I should’ve done this a long time ago… now. I’m not going to say I’m the most educated or familiar with the work of James Yancey as there are many people who know more than me about all things concerning Dilla. I’m not into the whole “you dying makes you a genius” thing… as I don’t feel Pac or Biggie are the greatest lyricist of all time when we live in a realistic world of eras. I’m sure that deep in my heart, and I will voice this opinion in respect; J Dilla is not the greatest producer of all time… I actually feel like Quincy Jones is; period. I think people will get into, “well Dilla is for Hip Hop” but if they keep it real with themselves and have any knowledge… they know Dilla was into more than just Hip Hop. So again I would argue Quincy Jones… but definitely Dilla of his era.

Now, there is a point to this rambling contest people have found themselves in. It seems like, in an “unspoken, but felt” kind of way… the name Dilla has replaced the dictionary term for “good” or “dope” – now when people do something they feel is of worth, they throw Dilla’s name in there somewhere… many of them people who haven’t heard Fantastic Vol 1… hell, not even the J-88 joint. even more people have begun trying to gain notoriety by recycling rhymes over J Dilla beats… because it adds something to their appeal. Definitely not denying that. But c’mon… with so much carbon copying going on these days… don’t you (want to) make something that’s completely and totally “you?” I know people are going to compare everything they hear to something else they’ve heard and we’ve accepted that as the way most people decide on if something is dope to them or not… more of a reference point.

To most of us, though, those are the people who are not on their grind… the ones who take (like Black Spade) a year or more to drop a tape. Nobody stops to consider that maybe crafting is more a patience thing than a “talent” thing. I could easily do some songs and mash them into an “album,” but in that where is the story, where is the investment into writing something that resonates… where is the quote end quote, “Love.” It’s been lost in a pool of Auto-Tune songs about a feeling we used to be able to identify – I’ve seemed to have gotten off track. No pun intended.

Artists need to abandon using someone else’s legacy to gas themselves… either it’s good or its not… but make it you. So when people pick it up, they can truly judge your craftsmanship for themselves. Believe me, some people will like your stuff no matter how much talent and creativity it lacks… lol. Major pun intended. But keep it real. There is nothing wrong with drawing and creating off of inspiration by Dilla; even studying the man’s style and adding your own swing to it… but be you at the end of the day. I think people who really claim to be into beats should study other producers’ work, likewise lyricists and writers even. Like all things in life, take the good stuff and build on it/from it. But don’t steal the whole damn book report… at least do a works cited page. Lol.

In closing, I really respect Dilla… and I would describe him as only this; fearless. That alone, is the single most difficult thing for artists to be… but when you grasp that concept, you essentially have no critics. Let it sink in. In my catalog, I have decided that only two beats should link back to the house that Yancey built. One was on “Wetshoestrings” I think. The other… who knows when you’ll hear it. No more deadlines for me… You’ll get me when you desire understanding. Maybe once I’m gone I’ll be the dopest nobody that was ever… nobody. Lol. To all the artist who cut against the grain, keep doing you. Styles you master, drum breaks you construct… keep the music real, keep it soulful. Most importantly… keep your name on the tape. Somebody may need to make copies… peace.

-know:juander

Check out some Dilla: Wikipedia | Stonesthrow | Myspace | Rest in peace brother.