"Love can free us to which some react as a slave.
Funny, we love 'em more when they relaxed in a grave . . ."
-- Common, "Love Is" (scroll down a little bit)
In Remembrance of James Dewitt Yancey (1974-2006)
I didn't get a chance to publish my own commemorative post on the anniversary of J Dilla's untimely passing (Feb. 10) like so many other bloggers did this past weekend. I figured I eulogized the influential producer on the eve of Valentine's Day.
On Feb. 14, J Dilla was laid to rest, among his family and friends. So in celebration of Valentine's Day, I will salute the man who was loved by many in the hip-hop community.
Dilla was recently honored as Artist of the Year and Record Producer of the Year at the 2007 PLUG Independent Music Awards ceremony in New York. Dilla's mother, Maureen Yancey, and fellow hip-hoppers Common and Pharrell offered their loving thoughts to the late studio maverick via videotape.
Also, Stones Throw will celebrate the life and music of the great beatsmith for the entire month of February. And don't forget, Stones Throw will re-release Dilla Dawg's hard-to-find 2003 Ruff Draft compilation on March 20. The 2-CD collection boasts four bonus songs and an instrumental disc.
This past weekend, the blogsphere stood up and honored the producer with some loving tributes.
Here's A Sampling:
Fader magazine: Shine On . . . and On
J Dilla's friends talk about some of the late maestro's greatest productions.
Have you ever wondered what would Jay-Z sound like over a J Dilla beat? Well, listen to DJ Soul's mash-up song of Jigga's "Song Cry" (from Blueprint) with Dilla's "Don't Cry" (from Donuts).
Straight Bangin': The Melancholy Year
Blogger Enigmatik posted a musical tribute to J Dilla.
An old but insightful J Dilla interview found at crate kings.
Check Out Some J Dilla Joints:
J Dilla -- "Make 'Em NV" (from Ruff Draft)
J Dilla -- "Won't Do" (music video)
Bookmark this!: Check out Rich Underground Soundscape's radio blog featuring an astounding 30-plus J Dilla tribute mixes by various DJs. Yo, this is some redonkolous shit, right here. Turn it up!
Jaylib -- "Champion Sound"
Common -- "E=MC²" (from The Shining)
Donuts in MySpace:
Q-Tip -- "Move"
The Visionaries -- "All Right"
J Dilla -- "Wild"
Also, cop the "Dilla Lives" T-shirt exclusively at Giant Peach. Yeah, I know the shirt looks a little low budget, but portions from the sales of the tee will go to the Dilla Foundation.
Top 10 Most Played J Dilla Tracks**
01. Love Is: Common
02. Time: The Donuts of the Heart: J Dilla
03. Stepson of the Clapper: J Dilla
04. Two Can Win: J Dilla
05. The Movement: Common (from 2K6: The Tracks soundtrack)
06. Runnin': The Pharcyde
07. Champion Sound: Jaylib
08. Get Dis Money: Slum Village
09. Jungle Love (F/ MED & Gulity Simpson): J Dilla
10. Bye: J Dilla
**According to my iTunes "Dilla Donuts" Playlist
Rest in Power J Dilla!
Holla!
