HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES YANCEY

James Dewitt Yancey (February 7, 1974 – February 10, 2006), mostly known by the stage names J Dilla and Jay Dee, has become known as the greatest hip-hop producer to ever step behind an MPC. His grimy, organic drums, soul samples, and extensive pallete revolutionized hip hop in the early 90's, and can be heard today in Kanye West, Just Blaze, and 9th Wonder, just to name a few. "He can do a Primo beat better than Premier. He can do a Dre beat better than Dre, and he can out-rock Pete Rock," says fellow Detroit producer House Shoes. "But none of them could duplicate a Dilla beat." During the mid 90's, Dilla produced for a who's who of hip hop acts including The Roots, A Tribe Called Quest, The Pharcyde, Busta Rhymes, De La Soul, Common, as well his solo work and production for his own group, Slum Village.

In 2002, he tested positive for lupus, an autoimmune disease that can be fatal. Doctors also diagnosed him with TTP, a rare disorder that causes blood clots to form in the body's blood vessels. Despite his health issues, Dilla packed his stuff and moved out to Los Angeles, to stay with friend and collaborator Common. He tried his best to ignore his health problems and bury them in constant work in the studio. But by the end of summer 2005, he couldn't walk anymore and lost the ability to talk as well. In a hushed whisper, he summoned for his turntables, mixer, crates of records, MPC, and computer to be brought into his hospital room.

Created while on his death bed, Donuts was released on Stones Throw on February 7, 2006, his 32nd birthday. Dilla died three days later. Innovative, experimental, eclectic, and soulful, Donuts brings you on a journey from bittersweet to melodramatic, and you can sense he could see death as he created this masterpiece. Click on album cover to download, or PURCHASE. Preview below.

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