A Brooklyn Street Renamed in Honor of Ol’ Dirty Bastard
A section of Putnam Avenue in Brooklyn has been renamed ODB Jones Way to honor Ol’ Dirty Bastard, co-founder of the Wu-Tang Clan. The unveiling ceremony on July 26 gathered family, friends, and local officials to celebrate his cultural legacy.
A Brooklyn Street Renamed in Honor of Ol’ Dirty Bastard
A section of Putnam Avenue in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn now bears the name ODB Jones Way. The unveiling ceremony took place on July 26 in the presence of family, friends, and local officials. This tribute marks the official recognition of the rapper’s legacy as a co-founder of the Wu-Tang Clan.
The new green street sign was unveiled at the intersection of Putnam Avenue and Franklin Avenue. Speakers played Brooklyn Zoo, the iconic 1995 track. The crowd applauded as Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s loved ones received replica signs as keepsakes. A mural inspired by the cover of his debut solo album, Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version, is located near the intersection.
A Deep Connection to Bed-Stuy
Russell Tyrone Jones, his real name, grew up in Fort Greene, another Brooklyn neighborhood. However, his bond with Bed-Stuy remains strong. His older brother, Ramsey Jones, noted during the ceremony that their grandmother still lives on that block. The nearby mural serves as a reminder of his lasting influence in the area.
City Council Member Chi Ossé championed the decision to rename the street. In 2023, the New York City Council designated November 15 as Ol’ Dirty Bastard Day in memory of the rapper, who died in 2004 in a Manhattan recording studio.
A Legacy Celebrated Beyond Music
The Wu-Tang Clan paid tribute to their member by posting an archival photo on social media alongside the ceremony announcement.
Fans in attendance marked the occasion in their own ways: some poured a bit of alcohol in his honor, while others wore clothing featuring the group’s colors. Custom cars and merchandise stands added to the festive atmosphere. ODB Jones Way now joins the symbols of his cultural impact.
Key Points
- A section of Putnam Avenue in Bed-Stuy is now named ODB Jones Way
- Unveiling ceremony held on July 26 with family, friends, and local officials
- Ol’ Dirty Bastard, co-founder of the Wu-Tang Clan, died in 2004
- A mural inspired by his album Return to the 36 Chambers is located near the intersection
- New York designated November 15 as Ol’ Dirty Bastard Day in 2023
Sources
- Pitchfork - "Ol’ Dirty Bastard Has His Own New York City Street Now". (secondary)
- Billboard - "Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s Friends and Family Gather in Bed-Stuy to Celebrate Re-Naming of Brooklyn Street in Honor of Late Wu-Tang Clan Legend". (secondary)
- Mixmag - "Brooklyn street named after Wu-Tang Clan's Ol’ Dirty Bastard". (secondary)
Transparency: 3 sources (0 primary, 3 secondary). Verification: July 27, 2026.
Truthyx - July 27, 2026