The brilliance that is James “J Dilla” Yancey never ceases to astound me. I, like many were drawn to his unparalleled production, his phenomenal flow, his profound talent, his timing, his creativity and commitment. It’s approaching passe’ not mention his name in Hip-Hop circles. Hip-Hop’s budding beat makers and ‘Johnny-come-lately’ purists swear by Dilla now. But true fans know at the core, Jay Dee was more Soul than Hip-Hop. I think that’s why his music resonated so well with those in the soul sector.
There are seminal moments in my musical makings; these ‘Dilla Moments,’ if you will, when you find material that validates your quest.. ‘sonic signposts’ that guide you along on your instinctive path of rhythm that scream, “Yes.. over here. Yes, this way.” Those ‘Dilla Moments’ bring out the joy in every crate digger.. when you ride that wave of exploration to uncover another gem in the land of music. The exuberance overcomes you.. knowing in that moment, you spoke his language, you heard what he heard. It’s an indescribable feeling. It’s those ‘Dilla moments’ in one’s musical journey that make the voyage Fantastic.
Digger’s will tell you first hand, you’ll encounter an album and/or CD that speaks to you just from the way it looks, sounds and just feels. You cop it, you play it, spin it and share it. You enjoy it for seasons, even years.. only to be dumbfounded that day you discover Dilla touched it! Wow!
Jaw. Dropped. Dome. Split. Lol. The exultation in that moment is nothing short of euphoric! I beam every time it happens, knowing Dilla and I shared a taste for the peculiar, the obscure, the regal, the rugged, the raw, the soul, the jazz.. the jewels. We connected in sound and that’s really dope to me.
Okay, so I’m in the lab prepping for my set at the Sound Table in Atlanta for its annual Jay Dee Tribute, “Dillafied.” I’m combing through countless categories of sounds and soundscapes, beats and breaks, interludes and interviews..listening to anything and everything Dilla.. when it happens.. again. THIS f’n guy. Lol.
The latest revelation came in the form of a video on You Tube. I’m watching these cool mini-episodes called, ‘Bling47 Presents The Dilla Breaks Edition,’ produced by his close comrade Waajeed. It features interviews with musical friends far and near.. each breaking down the science behind Jay’s magnificent methods. These DILLA-cious vinyl vinettes were designed to uncover the samples Dilla incorporated into his endless productions with the goal of giving insight and inspiration to a new generation of music producers and fans. The testimonials are told with such reverence, you can only begin to understand how much of a God this man truly is. The video I came across centers around a jazz track, “Feeling Good” by Lynn Marino and The Frank Cunimondo Trio. I love this track! I’ve had this track for years! I play this track all the time! Dilla does it again. He ripped it. It floored me. My goodness. I’m KO’d. What’s even more spectacular, is that this Slum Village song was never released on anything. I remember the day I found it on CD in the used section at TOWER Records circa 2005.. never knowing it had the same gravitational pull on him.. until now. J Dilla’s close friend and confidante, Detroit Record Merchant & Producer, Dj House Shoes tells the story best. Check it out.
Salute to my musical Kin and thank you Jay, for bringing me another Dilla Moment.
Tales From The Booth 
