D12 (also known as D-12, The Dirty Dozen, D-Twizzy, D-Tizzle and Detroit-Twelve) is an American hip hop group from Detroit, Michigan. D12 has had chart-topping albums in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. D12 was formed in 1990, but only achieved mainstream success when one of its members, Eminem, rose to international fame and notoriety.
Proof formed D12 as a rap collective of local Detroit MCs including Bizarre, Eminem, Eye-Kyu, Killa Hawk, Fuzz Scoota and himself. The group was a loose collective in the vein of Wu-Tang Clan. The original concept of D12 was to have 12 of Detroit's most talented rappers. However, when Eminem, Proof, Eye-Kyu, Bizarre and the other members at the time were unable to find 12 rappers who were good enough, Proof decided in order to have 12 the six members would each create an alter-ego. Proof chose Dirty Harry. When Eminem found out Proof took that name, he decided on Billy The Kid. This was Eminem's first Dirty Dozen alter ego. Eminem and Proof eventually decided to "fall-back" on the wild-west concept. At some point afterwards, most likely early 1997, Eminem created the Slim Shady concept. Bizarre became Peter S. Bizarre. Kuniva became Hannz G., which later became Rondell Beene. Denaun became Kon Artis. Bugz became Robert Beck. During 1997, and continuing throughout 1998, several members began making names for themselves in Detroit. Bizarre was named Inner City Entertainment's "Flava of the Week". He went on to release an album called Attack of the Weirdos and become an honorary member of The Outsidaz with Eminem, Rah Digga and Young Zee. Proof won a freestyling competition run by The Source in 1998.
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