Jay Dee

So it’s that time of the year again; Dilla day, Dilla week, Dilla month. However, it’s those all year round for me. Out of all the artists/producers in the world, I think this man still remains to be the biggest musical influence in my life. Hip-Hop misses him. Music misses him. I miss him.

On the 7th of February 1974, Maureen Yancey brought a special man into the world. A man that would change the world of Hip-Hop and change my general outlook and appreciation for music. When I look at my favourite artists, such as Tip, Common & Mos, they all relate back to one man that influenced their careers more than any other; J Dilla.

As well as the uniqueness of his kicks and snares; Dilla’s sampling method was second to none and he did things that I didn’t think were possible. The best example being the slowing down of Thomas Bangalter’s ‘Extra Dry’, which took frenetic techno and made it into wheezing Hip-Hop for Slum’s ‘Raise It Up’. Astonishing production that makes you wonder why more people don’t appreciate work like this and somewhat overlook it. To me, he is the closest you will find to perfection in Hip-Hop. You cannot find me a Dilla beat that I don’t like or isn’t a work of art - it’s an impossible task.

And even though he was gone far too soon, I guess it just shows the power of music and the impact it can still have, after death. Although I personally have been following his work for a long time, I know some people that only discovered him post 2006, which I find truly beautiful. I could talk all day about Jay Dee and what he means to me, but that’s pointless. It’s best to just let the music do the talking and remember the best to ever do it.

R.I.P. James Yancey;

U & Your Smile