D12

US rap group, originally formed around 1990 in Detroit, Michigan. The six-person group, also known as ‘the Dirty Dozen’ (counting each member and his alter-ego), is fronted by rap superstar Eminem, and produced by his Shady Records label. Like Eminem, D12 is known for its aggressively anti-politically correct style and using deliberately shocking lyrics with a twist of dark humour.

Other members include Bizarre (Rufus Johnson, 1976- ), Kon Artis (Denine Porter, 1976- ), Swifty (Ondre Moore, 1976- ), Kuniva (Von Carlisle, 1976- ), and Proof (DeShaun Holton, 1975- ). The group have released the albums Devil's Night (2001), featuring the singles ‘Purple Pills’ and ‘Fight Music’, and D12 World (2004), featuring ‘My Band’ and ‘40 Oz’. Guest producers for D12 include Dr Dre and Kanye West.

The group was formed by Bizarre and Proof and expanded after Proof enlisted childhood friend Eminem. The members developed as ‘battle rappers’, competing against other groups, or crews, with aggressive, audacious, and often obscene lyrics. Shifty joined after group member Bugz (Karnail Pitts, 1978-1999) was shot dead shortly before D12 signed to Shady Records.