Ol’ Dirty Bastard Has His Own New York City Street Now

New York City has officially honored a hip-hop icon by renaming a street in his memory. Putnam Avenue in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Bed-Stuy is now ODB Jones Way, a tribute to Wu-Tang Clan co-founder Ol’ Dirty Bastard. The ceremony took place today and brought together the late rapper’s family, friends, and city officials to commemorate the artist.

While Russell Tyrone Jones, known to the world as Ol’ Dirty Bastard, grew up in the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn, his roots in Bed-Stuy remain significant. His grandmother still resides on the block that now bears his name. The location is also home to a prominent mural of the cover art for his 1995 solo debut album, Return To The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version.

The street renaming ceremony serves as a public recognition of the artist's enduring legacy in the music industry. Since his passing in 2004, Jones has remained a central figure in the culture, with his life story explored in multiple documentary projects. The new signage stands as a permanent fixture in the community where his family history continues to unfold.

Local officials and the Wu-Tang Clan family organized this event to ensure the rapper's contribution to New York City music history is preserved. The choice of location reflects the personal connection the Jones family maintains with the neighborhood. Fans and residents can now visit the corner to see the new nameplate marking the life of the influential performer.