10 years to the date.
Author Shannon Adler once said “carve your name on hearts, not tombstones.” A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.” It’s true, our legacy is determined by those who chose to remember us. It’s a response to the impact this individual has had on one or many that determines legacy or who is to be considered a legend. James Yancey is one of those people. It may not ring a bell, but if you have ever listened to the likes of Erykah Badu, Busta Rhymes, De la Soul, Slum Village (obviously), D’Angelo, Black Star, Common, Janet Jackson, A Tribe Called Quest, Pete Rock, The Pharcyde,(the list is extensive) then you have heard J Dilla aka James Yancey.
Dilla’s significance stretches far and wide. Though his name may not be as popular as Beyoncé or as catchy as “beileber”, his influence is larger then both these household names. Grammy award winning producer Pharrell Williams of The Neptune’s has claimed “hands down” J Dilla to be his favorite producer of all time (you can also add Questlove, Kanye West, Pete Rock and most of the hip-hop community to this list). We can say Dilla’s impact is ubiquitous.
There is a whole generation of producers (Black Milk, 9th Wonder, Flying Lotus and Onra) who look at Dilla as an instructor, mentor and/or visionary. The music we listen to today is inspired by the sounds of Dilla. The way he implemented drums on a beat so your bones rattle while your head bounced in sequential anticipation and his creativity when it came to sampling all genres of music, which has sparked the current revival. He was truly a trailblazer and in his passing has created renaissance men.
Dilla will never be known for the fact that he played the cello, violin, piano, trumpet and the drums. We will not immortalize him for being a victim of the autoimmune disease lupus. We will not recognize him for the awards he never won. We will only remember the great things he left behind, the music. The music can never die and that is why Dilla’s legacy continues.
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