sandcastle,' which can be heard streaming on his MySpace, he says his father often told him, "you can't rap," when he attempted to record songs.

After his father's death, Jones formed Bang Out and the then 16-year-old's group caught the ear of RZA, ODB's cousin and fellow Wu-Tang Clan co-founder.

The aspiring MC, who bears a striking resemblance to his dad in both appearance and vocal tone, has since appeared on Lord Jamar's '5 %,' and RZA's soundtracks, 'The Protector' and 'Afro Samurai,' and performed with the Wu on the 'Rock the Bells' tour. RZA signed Jones to his Wu Music Group this past Spring, and he is working on his debut album for early 2010.

ODB -- who was born Russell Jones and went by a seemingly endless stream of aliases, including Big Baby Jesus and Dirt McGirt -- died November 13, 2004, of a drug overdose, just two days before his 36th birthday.

The rapper's final studio album, "A Son Unique," which includes production by DJ Premier, Pharell, RZA, and includes guest appearances by Missy Elliott, Ghostface Killah, Joe Budden and others, has never been officially released. It may finally see release next month in conjunction with the fifth anniversary of ODB's death, according to reports.

Having seen the devastating effects of drugs firsthand, Boy Jones hopes to give back to his community by discussing the dangers of drugs and alcohol with teens.

We miss you, Ol' Dirty.