LOS ANGELES, CA- On July 18th, Los Angeles transformed into a nexus of jazz and hip-hop as fans gathered to honor what would have been J Dilla’s 50th birthday. The late James Dewitt Yancey—better known as J Dilla—remains one of the most celebrated and influential record producers of all time. From his early days with Slum Village to his solo masterpiece “Donuts*”, Dilla’s innovative approach to hip-hop production left an indelible mark on music history. The tribute concert, curated by the legendary Kevin “DJ Battlecat” Gilliam, promised a glorious night of unparalleled musicianship, celebrating the life and legacy of a musical genius.
After DJ Wyldeflower finished spinning wax to greet the patrons, the venue buzzed with anticipation as J-Rocc took the stage to get the main course started the evening. His masterful spin on the ones and twos served as a prelude to the main acts, blending original recordings with live instrumental takes. For those of us who navigated LA’s infamous weekday traffic, J-Rocc’s set was a perfect welcome, ensuring that no one missed the heart of the night’s performances. The air was thick with excitement and a touch of nostalgia as J Dilla’s beats transported us back to the summers of our youth.
As a freshman in undergrad, I spent countless summer days rolling through Los Angeles with my high school friends in a beat-up, hand-me-down Cadillac. We bumped tunes from Pharcyde, De La Soul, and A Tribe Called Quest through the stock speakers, unaware that many of our favorite tracks were produced by someone named J Dilla. It wasn’t until I delved deeper into hip-hop that I discovered the man behind the beats that always had my head nodding—tracks like “Vivrant Thing” by Q-Tip, “The Light” by Common, and “Didn’t Cha Know?” by Erykah Badu. Little did I know that years later, I’d find myself working part-time at a small law firm representing Slum Village, a hip-hop group that J Dilla was originally a member of, geeking out over pre-production copies of their studio albums, mixtapes, and EPs, even though J Dilla had left the group to pursue solo endeavors.
Back at the tribute concert, the band took the stage, kicking off the live performances by WildChild. Their call-and-response tribute, chanting “J Dilla” followed by “Rest in peace,” set the tone for the night. They opened with the legendary De La Soul cut “Stakes Is High,” a track that resonated deeply with the audience. The musical ensemble for the evening was nothing short of spectacular: pianist Cameron Gray, saxophonist Corey Holder, trumpeter Joseph Leimbert, bassist Dominic Sanders, and drummers Pocket Queen and Darou Jones. Their performances of Dilla’s “Let’s Grow” and “Can’t You See” were met with ecstatic applause, seamlessly blending live jazz elements with Dilla’s iconic beats.
DJ Battlecat, known for his work with Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur, and The Game, showcased his mastery of percussion and on the talk box, crafting sounds that felt as though they were lifted straight from Dilla’s archives. The integration of three drum sets on stage allowed for replicating the eccentric beats and pulses that Dilla was known for. The intermission provided a brief respite before the audience was treated to a stunning collaboration between Coco Serai and Medusa on “The Light,” weaving a narrative of love and light that underscored Dilla’s lyrical genius.
Medusa’s solo performance of Slum Village’s “Get This Money” brought the gritty, soulful vibe of Detroit to LA. Her presence on stage was electric, a testament to her roots and the city she calls home. Coco Serai returned to the stage, covering Erykah Badu’s “Didn’t Cha Know?”—a track that echoed with the hopeful lyrics, “There will be a brighter day.” The performance was a poignant reminder of Dilla’s enduring legacy in shaping neo-soul and hip-hop.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Bilal’s set. Opening with the J Dilla-produced “Reminisce,” Bilal’s smooth vocals melded effortlessly with the live band. His light-hearted banter with the drummer, “I like to breathe too,” added a touch of humor to the night. Tracks like “Soul Sista” and “Love” followed, showcasing Bilal’s versatility and paying homage to his collaborations with Dilla.
Bilal’s “1st Born Second”, an album often overshadowed in mainstream circles, was brought to life on stage. The album’s release encountered delays as Interscope pressured Bilal into collaborating with more popular producers, including Dr. Dre and J Dilla. These collaborations helped refine Bilal’s stylistically varied and free-form approach into more structurally defined songs to the label’s liking, a compromise that resulted in some of the most memorable tracks of his career.
The night concluded with a solo circle led by Battlecat, bringing the celebration full circle. The concert wasn’t just a tribute; it was a living, breathing testament to J Dilla’s genius. From the head-nodding beats that filled the summer nights of my youth in a beat-up Cadillac, to the sophisticated jazz-infused hip-hop that echoed through the venue, Dilla’s influence remains unparalleled.
This tribute, a melding of past and present, was a euphoric celebration of a life and legacy that continues to inspire. J Dilla’s music, much like the night’s performances, was a perfect blend of imperfection and innovation, swinging rhythms, and soulful narratives. This concert was more than a memorial; it was a joyful affirmation of J Dilla’s lasting impact on music and culture.
As the final notes played and the crowd dispersed, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far-reaching Dilla’s influence has been in my own life. From those early days discovering his work in undergrad, to geeking out over Slum Village’s albums in law school, to standing here in awe of the live renditions of his beats—J Dilla’s music has been a constant, a soundtrack to my journey. And on this night, surrounded by fellow fans and the echoes of Dilla’s genius, it was clear that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Battlecat did J Dilla good. Props all around.
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LIVE CLIPS
