A WORD FROM THE SPONSORS:
I have recently chosen to reduce my emphasis on African history during "Black History month" because I dont think we should be told when to study ourselves, especially when its the month with the shortest number of days. But that's both here and there. There is no month that is not black history month. I dont need the govt/establishments approval or encouragement to learn about what happened before me. The study of not only African, but World History, should be as natural as watching the Super Bowl with one's family. One no more important than either (*wink, wink), but just as "natural".
With that said, I still applaud all the programs and energy surrounding the celebration African life. These stories are not only black history and U.S. history, but World History and Universal history. Anywho, this a little hip-hop history and expression for you today.
J - Dilla hailed from Detroit and was 1/3 of the group Slum Village. Famous for his emceeing and legendary for his production prowess, Jay Dee or Dilla(as he was affectionately referred to) was able to take sampling soul and loop theory(the crux of hip-hop production) to levels unseen. His ease of spirit became as legendary as his tireless work ethic. Many familiar with his story will offer you tales of Dilla making "Donuts," his last musical release, on a hospital bed no less. The music he made resonated with people because of the volumes of emotion encased in his tracks. He made music not only reflective of life, but brought it to life. Dilla is without contest, the best producer to ever do it and has boggled the minds of classical and contemporary musicians alike on numerous occassions. He died in Feb 2006 of an illness related to Lupus and is survived by 2 daughters. Salute to J Dilla, a pillar and titan in hip-hop history. I do not shy away from the word genius in describing him, he is loved and will be missed.
do you hear what i say,
‘said i felt what he prayed
O’ Lord
and when the beat
dropped to track
Left ya neck snappin back
Good Gawd
squint ya nose
cuz it stinks,
funky drummer
looped n’ synced
So Hard
good spells
on a comeback
we make the spirit contact
fo’ love
IF A BEAT COULD TALK LIKE A CHRISTIAN COULD CHOOSE
the beat would ask for Dilla to make it
like the Christian would thank Jehovah
for the way he created,
us
....in his own image
diggin in the crates
painting miracles
between vinyl
and vaccuums
I bet he heard
forever thru a needle
add a 1/4 cup of sunlight.
and a gallon full of dumb nice
and the pot overflows
onto 24 track
that thumps right
Now, I know he wasn’t God
But the God could relate
Cause they never honor
The alter of the Gods
Til the clock strikes
half past late
Man....
In those days
Break beats
Hung on for dear life
Sprained necks
From heads rocking
off kilter
Confessions
for the sinners
Know cause to
splinters
From pure friction, no fiction
Compressed
with hi ends
But the love's
Never filtered
Ever hear
God's footsteps
Sampled up, looped up
Sped up then slowed?
In Detroit basements,
knocking
Sugar glazed donuts
for the Hip-Hop Soul
SMH...These producers are just mortals
Fast forward
playback
rewind
then fear
Wouldnt know God;s voice
if he whispered in their ears
They mad they never seen him
But couldn't see when he was here
The Greatest of All Time
Aroused feelings beyond time
So far to go
But common
To all tribes
And it was B.I.G. that always said...
"you're nobody til
somebody kills you"
Today that feels like truth
But I say,
"you're nobody til dey know
Your Mama
Word to Ms. Voletta
and Ma Dukes."
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