Today marks the release of legendary hip hop figure J Dilla’s long long vocal album The Diary.
Initially intended for release in 2002,The Diary is the final batch of unissued material that Dilla had assembled for release during his lifetime, lending crucial insight into the producer’s prowess and thought process in the period leading up to his break with the major label system and the extremely fertile period that followed (which encompassed the making of the canonical classics Ruff Draft, Jaylib, and Donuts).
To celebrate its release local producer and Aussie hip hop talent Sensible J has crafted an hour long mix as a tribute to the much-missed Dilla. We’re calling the mix Sensible J Dilla.
“First off, this mix was an honour to do” explains Sensible J. “Dilla is my favourite producer hands down. To help celebrate the release of his vocal album The Diary, I’ve tried to include a bunch of tracks that he rapped and sung on over the last 20 years. He is a beast on the mic, not just behind the boards or MPC. Peace, and I hope you enjoy”
Out via Sony The Diary features vocal performances by J Dilla, Snoop Dogg, Bilal, Kokane, Frank and Dank, Nottz and Boogie, over production by Dilla, Madlib, Pete Rock, Hi-tek, Nottz, House Shoes, Supa Dave West, Bink! and Karriem Riggins. It’s a touching look back at a man who shaped hip hop unlike anybody else.
