Dilla (f. Black Thought): “Reality Check”

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J Dilla
Rapster Records
(2009)

James Yancey, known to many as Jay Dee or J Dilla, is a luminary figure in the hip-hop community. As a producer, J Dilla elevated the standards of beat-making and cultivated a following with his raw, production skills. Much to his contributions, groups like The Pharcyde, Slum Village and De La Soul introduced classics to the hearts and homes of eager youth and seasoned hip-hop heads. Beyond his own understanding, Dilla gave life to hip-hop. He collaborated on countless projects and produced anthem joints. He crafted rhythms and melodies that carved a new appreciation for this musical genre.

As a tribute to the late Dilla, Rapster compiled a catalog of his work entitled the Dillanthology series. While the first two volumes showcased shared efforts for other artists, including his own remixes, the final installment, Dillanthology Vol. 3, focuses on his solo pieces. Featured material from Welcome 2 Detroit, Donuts, The Shining, Jay $tay Paid and a joint from Ruff Draft EP, as well as a few cuts from his Madlib tag team Champion Sound are presented throughout the compilation. Although avid Dilla listeners are presumably familiar with most of the tracks, the collection spawns across the last years of his life, honoring some of his most notable work. Opening the set, Donut’s “WorkinOnIt” glazes over spliced-up guitar riffs, while an additional mouthwatering morsel “Anti-American Graffiti” offers twang, sampling grooves.  Keeping it oldskool “It’s Like That” and “Featuring Phat Kat” (Welcome to Detroit) exemplify how vast and diverse his production style was. From minimalistic beats scattered across spurts of DJ scratching and even a spooky Halloween interval, Dilla provides listeners a distinct musical experience.

The crunchy, synthesized, head-bobbing number “Raw Shit” (Champion Sound) comes in with full force as Talib peppers on his Flatbush lyrical swagger. And Madlib, in his usual stony flex raps alongside beautiful chorus lines and heavy bleeps in “The Red” (Champion Sound). His two Ruff Draft tracks “Nothin Like This” and “Crushin (Yeeeeaah!)” show off Dilla’s smooth, innovated production techniques. “Nothin Like This” is disturbingly romantic, with Dilla’s fuzzy drone overlapping snappy bass-lines and atmospheric soundscapes. “Crushin…” on the other hand, is a sensual, hip- hop bravado cut where Dilla gets “freak nasty,” showing his sexually rebellious side.

And speaking of grown and sexy, the tracks off The Shining are as salacious as they come. In “Won’t Do,” Dilla samples The Isley Brothers’ “Footsteps in the Dark” and creatively spins it into a fluid, sultry beat. Every time I hear this track I get so lost in the instrumentation, I forget that Dilla is talking ish about two women who are not good enough for him. I guess I can let that fly – maybe, he is speaking figuratively or alluding to the fact that he needed something more stimulating like music to fulfill his life. I am going to have to go with this theory so my image of Dilla doesn’t get thwarted and this song remains unblemished. Moving on, Madlib compels listeners in “Baby-” a perfect hook fit for a ride with your boys. Dilla tweaks the word “maybe” into “baby” and plays around with the meaning-outlining the contemplations of a MC- “Do I take her home tonight- maybe… baby.” Closing the collection, “So Far To Go” chimes in, buckling with emotion- an exquisite piano melody is suspended against Common’s syrupy rhymes and D’ Angelo’s oh, so familiar sensually-driven vocals.

Let me just say, this is not a mix-tape- there is no added punches or special transitions. There are no additional bonuses, but new fans will surely be introduced to some of Dilla’s gems. There are a few tracks like “Reality Check” that could have easily been dropped and replaced, but overall it is an exceptional representation of Dilla’s work. And although this may be the last of the Dillanthology series, this is not the last we will hear of the great Dilla. Just as most of our parents passed on timeless classics, ‘we’ too, will pass on Dilla’s legacy. As a true beat smith, he spoke through his music and I am fortunate to have gotten to know this side of him.

via Sarah Wolfson, 28 October 2009 6:33pm | 2 |