Purpleskyyys: And another one....Birthday, that is...

Happy Birthday, J Dilla!

Today, James Dewitt Yancey would've turned 36. He definitely left us way too young. He is another artist that I have just recently began research on within the past 3 months. His music to me is the epitome of mid-western Hip Hop and Soul. It takes you to another level of music, that not many artists can take you. And don't get me wrong, I love his work with Slum Village....They are one of my favorite groups but his production abilities were by far my favorite. His beats put me into a trance and his love for sampling old school songs makes it even better. His beats were so smooth, so calming....So REAL. He worked with some of the greatest artists of the past two decades, Common, T. Kweli, The Pharcyde, Busta Rhymes and was the creator of one of the greatest Hip Hop groups of all time, Slum Village.

Slum Village as a group was so underrated while they were out and still are. And its so sad that there is only one living original member, R.L. "T3" Altman. Titus "Baatin" Glover passed last year, but the real Hip Hop lovers of the world are carrying on their spirits in many ways. Since Jay Dee's death, his music and life has been celebrated largely. Many tribute concerts have been done in dedication of him, CD's of his unreleased work have been released and many artists all over the world are still crediting Dilla by sampling and using his beats. His impact on music has been tremendous and has been called the favorite producers of Pharrell Williams, DJ Premiere and others. He has produced so many songs that we know of as hits, but never knew who the mastermind was behind the beats.

I am currently doing more research on Dilla's music and life, be looking for more posts about him in the future. And I will now end my post with a few of his many classic songs and a great documentary on his life. RIP, Dilla! We miss you brother, and we will continue to life you up! PEACE!