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As Dilla’s birthday nears (Feb 8th), events are happening across the globe celebrating a life that touched many. Instrumentals so often take the backseat to whatever rapper is on a track, but in Dilla’s case an awareness and appreciation for his mastery are evident (and deserved). Just search “Dilla” on twitter any given day and hear the resounding chorus of a grateful community. Though I count myself in the category of folks who were introduced to his work after his passing, I’m thankful for friends who helped me delve not only into his output, but also that of those he influenced: Common, The Roots, D’Angelo, Slum Village, Erykah Badu, etc. His discography reads like a who’s who of folks on our iPods.
This is my spin on two of his most famous works. I played with the timing a bit. Hope you enjoy. RIP Dilla.
Many thanks to David James on vocals
The end samples an orchestral piece by Miguel Atwood Ferguson. His album, Timeless: Suite for Ma Dukes, has finally been released on amazon.com. It’s gorgeous…definitely worth a purchase.
