Four years ago today, the legendary producer James “Dilla” Yancey passed away. The supremely talented, extremely prolific producer has become a sort of cult icon after his death. Common, Busta Rhymes, Sa-Ra, Janet Jackson, and countless others were subsumed into Dilla's sphere of influence, but he never got the mainstream recognition he deserved. Until now. But instead of waxing nostalgic, we'll let Dilla experts and his music do the talking.
There's so many Dilla moments and tributes that we couldn't get em all in. But here's a few. Browse Stonesthrow and Mochilla for more. If you have some more required Dilla reading or listening, feel free to give us a link in the comments section. Thanks.
J Dilla Anthology (abridged) after the jump:
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J DILLA: THE WORLD'S GREATEST PRODUCER (via Global Grind)
J Dilla Cover Story: Real Detroit Weekly, 2006
Jay Dee 1974-2006 Urb, 2006
Jay Dee's Last Days Detroit Free Press, Feb. 2006
B+ Remembers Dilla & Madlib in Brazil
Associated Press: J Dilla Obit
Behind the Beat: Hip-hop home studios book with J Dilla, 2005
What Did J Dilla Mean To You? (Via Spoonfed UK)
An Interview with J Dilla's Mother, Ms. Maureen Yancey (By Jeff Weiss)
Thank You, J Dilla (by Ernest Hardy)
Feb. 13 is Dilla Day: DJ in-store events at Stussy locations
Stonesthrow and Ma Dukes talk about Dilla's last days
Dwele ft. The Suite for Ma Dukes Orchestra “Angel”
FULL SCREEN
The Sounds of VTech / Angel Feat. Dwele
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