Brooklyn Renames Putnam Avenue ODB Jones Way for Wu-Tang Legend

The Sign Unveiling in Bed-Stuy

A large crowd of friends, family, and fans gathered at the corner of Putnam Avenue and Franklin Avenue in the Bed-Stuy neighborhood to witness the official renaming of the street. The ceremony, held on Sunday, July 26, celebrated the life and enduring influence of the rapper born Russell Tyrone Jones, better known to the world as Ol' Dirty Bastard (also referred to as ODB and Dirt McGirt).

The event featured a poignant moment where the family of the Wu‐Tang Clan co-founder pulled a string to reveal the new green street sign. As the name ODB Jones Way was unveiled, the gathered throng of supporters erupted in cheers. To further commemorate the occasion, loved ones were presented with their own ceremonial copies of the street marker. The atmosphere was filled with the sounds of the rapper's 1995 solo hit “Brooklyn Zoo,” which blasted from nearby speakers as the community celebrated the Hip Hop legend.

The ceremony was attended by several local officials and the rapper’s immediate family, including his mother, Cherry Jones, and his eldest brother, Ramsey Jones. Fans in attendance expressed their respect through various tributes, with some pouring out liquor from 40 oz. bottles, while others arrived in low riders or wore merchandise featuring “Protect Ya Neck” and other Wu-Tang imagery.

A Personal Connection to the Neighborhood

Although Ol' Dirty Bastard was originally born and raised in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn, his connection to Bed-Stuy remained deep throughout his life. In a video captured by New York photographer Howard (Howie) Weiss, Ramsey Jones highlighted why this specific block on Putnam Avenue was chosen for the honor.

"I am very honored to be here because my grandmother’s house is on this block on Putnam Avenue, right next to where the mural is."

— Ramsey Jones

The mural in question is a well-known local landmark that recreates the iconic cover art of the rapper's debut solo album, Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version. The artwork features a replica of a New York City public assistance ID card, a visual that has become synonymous with the rapper's solo legacy. Ramsey Jones expressed the family's gratitude during the unveiling ceremony, noting the significance of the location for their mother as well.

"I’m so honored, my mother’s honored. Thank you."

— Ramsey Jones

Tributes from the Clan and Community

The Wu-Tang Clan also paid homage to their late brother over the weekend via social media. Their tribute acknowledged the many names Jones was known by, including Unique Ason and Big Baby Jesus, while emphasizing that the neighborhood would now officially recognize him as ODB Jones.

"Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Unique Ason. Big Baby Jesus. Call him whatever you want — Bed-Stuy is calling it ODB Jones Way. We heard you. We’ll keep it raw. This Saturday, join @cmchiosse, the Jones family, and the community for the sign unveiling with music by J.PERIOD. Bring everybody."

— Wu-Tang Clan

The group’s post included a throwback photograph of the rapper standing beneath the original street sign at the corner of Putnam and Franklin avenues, bridging the past with the new permanent honor bestowed by the city.

The Legacy of Ol' Dirty Bastard

The street renaming arrives more than two decades after the rapper’s untimely passing. Ol' Dirty Bastard died on November 13, 2004, following an accidental overdose at a recording studio in Manhattan. His death occurred just days before his 36th birthday. Since his passing, his life has been documented in various media, including an unauthorized 2013 film that his estate attempted to block, and a more recent 2023 documentary released on A&E with the full blessing of his family.

A founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan, which formed in 1992, Jones was a central figure in the evolution of the genre. His career included high-profile moments such as a news conference on May 1, 2003, at the Rihga Royal Hotel in New York City, where he announced his signing with Roc-A-Fella Records. The new ODB Jones Way stands as a permanent testament to his contributions to music and his deep roots in the Brooklyn community.