What J Dilla Means To Australia: 10 Local Talents Weigh In On Jay Dee's Legacy

Coinciding with the release of J Dilla's 'The Diary', we look at the lasting influence of the Detroit producer down under.

The late J Dilla has long been heralded as the producer's producer, capturing the ear of many budding talents by providing bumping back-beats for an endless list of legendary artists: from Busta Rhymes and A Tribe Called Quest, to De La Soul, The Pharcyde and Slum Village.

While he's often looked upon as the sonic heart and soul of his hometown Detroit, Michigan, his influence on the evolution of hip-hop production is impressively wide-spread, having touched the styles of beat-makers the world over.

Dilla's sixth posthumous album, The Diary, has just dropped – it's a compilation of unreleased vocals and instrumentals that boast features from Snoop Dogg, Nas and Bilal, and additional production from artists like Pete Rock, Hi-Tek, Madlib, and many more.

In the spirit of this album, Complex AU asked some talented Australian artists, producers and entrepreneurs to give us an idea of how Dilla has played a part in their journeys, and what his legacy means to a country an entire world away from his humble hometown.

Hau Latukefu (Rapper/Radio Host, Sydney)

"Dilla showed that you could be gritty as hell, nasty with the funk, crispy with the drums, but still remain so soulful. It was, and is music that the blokes could kick holes in walls to and that the ladies could groove to. Dilla, you're a genius. Can't thank you enough for the music you have blessed this world with. Bless."

All-time favourite J Dilla track:

"One of the toughest questions I have been asked, but I've got to go with Slum Village's 'Players'"

Favourite track from the new album The Diary:

"'Gangsta Boogie'. Produced by Hi-Tek and featuring Snoop and Kokane? Forget about it. If I had a '64 Impala, this is what I'd be bumping right now in the whitest neighbourhood I could find."

w.soundcloud.com

Katalyst (Producer, Sydney)

Mitch Graunke (Producer, Melbourne)

Alice Ivy (Producer, Melbourne)

Oisima (Producer, Adelaide)

"Dilla is and was my everything when I was first introduced to and started experimenting with electronic music & beat-making. So much of what I was listening to at the time was either produced by him or heavily influenced by him. It's really unbelievable how much he inspired and changed music and as a result of the legacy he has left, music will never be the same."

All-time favourite J Dilla track:

"My favourite Dilla track of all time is Slum Village's 'Fall In Love'. Its simplicity is so powerful and it really highlights those classic Dilla drums which for me is everything."

Favourite track from the new album The Diary:

My favourite track from The Diary is 'The Ex' – classic Dilla swing and stunning jazzy sampling, and Bilal is one of the most soulful and stunning vocalists around."

w.soundcloud.com

Raph Rashid ('Behind The Beat' author, Melbourne)

Nic Martin (Producer, Melbourne)

Milwaukee Banks (Hip-hop duo, Melbourne)

Dyl Thomas: “He made me want to push my sound and experiment and go places I would have never thought of going. He made it okay to be yourself and own your sound and not just follow current trends. Dilla was a trailblazer, and I guess as an artist, we all aspire to lead not follow. There were layers in Dilla’s music that are not apparent when you first listen, but then the more you listen, the more it opens up for you – it's pretty amazing and inspiring at the same time.”

All-time favourite J Dilla track:

'Dime Piece (Remix)' f/ Dwele - it's a great example of how Dilla was a real diverse producer, he had so many weapons when it came to production sound and style. This track still sounds fresh and sits well with current trending productions today.

The shuffle, sound design, and layers that sit beside Dwele's vocals just work so well - that 808 snare (which was pretty rare for Dilla to use) layered with those 909 pitched down claps just snaps so hard, and the hats and kick pattern just seem to roll on forever. I can never just play this track once when it comes on."

Favourite track from the new album The Diary:

'Fuck The Police' – originally this was released in 2001 and not long after that was when I heard it. When I first heard this track it had me tripping on how raw the drums were, and when the René Costy sample drops, it has one of those “oh shit!” moments. Stripped back and raw, it’s Dilla at his best. Not just on the beat tip, but real nice on the MC tip on this one too."

w.soundcloud.com

MayaVanya (Production duo, Melbourne)

Ta-ku (Producer, Perth)

"The way Dilla produces and brings life to a track is everything I want to bring to my own music. He has such a signature sound that resonates among so many. He's a genius."

All-time favourite J Dilla track:

"Slum Village - Untitled/Fantastic (Instrumental). This joint is so simple but just slaps so hard. For me, it's the epitome of 'more is less'".

Favourite track from the new album The Diary:

'The Sickness' with Nas. I've always wanted to hear Nas flex on some Dilla. I just wish he was around."

w.soundcloud.com

Latest in Music