Bizarre (rapper)

Rufus Johnson (born July 5, 1976), better known by his stage name Bizarre, formerly Bizarre Kid, is an American rapper and producer, best known for his work with the Detroit-based hip hop group D12.

Bizarre was born Rufus Johnson on July 5, 1976, in Detroit. Bizarre grew up living with his single mother. He started rapping when he was in fifth grade. His teacher thought he was talking to himself, and began calling him 'Bizarre Kid', which eventually led to the stage name 'Bizarre'.

In 1995, Bizarre was invited by Proof to join D12 along with other local Detroit rappers, Kuniva, Kon Artis and Bugz of Da Brigade and former members Fuzz Scoota and Eye Kyu who were all neighborhood friends. He also met Eminem through Proof who was also Eminem’s best friend and hype man. Bizarre used to attend a club on Friday nights called 'The Shelter' in Saint Andrew's Hall, where rap battles were held.

In 1997, Bizarre appeared on D12's debut EP titled The Underground EP which also included a guest appearance from Eminem. Bizarre was named Inner City Entertainment's "Flava of the Week" and went on to release his debut EP, Attack of the Weirdos in 1998. Along with Eminem, he became an honorary member of the Outsidaz.

In May 1999, Bugz was shot a few hours prior to a concert which eventually led to Eminem joining the group after volunteering as Bugz’ replacement and also led to Swifty McVay joining the group as Bugz’ final request before he was murdered.

In 2000, Eminem released his third studio album, The Marshall Mathers LP where Bizarre appeared on the track, Amityville and he also appeared with D12 on a track called Under the Influence.

In 2001, D12 released their debut album, Devil's Night which received mixed reviews from critics but was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 with 372,000 album sales in its first week. The album featured singles Purple Pills, Fight Music, Ain’t Nuttin’ But Music and Shit on You and had guest appearances from Truth Hurts, Dr. Dre and Obie Trice. It was also recorded in memory of Bugz.

In 2004, D12 their second studio album, D12 World which featured the singles My Band, How Come, Git Up, U R the One and 40 Oz. It also included a solo track by Bizarre called Just Like U.