D12

D12 are an American hip hop group from Detroit, formed in 1996. The name is an initialism for the Dirty Dozen. The group is associated with hardcore hip hop, hip hop, and pop rap, and releases music on Shady Records.

Line-up and membership

The original D12 line-up includes Eminem, Proof, Bizarre, Kon Artis, Kuniva, and Swifty McVay. Other members and affiliates named with the group include Mr. Porter, Bugz, DJ Invisible, Eye-Kyu, and Fuzz. After Eminem’s hiatus and Proof’s death in 2006, the group becomes less active, although Bizarre, Kuniva, and Swifty McVay continue to tour and record under the D12 name.

Albums and singles

D12 achieve their highest-profile success in the early 2000s with the albums Devil’s Night and D12 World. Devil’s Night appears in 2001 and D12 World in 2004. These records produce singles including “Shit on You”, “Purple Pills”, “Fight Music”, “My Band”, and “How Come”. Both albums are certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Recognition and later activity

In 2004, D12 win the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Hip-Hop Act. Between 2008 and 2015, the group releases three official mixtapes with a reduced line-up that centres on Bizarre, Kuniva, and Swifty McVay, with occasional contributions from Eminem, Mr. Porter, and Fuzz Scoota. Eminem later states on “Stepping Stone” that D12 is officially disbanded, although the name continues to be used by remaining members.