Than J Dilla . . .
Can we have please have a moment of silence . . .
For one of the greatest beat maestros that has graced the hip-hop scene -- J Dilla aka Jay Dee aka J Dillinger.
J Dilla (real name James Yancey) died on Feb. 10 in Los Angeles of kidney failure brought on by complications of lupus, an often fatal disease in which the immune system, for unknown reasons, attacks healthy cells in the body. He was 32. J had been living with his mother in Los Angeles since being diagnosed with the immune system disease about three years ago, according to his manager, Timothy Maynor. "He was the best ever, and very underappreciated," he said. "Dilla was very reserved, quiet, all he wanted to do was make beats, make music. It wasn't about the glitz and glory. He wasn't doing it for the spotlight at all. He's a dinosaur who will be missed."
"His music inspired and touched me and a billion other people all around the world," rapper Oh No wrote on his MySpace page Friday. Dilla produced Oh No's song "Move" on his 2004 CD, The Disrupt. "What he represented in hip-hop and music was pure originality and style. The soundscapes he made helped me and just about everyone get thru some serious times. Dilla believed in me . . . when no one else did and that is real as it gets. I'm honored he was a part of my album and even had time to fit me in his busy schedule to smoke a blunt."
Take a look at J. Dilla's extensive discography, right HERE. The man was no joke behind the production boards.
You can also send your condolences and heartfelt wishes to Jay Dee's family at his MySpace page.
When I heard the news that J Dilla had left the earth, my heart sank into my stomach. I couldn't believe it. This is such a terrible lost to hip-hop. I have been a huge fan of Jay Dee's production work in recent months after hearing his beats on albums by the Platinum Pied Pipers, Med and, of course, Common's Be (plus Common's "The Movement" on the NBA 2K6 soundtrack). I was already familiar with his previous work with A Tribe Called Quest, Pharcyde ("Runnin'" one of my all-time favorite rap joints) and Slum Village. So, for me, he represented a true hip-hop spirit -- a working-class hero on the grind creating some dope music.
I recently downloaded songs off his new instrumental disc, Donuts, from iTunes. I listen to those instrumental tracks for relaxation while I'm riding on the train to and from work. J Dilla's soothing beats eases my mind and makes my 2.5 hour trip bearable.
Blogger K of Analog Giant recently posted his favorite joints from the Donuts disc. To take a listen, click THIS.
In the upcoming days, I will also copped the Donuts disc itself and download more songs off of iTunes -- hopefully all of this support (monies) will go to J Dilla's family.
But this Motor City (Detroit) native was way more than just a "beatmaker." J Dilla was the face and sound of Detroit hip-hop. And like most Motor City natives, he grew up on soul music thanks to his mom and dad's music collection of Motown classics, Parliament-Funkadelic, Prince, Zapp and others. It's that "soul" foundation you will often hear when you listen to Jay's music. For example, listen to "Dolla" from soul crooner Steve Spacek's 2005 LP, Space Shift. Also, check out the soulful bounce of "Keep On" from Dwele's 2005 disc, Some Kinda . . . or peep his Welcome 2 Detroit compilation.
Music mack Todd Kelley has a great radio blog featuring J Dilla's outstanding production work -- both in R&B and hip-hop. Take a LISTEN.
Also . . .
Check out journalists Eskay's tribute and Q's eulogy to the late and great J Dilla.
Lou Rawls, Wilson Pickett, Gene McFadden, Coretta Scott King and now J Dilla . . . America is definitely losing its soul.
R.I.P. J Dilla (1974-2006)
I will miss you deeply, Jay Dee.
Keep it banging up there in heaven for us.
Holla!
