Released posthumously and completed by his mother, Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey, and Karriem Riggins. Originally intended as a vocal album, it features verses from Dilla, Common, D'Angelo, and Black Thought, with the beats seamlessly finished by Riggins.
Dilla was a member of production team (with Q-Tip and Ali Shaheed Muhammad), contributing to: j dilla albums
The album is a raw, eclectic love letter to the music of his hometown, spanning hip-hop, electronic synth experiments, live jazz covers, and heavy bass lines. Released posthumously and completed by his mother, Maureen
Following his death, several unreleased projects and collections were finalized by family and close collaborators. His solo work, particularly Donuts, has inspired a
J Dilla's impact on hip-hop cannot be overstated. As a producer, he worked with a diverse range of artists, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the genre. His solo work, particularly Donuts, has inspired a new generation of producers and musicians. J Dilla's legacy extends beyond his own music, as his influence can be heard in the work of artists like Kendrick Lamar, Chance the Rapper, and Flying Lotus.
While Donuts is for the thinkers, Ruff Draft is for the b-boys. Released originally on vinyl only, this EP is Dilla at his grittiest. He once said he made this to prove he could still make "hard" beats after people accused him of going soft with Slum Village.
A series of deep-crate collections. Lost Tapes features raw beats; Lost Rolls (with photographer B+’s photos) pairs beats with visuals; Dillatronic collects his rare forays into electro and techno.