History
E.D.I. Mean: A Member of the Legendary Outlawz
Malcolm Greenidge, professionally known as E.D.I. Mean, was born on July 7, 1974. He is an American rapper and a prominent member of the influential hip-hop group, the Outlawz. Greenidge's journey into music began in his childhood when he befriended Katari "Kastro" Cox, who later introduced him to his cousin, the iconic Tupac Shakur.
Early Collaborations and the Formation of Outlawz
In 1992, Greenidge, alongside Kastro and Tupac's godbrother Yafeu "Kadafi" Fula, formed a rap trio. Initially performing under the name Big Malcolm, Greenidge and his collaborators went through several group names, including Thoro Headz and Young Thugs. Their early work caught the attention of Tupac Shakur, who by then had achieved significant stardom. The trio was invited to guest appear on Tupac's single "Holla If Ya Hear Me," released on February 4, 1993. The group expanded in 1994 with the addition of Mutah "Napoleon" Beale, and they began performing as Dramacydal. Their association with Tupac continued, with guest appearances on his 1995 album, Me Against the World, on the tracks "Me Against the World" and "Outlaw."
The pivotal moment for the group came in 1995 when Tupac Shakur was released from prison. Greenidge, Tupac, Bruce "Fatal" Washington, Kadafi, Kastro, and Napoleon officially formed the Outlaw Immortalz, a name later shortened to the Outlawz. Tupac bestowed each member with an alias inspired by enemies of America, with Greenidge receiving the moniker E.D.I., a reference to Ugandan president Idi Amin.
Contributions to Tupac's Work and Post-Tupac Career
E.D.I. Mean made significant contributions to Tupac Shakur's double LP, All Eyez on Me, released on February 13, 1996, appearing on "Tradin' War Stories," "When We Ride," and "Thug Passion." He was also featured on the highly controversial diss track "Hit 'Em Up," released on June 14, 1996, alongside Fatal and Kadafi. This track is widely regarded as one of the most notorious diss records in hip-hop history.
Following Tupac's untimely death on September 7, 1996, E.D.I. and the remaining Outlawz relocated to New Jersey. E.D.I. continued to honor Tupac's legacy by appearing on his posthumously released album, The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory (November 5, 1996), contributing to "Bomb First (My Second Reply)," "Life Of An Outlaw," and "Just Like Daddy."
In March 1997, E.D.I. and most of the Outlawz moved back to California and signed with Death Row Records. E.D.I. played a crucial role in producing six tracks on Tupac's 1997 album, R U Still Down? (Remember Me). The Outlawz released their debut album, Still I Rise, on December 21, 1999. In 1999, the group launched Outlawz Records and released their subsequent albums, Ride Wit Us Or Collide Wit Us (2000) and Novakane (2001).
Solo Discography and Notable Guest Appearances
E.D.I. Mean has also built a notable solo career. His studio albums include Blood Brothers (2002, with Kastro), Against All Oddz (2006, with Young Noble), Doin' It Big (2008, with 8Ball), and The Stash Spot (2010).
Throughout his career, E.D.I. Mean has been featured on numerous tracks by other artists, including:
