2003 THROWBACK: "ODB AND DAME DASH ON HOWARD STERN"

Rapper OL’ DIRTY BASTARD has been freed from jail after spending more than two years inside on drugs charges.

And on his first day of freedom yesterday (May 1), the star, real name Russell Jones, appeared at a New York press conference, to announce his signing to Roc-A-Fella records and the adoption of another alias, Dirt McGirt.

According to Rolling Stone, ODB expressed relief at the end of his incarceration, during which he had been placed on suicide watch for a spell. He admitted: “The first thing I wanted to do was give my mother a hug. It was hell out there. But so what, I feel good. I’m happy to be here. I’m happy my eyes are open still. I’m all right physically and mentally. I feel good.”