Ol' Dirty Bastard signed with Elektra Records in 1995, becoming the first Wu-Tang Clan member to sign a solo deal with a major label. His debut album, "Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version," was released the same year and was a commercial success, peaking at number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart and selling over one million copies.
The success of Ol' Dirty Bastard's solo album opened doors for other Wu-Tang Clan members and affiliates to sign with major labels, leading to the group's collective rise to mainstream success. They released several critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, establishing themselves as one of the most influential and iconic hip-hop groups of all time.
Ol' Dirty Bastard's contributions to hip-hop go beyond his music. He was known for his eccentric and unpredictable personality, which often landed him in legal and controversial situations. However, he was also a respected and admired MC known for his unique rapping style and ability to create memorable lyrics and catchy hooks.
Despite his personal struggles and legal issues, Ol' Dirty Bastard's impact on hip-hop culture and his role in paving the way for other artists to be signed to major labels cannot be overstated. He remains an influential and iconic figure in the genre, and his music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans worldwide.