Reviewed by Robert Surratt
Branch Manager, Balboa Branch Library
San Diego Union Tribune, July 17, 2022
James Dewitt Yancy, a.k.a. Jay Dee a.k.a. J Dilla, arrived on the Hip Hop scene by contributing production to The Pharcyde’s 1995 sophomore release, “Labcabincalifornia.” From his earliest credits till his death in 2006, J Dilla reshaped the sound and feel of Hip Hop. As a member of several renowned collectives including Slum Village, The Ummah, and Soulquarians, Dilla’s seminal work was not only definitive, but challenged listeners with unconventional techniques that to the untrained ear might sound slipshod or even amateur. However, upon closer inspection, his use of swing programming revealed a sophisticated understanding of rhythm that would ultimately influence a generation of beat makers. “Dilla Time” explores the settings, conditions, and events that shaped J Dilla’s life and art, and the impact of his work on Hip Hop and popular music.