It’s been eight years since hip-hop saw one if it’s most prominent producers leave this earth, but in his passing he has left behind not only a legacy, but a day that is remembered by all. February 10th will forever be remembered as Dilla Day thanks to the man, father, brother, son, and producer, James Dewitt Yancey. While Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (a rare blood disorder) is what ultimately caused Dilla’s untimely passing, the music he was able to create during his time spent will go down in history, and his name is forever brought up in conversation with the greats.
In celebration of today, we compiled some of our favorite records from J Dilla’s collection in hopes that you might either hear something you haven’t heard before or just want to hear some great music. If you are in the Detroit area, make your way to Dilla Day In Detroit and spend your evening with some of hip-hop’s finest like DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Slum Village, Phife Dawg, Phat Kat, Guilty Simpson, and plenty more. Take a listen to some of the most influential music to hip-hop from a producer who has most likely worked with your favorite rapper, or your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper. Whatever the case may be… Enjoy.
Happy 40th Birthday, Dilla!