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Tag: J Dilla

  • Common celebrates 19th anniversary of ‘Be,’ thanks collaborators Kanye West & J Dilla

    Common celebrates 19th anniversary of ‘Be,’ thanks collaborators Kanye West & J Dilla

    Common says ‘Be’ changed his life

    It’s no secret that Be is one of Common’s finest albums, and on its 19th anniversary, the Chicago rapper reiterated this fact. This week, the rapper penned a tribute for the album on Instagram before showing gratitude to Kanye West and J Dilla for their contribution on the LP.

    “I was reminded that yesterday was the 19th anniversary for Be,” he wrote. “Be changed my life and it’s amazing how many people come to me young and old who tell me they were inspired by that album. Give Thanks To The Most High.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/C7ZiHT2JNDY/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

    “How grateful I am to Ye and J Dilla, all the artists and musicians who created on that album.”

  • J Dilla passed away on February 10, 2006

    J Dilla passed away on February 10, 2006

    When did J Dilla pass away? J Dilla passed away on February 10, 2006

    Superproducer and rapper J Dilla, born James Dewitt Yancey, transitioned from this world on February 10, 2006. He was an influential musical genius that worked with the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, The Pharcyde, Common, The Roots, Slum Village, and many other rap acts in the ’90s and ’00s. His signature off-kilter style defied an otherwise quantized sound that was popular during that era. He teamed up with Madlib

    J Dilla was a chronic Lupus patient with a rare blood disease. He left behind a legacy of beat tapes and instrumentals, most popularly Donuts. He died three days after his 32nd birthday at home in Los Angeles. His mother and two daughters survived him and a foundation was created in his name to find a cure for Lupus.

  • J Dilla was born on February 7

    J Dilla was born on February 7

    When was J Dilla Born? J Dilla was born on February 7, 1974

    James Yancy aka J Dilla was born in Detroit in 1974, to a musical family. His father Beverly Dewitt Yancey was a Jazz bassist and his mother Maureen was an opera singer. He got a start in hip-hop production when Amp Fiddler let him use his MPC in the 1990s. He went on to work with the likes of Busta Rhymes, Janet Jackson, Q-Tip, The Roots, Common, and others in his career.

    Known for melodic loops and breakbeats that didn’t follow a typical pattern, Dilla’s sound gained a cult-like status and his beat tapes became things of legend in the pre-streaming world. Sadly, he passed away from complications with Lupus in 2006. He is the best-known producer to come out of the musical city of Detroit and his style continues to influence generations that came after.

  • J Dilla recored his ‘Donuts’ album in the hospital

    J Dilla recored his ‘Donuts’ album in the hospital

    J Dilla persisted on the creation of ‘Donuts’ despite hardship of lupus

    J Dilla’s untimely death on February 10, 2006 marked a shift in Hip-Hop culture. Before his demise, Dilla recorded and released his final album before death, Donuts. The album was released on his 32nd birthday (Feb. 7, 2006).

    Donuts was recorded in the hospital, as Dilla underwent treatment for lupus. Dilla also had a rare blood disease: TTP. Dilla recorded using a Boss SP-303 sampler and a portable turntable. His friends from the Stones Throw label brought the turntable to him. Originally, the album came out to 22 minutes and is categorized as a beat tape.

    The album — which is full of skits and samples — would go on to be sampled by many artists in the future. Despite undergoing treatment for lupus, the late Detroit native was able to comprise a body of work that is beloved by Hip-Hop lovers.

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