Hip hop fans will never get over the loss of J Dilla. And how could we? Whenever a signature sample flip from the Detroit native is blaring from your speakers, you have to take a moment and just let it all sink in. Whether it was his work with A Tribe Called Quest, Slum Village, Common, or even his solo projects, Jay Dee was light years ahead of the game. With a fantastic musical taste and his rigorous work ethic–he was literally making beats until the day he died– he will never be forgotten. "Dear Dilla" has Phife Dawg pouring his heart out in this tribute to his friend, as the track plays out like a long lost letter. As the Funky Diabetic begins to inform Dilla of the current state of hip hop ("Ima tell you Dilla why they lacking skills now, no stage presence, cadence, style") he isn't afraid to tell the late producer of the "skinny jean crooks" that are running today's scene on this DJ Rasta Root assisted banger.
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Check out the track and keep it locked for the release of Phife's upcoming album, MUTTYMorphosis, which should be out in the weeks to come. One thing is for sure, as long as we get tributes like this, the spirit of J Dilla will be eternal.
Phife
Dear Dilla
- Smokin' Needles Records
- January 21st, 2014
