J DILLA (RUFF DRAFT & MORE)

Jay Dee may be the most important ‘no-name’ in urban music today. As a future higher ground online “Stealth Artist,” he is the very definition and one of the main inspirations for the creation of that portion of this site. A more in-depth look at his history and impact will be covered in the very near future, but in the meantime, here is some information to chew on. Ever hear of the following?

Well, the Detroit producer is responsible for these as well as my raid of other tracks that have helped shape the landscape of today’s music. Besides his guest production, he is also the man responsible for the music and 1/3 of the microphone duties on Slum Village’s first 2 full-length releases, “Fantastic Vol. 1” and “Fantastic Vol. 2,” before relinquishing his role as MC for the group as well as lessening his production duties on their third release, “Trinity.” Rumor has it that he has recently rejoined Slum in his original role, but only time will tell.

Right now, the topic at hand is his heavily synthesized solo EP release entitled “Ruff Draft.” Although only slightly less than 20 minutes in length, J Dilla once again displays why he is one of the most talented MC/producers in hip-hop.

Beginning with a brief intro, Dilla’s talents are brought to the forefront immediately on “Let’s Take It Back.” Over space-age synths and his patented brand of ‘low end theory’ intricately placed bass tones, he shows the same simplistic ‘beat-riding’ skill that defined the Slum Village sound on their first two releases. It is that element, where the MC’s become as much a part of the track as the drums, which separates Dilla (and SV as a whole) from all other hip-hop artists. With a brief homage to Tribe’s “Vibes & Stuff,” Jay Dee’s effortless freestyle-like flow informs the listener that he and his crew “Keep it ghet-to with the plastic cups” – that is ghetto! “Reckless Driving” is appropriately titled, as it sounds reminiscent of the background music to a driving video game like “Out Run” or “Need For Speed” with its uptempo pace and airy synthesizer chords. Dilla lyrics accompany perfectly as he creates a perfect soundtrack to “pump in the ride.”

Jay Dee then switches up the format and creates an 80’s pop/rock influenced track with “Nothing Like This” that is reminiscent of bands like Human League and Frankie Goes To Hollywood. With a voice filter, he creates a simplistic love song over a stripped down

track of synthesized strings and simple drum pattern that sounds like it could have easily been a video played on MTV in 1984. As if he were Marty McFly in the DeLorian time machine from “Back To The Future”, Dilla instantly propels the listener back to the present with possibly the hottest track on the entire EP, “The $.” With immediate neck-snapping capability, the popping snares and tuba-like synth melody, along with Jay Dee’s vocal precision, almost make the listener’s body move uncontrollably – at least that’s what it does to me! 

“Make ‘Em NV” with it’s sample of Lil Fame from M.O.P.’s unmistakable voice, melodic bells and raw drums play host to Jay Dee’s ode to ‘blingism’ and the jealousy it causes. The final full song “Crushin’ (Yeeeeeeaah)” is a laid-back simple lead and bass guitar loop and has Dilla expressing his desire for physical activity “all night.” The EP is rounded out with two more of memorable beats that lay a musical bed for an interlude and the outro “Shouts” where gives ‘shouts’ to his musical associates.

Although “Ruff Daft” is just an EP, it is a very good indicator of what Jay-Dee is capable of as a solo artist and why he is such a sought after producer. The only negative about this release is that there should be more of it! I guess we will have to wait to see what he has in store for the future. I hope it’s “Fantastic” (volume 3 that is).

With that said I give you all a chance to some what experience his beautiful works of art. Here is J Dilla's Ruff Draft (Promo). R.I.P. J Dilla.

01 00:18 Intro --
02 02:11 Lets Take It Back --
03 02:42 Reckless Driving --
04 02:34 Nothing Like This --
05 02:44 The Money --
06 00:49 Interlude --
07 02:28 Make'em Nv --
08 00:45 Interlude --
09 03:43 Crushin (Yeeeeaah!) --
10 00:52 Shouts --
11 00:48 Intro (Alt) --
12 02:20 Wild --
13 04:25 Take Notice --
14 01:47 Shouts (Alt) --
Totals --
14 28:26 min -- disc one and two the same, contains instrumentals.

click here to download:http://www.megaupload.com/?d=T9Q70GIF