J Dilla wasn't just your favorite producer's favorite producer, he was also your favorite rapper's favorite producer — and these beats are a testament to that. Drums, percussion, bass, samples, synths ...

“Batches” were what Jay called his musical dispatches—the primary way he communicated musically from his Detroit basement to the outside world. Another Batch is the crucial turning point, not only in ...

A look at how De La Soul weathered industry turmoil, cultural shifts, and personal heartbreak to become one of hip-hop’s most resilient and beloved groups. Contributing to that introduction is the ...

Something interesting is happening in the “Progressive R&B” category at this year’s Grammy Awards. Four of the six nominated albums contain songs that bear the unmistakable rhythmic signature of a ...

The late James Yancey, a.k.a. J Dilla, photographed in 2000 at the Key Club on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. (Gregory Bojorquez / Getty Images) The first time you hear an instrumental track ...

This year, six of Birmingham’s hip hop veterans -- DJ Modernaire, Suaze, DJ Rahdu, DJ Supreme, DJFX, and Shaheed Tawheed— are gearing up for a new type of J Dilla tribute. In lieu of only an evening, ...