J Dilla – Dillatronic (Vintage Vibez Music Group; 2015)
Having collaborated with such artists as A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul and The Roots, J Dilla was one of hip hop’s most respected and widely recognized beatmakers. Although he passed away at the young age of 32 in 2006, his name still carries a colossal weight, only eclipsed by the enormous catalogue he left behind. This posthumous release, Dillatronic, is an eclectic mix of melodies paired with his signature raw hi-hat, snare, and bass drum kicks. While some of his songs stick with smooth jazzy electric guitar licks, such as “Dillatronic #35,” others venture deeper into the electronic world. On certain songs, Dilla even swaps out his bass drum out for some electronic wobbling bass sounds. While this album definitely strays from traditional Dilla hip-hop beats, Dillatronic still deserves a listen.
Trial Track: “Dillatronic #7”
7/10
