RIP J Dilla

Today marks the third anniversary of James “J Dilla” Yancey’s death from lupus. For all of you who don’t know, J Dilla was a Detroit based producer/emcee who made beats for many prominent hip-hop and R&B artists. Along with being a founding member of the group Slum Village, Dilla worked with nearly everyone in the alternative hip-hop community such as A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, The Roots and Common,. Unlike Lil Wayne (whose success at the Grammys this past weekend surely marks the coming of the apocalypse), J Dilla is true hip-hop. J Dilla's ingenious, soulful music has made him a favorite producer of such hitmakers as Kanye West and Pharrell Williams.

I became aware of J Dilla’s brilliance on February 7, 2006, his 32^nd birthday as well as the release date of his album Donuts. Unfortunately, J Dilla passed away three days later. Created on his deathbed, Donuts is comprised entirely of samples mixed and chopped into perfection. All but one of the songs is under two minutes, and the album is best heard in one sitting. Though it may take several listens to appreciate (as most creative works require), Donuts is ultimately rewarding. Listen to it with headphones…I guarantee your ears will smile. Buy it here

Without further ado, ten of my favorite Dilla beats (all available on iTunes or wherever you steal your music from):

1. J Dilla – “Won’t Do” (The Shining, BBE Music, 2006)

2. The Pharcyde – “Runnin’” (Labcabincalifornia, Delicious Vinyl, 1995)

3. Slum Village – “Fall in Love” (Fantastic Vol. 2, Goodvibe, 2000)

4. Common – “The Light” (Like Water For Chocolate, MCA, 2000)

5. De La Soul – “Stakes is High” (Stakes is High, Tommy Boy, 1996)

6. Jack McDuff – “Oblighetto [Remix]” (Blue Note Revisited, Blue Note, 2004)

7. A Tribe Called Quest – “Find a Way” (The Love Movement, Jive, 1998)

8. J Dilla – “Time: The Donut of the Heart” (Donuts, Stones Throw, 2006)

9. The Pharcyde – “Drop” (Labcabincalifornia, Delicious Vinyl, 1995)

10. The Pharcyde – “Somethin’ That Means Somethin’” (Labcabincalifornia, Delicious Vinyl, 1995)

For further reading, check out Stones Throw Records' page on J Dilla featuring articles, tributes, photos and a full discography

Out in stores today is a two volume tribute album from J Dilla's close friend and frequent collaborator Madlib, titled Dil Cosby Suite & Dil Withers Suite. You can pick it up on CD, vinyl or MP3 here.