With a lineup that includes sharp tongued Eminem, crazy cat Bizarre, beatmaster Kon Artis, laid-back Swift, chilled-out Kuniva and freestyle king Proof, the D12 posse is already popular. The group’s debut disc received rave reviews in the press. USA Today wrote, “The garishly funky beats that underpin the diabolically clever wordplay make the album hard to dismiss…their diatribes seem born less of anger and more of disdain for all that’s politically correct.”Indeed, Devil’s Night established D12 as one of the super groups of the new millennium with its chart-topping single’s “Purple Pills” and “Fight Music” and with their outlandish antics on record and in performance. So what if Eminem has nine Grammys and one Oscar (“Lose Yourself” from the 8 Mile soundtrack); so what if Mr. Shady has proven himself as a film star (8 Mile) and America’s most popular rapper, when D12 is in the house, he’s just another group member.

“We all knew each other growing up in Detroit,” Proof remembers. “I used to sneak Em into my school lunchroom just so he could battle. Later, when we started battling once a month at Maurice Malone’s Hip-Hop Shop, everybody had a crew. So, we decided to form our own. That’s how D12 was born. Before we even thought about making records, our only goal was to be like verbal ninjas and kick ass.”Although the Detroit hip-hop scene might not be on the scale of New York or Cali, those who are down take rap very seriously. Having known each other since the days when they were rapping just to be heard, head nodding on stage inside Detroit’s infamous Hip-Hop Shop (where Proof was also the host), these brothers from different mothers have always had a special bond. “We were the All-Star Team of battle rappers,” Kuniva recalls. “And when somebody like Bizarre got in front of the mic, we never knew what he might say. Bizarre is wicked ‘cause he’ll say shit that others won’t.”

While the group was a priority, each of the members has worked on solo and side projects. Still, it wasn’t until Eminem’s own legendary solo success with Dr. Dre that D12 finally got a chance to move beyond their neighborhoods. “Em was able to take D12 to the next level,” Kon Artis says. Prior to teaming-up in front of a mic, the two worked together at a local pizza joint called Gilbert’s Lounge. “He helps to bring stuff out of us. With him, no matter what happens, it’s always been about real friendship.”One friend and group member who wouldn’t live to see D12 successfully rock the world was a young rapper named Bugz. Although he too was down with the crew, Bugz was killed shortly before D12 was signed to Shady Records. “His last request was that we put Swift in the group,” Proof says. “If you listen to our song ‘Good Die Young’ on D-12 World, you’d understand how much he meant to the group.” In an odd coincidence, Proof’s son was born the same day Bugz died.

After the release of Devil’s Night, the D12 crew spent many days and nights touring the world. Although Bizarre was still bringing the laughs and Kuniva was still being his outspoken self, there was still time for reflection. “Anyone who listened to the Devil’s Night will hear a lot of growth on our new joint,” Kon Artis says. “For the past two years all we’ve done is tour and mature.” Bizarre concurs, “Although Eminem is the most prominent member of the crew, on this album the rest of D12 steps up and displays their skills. On D-12 World, you can clearly hear we’re all dope MCs. Most rap on the radio right now is either popcorn or gangsta, but we’re going for a new refreshing approach with our beats and lyrical content.”Although D12 has grown, they are still funny as hell. “When you listen to the title track, it’s like walking into a dope house party,” says Bizarre. With its strange soundscape and spooky strings, the Kanye West produced track serves the listener a taste of the group’s bugged poetics.