J Dilla - Donuts

Stones Throw Records

Released on Dilla's 32nd birthday and three days before his passing Dilla's Donuts resonates in a similar way to Bowie's Blackstar. Both seminal beings in the world of music living their final moments through their work. Producing pieces of undeniable greatness with a touch like no other.

Donuts showcases that classic Dilla swing which he's well known for. That off-kiltered, out of time yet bang on time, feel for samples. The lazy-like beats, sounding sloppily slung together. Samples chopped within an inch of their life which drip feel and emotion from their essence.

Donuts is home to some of the finest instrumentals of all-time. Anti-American Graffitti, my favorite track, is a thing of absolute beauty. It has a feel that cant be copied. A purity resides within it. I'm sure it's been done but I cant picture anyone doing their thing over it.

This is a fine farewell from a producer whos ear for music is truly one in a million. Not only in the Hip-Hop landscape either. Dilla transcends.

15 years of Donuts.

February 7th, 2006.