EDI Mean

Malcolm Greenidge, professionally known as E.D.I Mean or Edidon, was born in the Bronx, NYC, in 1974. His early life was immersed in the nascent hip-hop culture of his hometown. By his teenage years, E.D.I. was actively writing and producing his own music demos. One such demo found its way to his childhood friend, Tupac Shakur, marking a significant turning point in E.D.I.’s career. Growing up alongside Tupac, Yafeu ‘Kadafi’ Fula, and Katari ‘Kastro’ Cox, their families shared close ties. Impressed by E.D.I.’s demo, Tupac facilitated his entry into the professional music scene. E.D.I., Kastro, and Kadafi subsequently traveled and recorded extensively with Tupac. His distinct rap style debuted on “FLEX,” the b-side to Tupac’s “Holla if u Hear Me” single. He further contributed to Tupac’s acclaimed album “Me Against The World,” featuring on the title track and “Outlaw.” E.D.I. also collaborated on “Runnin from the Police,” a rare joint recording between Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G. Following Tupac’s incarceration, he entrusted E.D.I. to oversee the mixing and sequencing of his third LP, which later achieved platinum status.

In 1995, Tupac reformed their group, renaming Dramacydal to “The Outlawz,” and bestowed upon Greenidge the moniker E.D.I Mean. That same year, E.D.I. contributed to Tupac’s seminal double album “All Eyez On Me,” which sold over 10 million copies, rapping on four tracks. He also appeared on three tracks from Tupac’s posthumous album “Killuminati,” released under the alias “Makaveli.” The years 1996 and 1997 brought profound loss for The Outlawz with the deaths of both Tupac and Kadafi. Despite this, Tupac’s mother, Afeni Shakur, granted E.D.I. significant creative control over her son’s unreleased music. E.D.I. rapped, produced, and executive produced the “R U Still Down” album, which sold 4 million copies globally after its release in December 1997. In 1999, E.D.I., along with the Outlawz, played a key role in the creation of “Still I Rise,” another platinum-selling album. The Outlawz later established their own label, continuing to release music for their fanbase.

E.D.I. has also cultivated a solo career, releasing albums such as “The Stash Spot” (2010), “O.G. Est. 1992” (2013), and “Edidon Presents: The Hope Dealer” (2015). Beyond his music, he hosts “The Dinner Club” on DASH Radio/XXL and has engaged in writing and producing for other artists. As Co-CEO of 1Nation Music and 1Nation Digital, E.D.I. has expanded his entrepreneurial endeavors, including “Outlaw Culture Clothing.” In 2015, The Outlawz celebrated their 20th anniversary with a tour. In 2016, E.D.I. served as an Executive Consultant and Music Supervisor for the Tupac biopic “All Eyez On Me.” He currently aims to mentor younger artists, sharing his industry experience to help them navigate the complexities of the music business.