Brooklyn Street Renamed After Wu-Tang Legend Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Hero Not Forgotten

A street in Brooklyn is now a permanent tribute to one of hip-hop’s most unforgettable voices. On July 25, 2026, a section of Putnam Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant was co-named “ODB Jones Way” after the late Wu-Tang Clan co-founder Ol’ Dirty Bastard, born Russell Tyrone Jones. The ceremony took place on the exact block where his grandmother still lives. A mural of his 1995 debut album cover already greets visitors on that same stretch.

RZA, ODB’s fellow Wu-Tang member, spoke at the event. “A lot of heroes go unsung, and I refuse for that to happen,” he said. It’s a powerful reminder that honor and legacy matter long after the spotlight fades. ODB died in 2004 from an accidental overdose, but his influence on music continues. New York City previously designated November 15 as Ol’ Dirty Bastard Day in 2023.

This story is about more than a street sign. It’s a community saying, “We remember who you were, and what you meant to us.” That feeling translates across any genre of music. Who inspired you growing up? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.