Today is the birthday of the legendary producer James Yancey aka J-Dilla. He unfortunately passed away 5 years ago due to complication from Lupus. Some have called him the Quincy Jones of hip hop. If you are a fan of hip hop, you are a fan of J-Dilla's work.
You can get a better understanding of the genius, which is J-Dilla in this new 40 minute documentary on his life, music and legacy from his friends and family. The film features appearances from Questlove, Bilal, Erykah Badu and more.
The film was put together by Brian "B Kyle" Atkins.
This piece was created for his fans as an uplifting effort to reinforce their awareness of the support of J.Dilla’s legacy, not as an official documentary styled production. This stands as a tribute for the J.Dilla fans that already understood his presence in music at the time he passed away… and those who continue to seek material about him to rejuvenate their support. This “J.Dilla: Still Shining” remembrance piece is designed for his fans to gain greater insight, and a richer appreciation of this musical icon. As fans of music, we suffered the loss of a great asset… but J.Dilla continues to shine.
"J.Dilla: Still Shining" from B.Kyle on Vimeo.
Here is a breakdown of the 'documentary' by chapter:
(2:55) - Work Ethic Starts In The Basement
(7:35) - What To Listen For in A Dilla Beat
(9:10) - J.Dilla's Range As A Producer. The King of Reinvention
(12:16) - Going Beyond His Influences
(14:39) - The Dilla Approach To Production
(20:21) - Jay The Producer vs Jay The MC
(26:08) - The Personal Side of J.Dilla
(29:04) - A Soldier Unstoppable!
(32:05) - Venturing Out. (as explained by Phat Kat)
(33:59) - Heading Home... Job Well Done.
(34:48) - We Salute You.