Ol' Dirty Bastard (aka Dirt McGirt, Big Baby Jesus, Number One Ason), a member of the influential rap group the Wu-Tang Clan, died Saturday afternoon of unknown causes inside a New York-area recording studio. He was 35 but would have been 36 on Monday. According to sources, the rhyme-slinger complained of chest pains when he arrived at the studio earlier in the day. He would later collapsed on the floor and never regained consciousness. A rep for the medical examiner pronounced ODB dead at 5:04 p.m. ET. "It's a big loss. It's a big loss right now," said a saddened Ghostface Killah. "I knew him for 20 years. He was my brother, heart, soul, pride and joy." ODB's mother, Cherry Jones, via a statement, described her son as the most generous soul on earth and thanked his fans for their outpouring of support. Roc-A-Fella CEO Damon Dash, who signed ODB to his label last year, said in a statement: "The world has lost a great talent, but we mourn the loss of our friend."

Peep this unreleased track from the late Dirt McGirt, it's called "Lift Up Yah Skirt." (real audio required)

Also, Serge from So Many Shrimp blog throws down an ODB musical tribute. (Well, at least two joints)

But check out Honey's ODB tribute via her Radio Blog. All of ODB's hottest joints are there for your listening pleasure.

Nuh!

Holla!