It still amazes me when I come across people who have no idea who James Dewitt Yancey better known as J Dilla and/or Jay Dee, was. I suppose, when one’s talents isn’t visual but auditory and sensory, our fickle society is quick to dismiss, ignore, or give that credit to someone else. J Dilla was one of music’s most influential hip-hop artists. Yet, commercially, his name still is relatively unknown. Recently I dropped Dilla‘s name in a conversation with one of my girlfriends, who didn’t know who he was. I pulled out the commercial Janet Jackson‘s “Got ’til It’s Gone” reference, to a surprised look of “Oh! Nice.” His style marked the era from 2000 to his passing. He affected hip hop and its counterparts, to a point that we say, “it’s a Dilla like beat.”

The tune below “Real Dilla Quotes (Nothin’ Like This)” is produced by DJ Applejac, where he takes great soundbytes from people who knew, will always love and respect J Dilla. A beautiful piece which captures the essence of what J Dilla stood for in his short, yet impressionable life (in 2006 at the age of 32 he lost his battle with the lupus disease).

Rest in Peace Jay Dee! Donuts are Forever!

Real Dilla Quotes (Nothin Like This) by Applejac

The legend of J Dilla continues with Donut Shop. Previously released as a purchase-only vinyl EP, the track “Safety Dance,” which is a refashioning of Men Without Hats 80s classic, leaked online a couple of months ago. Now Stonesthrow is giving it away to avid J Dilla fans! Featuring three unreleased Dilla beats, including “Safety Dance,” “Bars & Twists,” an instrumental of Mos Def‘s “History,” and Q-Tip‘s “Move.” I don’t know about you, but I never grow tired of hearing a Dilla beat or production; so enjoy this free DOWNLOAD! Check out “Bars & Twists” below.

“Bars & Twists”

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This came out for Valentine’s Day celebrations and a lot of people slept on it due to the fact it is an ultimate breakup album, revealing the mixed and often misunderstood emotions we often feel when love has turned from sweet to soar. The jazzy undertones don’t lead you to slitting your wrists and wanting the love that went bad back, but actually accepting what’s done is done. It’s okay to reminisce, just a little.

Before getting a deal, Blu. was the hype man for Slum Village, Platinum Pied Pipers, Steve Spacek, and Emanon. Signing to indi label Soul in Color in 2004, it’s been non-stop for this San Piedro, California native. In 2007, he released with Emanon Below the Heavens, and has collaborated with DJ Heat for the (So)ul Amazing mix tapes, and is also a member of the Johnson & Johnson duo. It’s been less than two years and his work has been incredible.

Her Favo(u)rite Colo(u)r, is somewhat of a journey through the mind states of a breakup, albeit short and light on lyrical content where some of the actual songs appear to be skits, the composition in itself validates the album’s concept, ensuring that we don’t grow tired of looking at the bright and dark sides of a breakup. Take a listen to “Amnesia” where Blu. talks about the good days in the relationship, wrought with an apropos Billie Holiday sample, the vibe that will make you smile.

“Amnesia” from Her Favourite Colo(u)r

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