By Chris Richburg
As fans prepare to remember the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard on the fifth anniversary of his death, the Wu-Tang Clan member’s son, Boy Jones, is set to carve his own niche in the rap arena with his upcoming debut solo album.
Sources told AllHipHop.com the first single from the project will be released before the end of the year.
The arrival of Jones’ debut will mark a new chapter for the rapper, who shares his father’s talent for creating memorable rhymes on the mic with what is described as a “unique freestyle flow” and “unorthodox writing style.
Jones’ desire to be an entertainer emerged after Ol’ Dirty Bastard called him onstage to perform verses from his classic hit, “Shimmy Shimmy Ya,” at Harlem’s Apollo Theater when he was nine-years-old.
Although the rap icon doubted his child’s talent when he stepped into the booth to record music, Jones continued to pursue his dream by developing his writing and performing skills and joining forces with a friend to form the group Bang Out at age 16.
The rapper’s efforts over the years garnered the attention of Wu-Tang co-founder/producer RZA, who signed Jones to his Wu Music Group record label in the Spring of this year after his first recording was released on an official Wu Tang offering.
Jones continued to prove his worth when he joined the Clan’s original members for the Rock the Bells tour.
The outing provided a high point in the rapper’s career as he conjured up memories of Ol Dirty Bastard for concertgoers with performances of “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” and “Brooklyn Zoo.”
In addition to touring, Jones has appeared on various musical offerings, including Lord Jamar’s 2006 opus, The 5% Album and soundtracks for the films The Protector and Afro Samurai.
Seeing the effects of drugs, the rapper has expressed an interest in giving back to the community by speaking to teens about the dangers of drugs and alcohol abuse.
Other endeavors for Jones include film and television projects. News of Boy Jones’ forthcoming album comes close to five years after Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s unexpected death on November 13, 2004 at a recording studio.
The popular Wu-Tang member died of a drug overdose two days before his 36th birthday.
Boy Jones’ debut album is slated to hit stores in the Spring of 2010.