Wu-Tang Forever: ODB’s Family Carries His Legacy Into the Rock Hall as His Son Takes the Stage

Some honors arrive too late for the person they belong to — but the family makes sure the moment still happens. That is exactly what is unfolding this weekend in Los Angeles, where Wu-Tang Clan will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday, and Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s family will be there to carry his legacy into the Hall.

TMZ caught up with ODB’s widow, Icelene Jones, and two of his daughters as they arrived in Los Angeles ahead of the ceremony, and the emotion in their words was impossible to miss. Icelene said she is honored that the family will be part of the occasion — and that the recognition means a great deal to all of them.

ODB, who died in 2004 at just 35 years old, will not be there in person. But his presence will be felt on that stage. His son, Young Dirty Bastard, will perform in his father’s place alongside Wu-Tang Clan, stepping into the spotlight his father helped create more than thirty years ago.

For Icelene, the moment is bittersweet. ODB has 12 grandchildren he never got to meet, and she believes that if he were alive today, he would want to be surrounded by family above all else. One of his daughters joked that he would probably be living in Africa, far away from the spotlight — which, if you knew anything about ODB, sounds about right.

Asked whether there is any unreleased ODB music sitting in the vault, Icelene teased the possibility with a smile: “I think so.” It is the kind of answer that will have Wu-Tang fans talking all weekend.

She closed the interview the only way it could be closed: “Wu-Tang for the children.”

From the Staten Island streets to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Wu-Tang Clan’s journey is one of the greatest stories hip-hop has ever told — and ODB was its wild, unforgettable heart. On Saturday night, his family makes sure the world remembers exactly that.

What is your favorite ODB moment — “Shimmy Shimmy Ya,” “Brooklyn Zoo,” or one of those classic Wu-Tang verses? Drop it in the comments, send in your requests, and keep it locked to Kiss 101.7. Got a song you want to hear? Call the request line at +1 302-357-9831.

Source: TMZ