Ode To The Big Sea

 

Janet Jackson - Got Till It's Gone

'Got Till It's Gone' is widely regarded as one of J Dilla's most successful productions ever and won a grammy in 1997, however, it was awarded to the song writers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

It features rapping from Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest.

It samples the singing of Joni Mitchell from her song 'Big Yellow Taxi'...

Filed under  //   neo-soul   pop  

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J Dilla - Love Ft. Pharoahe Monch

'Love' is from the album 'The Shining', that was only 75% complete at the time of Dilla's passing. It was released in August '06 after it was posthumously completed by friend and fellow Detroit hip-hop artist Karriem Riggins who was entrusted by Dilla's mother.

It samples Five Stairsteps 'We Must Be In Love'...

Filed under  //   hip-hop  

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Slum Village - Jealousy

'Jealousy' is from the second album by Slum Village 'Fantastic Vol 2' released in 2000. It was actually finished in '98 but the record label they were signed to 'A&M Records' went bust leaving them stranded.

In the meantime Dilla went on to produce for Common, Busta Rhymes, Erykah Badu and A Tribe Called Quest, significantly raising his and the group's profile.

For some reason embedding is turned off so you'll need to click through to Youtube for this one.

Filed under  //   hip-hop  

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J Dilla - Don't Cry

The Donuts album is a series of intrumental short beats the majority of which were created by Dilla whilst he was in hospital. It was released on his 32nd birthday, just 3 days before he passed.

Many (myself included) see the track tiles and lyrics sampled on this album as having subtle meanings, as if Dilla was leaving his own messages behind knowing he didn't have long left. Using each track to voice his opinions on his life and death.

For example...

"Save me" - Workinonit
"You're gonna need me one day, you're gonna want me back in your arms" - Stop
"Wake up world / Time is running out" - Glazed
"People the time has come" - People
"It's alright, oh I'll get over it baby" - Dilla Says Go
"Just because I really love you" - U-Love

Either way 'Don't Cry' is a classic...

It's well worth listening the original records he sampled to get a real appreciation for not only his talents, but what he was trying to say in so few words.

'Don't Cry' sampled a record by The Escorts 'I Can't Stand To See You Cry'...

Filed under  //   hip-hop  

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The Pharcyde - Runnin

Runnin' is a song performed by The Pharcyde that was produced by J Dilla. It was released as the first single from The Pharcyde's second album Labcabincalifornia in 1995. It's probably one of their most well known tracks.

Samples this amazing bossa track 'Saudade Vem Correndo' by Stan Getz...

Filed under  //   hip-hop  

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J dilla - Last Donut Of The Night

It is now 10 days until the anniversary of J Dilla's passing on the 10th February 2006. In tribute I'm going to post 10 classic J Dilla tracks, one each day.

I could never figure out my own top 10 or indeed an order for them and no doubt I'll later discover more of his greatness in time to come.

I'm going to start off with 'Last Donut of The Night' from his amazing album 'Donuts'...

This track sampled 'To You With Love' by The Moments...

Filed under  //   hip-hop  

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Elzhi - The Preface

The debut solo album from Elzhi once part of the legendary Slum Village, he joined after J Dilla left to persue his solo career.

Released last August, The Preface, is widely accepted to be one of the best hip hop albums of 2008 and I definitely agree.

My favourite track off the album is 'Save Ya'...

Filed under  //   hip-hop  

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Group Home - Livin Proof

More underground vintage hip hop, 'Livin Proof' was released back in 1995. This album is revered for it's production by DJ Premiere, one half of the infamous Gang Star.

This is the underground hit 'Supa Star'...

Filed under  //   hip-hop  

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Quantic Presents Flowering Inferno - Death Of The Revolution

Quantic is undoubtedly one of my favourite artists. The latest release 'Death Of The Revolution' sees him dip into some reggae/dub inspired funk.

The whole thing was recorded in Columbia and inspired by mid-70's artists like Don Drummond and Bull Wackies; and also Columbian artists like Pedro Laza and Michi Sarmiento.

Released last summer on Tru Thoughts this album is full of surprises and well worth a listen.

This is the album titled track 'Death Of The Revolution'...

Filed under  //   funk  

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Siah & Yeshua DapoED - The Visualz Anthology

Back in 1996 MC's Siah & Yeshua DapoED released 'The Visualz' EP. It was only ever available on vinyl and was largely undiscovered by the masses but achieved something of a cult status in the underground hip hip scene.

I have to say i'd not heard it before. But i'm glad I have now.

The album has been remastered and re-released alongside exclusive follow-up 12" tracks recorded in 1998. 'The Visualz Anthology' makes for a 21 track epic that really stands the test of time.

This is simply a must have for any hip-hop lover.

One of my favourites has to be 'Glass Bottom Boat'...

Filed under  //   hip hop  

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