Happy Birthday to our very own Mr. Guinto! It’s going to be one of those nights tonight.
Happy Birthday Chezzy Chez!
One Time
Sunday mornings are typically reserved for the faithful. And in a huge, fluorescent-lit basement near Manhattan’s Union Square Park, a congregation of some of hip-hop’s finest producers – Diamond D, Da Beatminerz, Buckwild – spend this particular march Sabbath worshipping at the shrine of the beat gods: the New York City Record Convention.
In the midst of all the vinyl, a slim, decidedly anonymous newcomer decked in army fatigues scours the bins. In fact, the lone tip-off to 22-year-old Jay Dee’s status as hip-hop’s most provocative new music maker is his shopping companion – and partner in beats – Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest.
“I met Tip backstage at Lollapalooza in ’94,” says the humble Detroit native. I had a group that [former Detroit Piston] John Salley was managing – so I gave Tip a tape, and the same day he called back. He was like, ‘Yo, who did these beats?’ After that, shit just took off.”
Q-Tip hooked Jay Dee up with the Pharcyde, and Jay ended up producing the hit singles “Runnin’” and “Drop” for Labcabincalifornia. Then he created some of the best moments on Busta Rhymes’s recent The Coming. With a strong ear for vibrant jazz melodies (check the Luis Bonfa samba-guitar sample on “Runnin’”), Jay Dee’s work slips snugly into the low end-y creative slot vacated in the wake of Tribe’s 1993 Midnight Marauders.
Fittingly, Jay Dee, Q-Tip, and Ali-Shaheed Muhammad recently formed a production alliance called the Ummah (Arabic for “brotherhood”), and they share track duties on Tribe’s forthcoming Beats, Rhymes and Life. “We had a brotherhood from when we picked up,” Jay Dee explains in an easy midwestern drawl. He has reached quite an esteemed place – especially for a self-described nerd who once aspired to be an Air Force pilot.
Today, Jay Dee is charting the trajectory of his rising career. Plans include securing a deal for his Motor City crew, Slum Village (for which he produces and rhymes), as well as imminent collaborations with De La Soul, Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s Lil’ Kim, Common, and Pete Rock. But while getting such props can make living up to your rep difficult, Jay Dee doesn’t think so. “I’m steppin’ back and lookin’ at everything,” he says evenly. “I’m tryin’ to stay on some new shit. ’Cause people fall off every day.” He pauses. “And I ain’t the one.”
Jay Dee: Electric Relaxation
By Chairman Mao
Originally published in Vibe, June/July 1996.
oooo
RAISE IT UP: VOLUME 2
Join LA’s finest as we celebrate the Life & Legacy of the one and only
JAMES ‘J DILLA’ YANCEY
On his 38th Birthday
Although the lineup is a secret, 17 of LA’s-and hip hop’s-finest DJs will be in the house & on the turntables spinning special tribute sets to DILLA.
Last year, Raise It Up Vol. 1 turned up record crowds at Little Temple, with the line going down the street and into the alley. Early arrival is suggested and recommended to gain entrance at this one-of-a-kind party.
REST IN PEACE J-DILLA 1974-2006
Tuff Gong
Happy birthday to Robert “Nesta” Marley. One of the most prolific, influential, and misunderstood person of our time. If he was still physically here, Bob Nesta would have been 67 years old.
““The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively” -B.Marley
E/DiLLA
I told you, “The floodgates are open!” February is thick with J Dilla tributes and today’s pick is a mix by the homie and fellow Rick & Ray fam, ERok. I caught him last night at Basicali‘s release party and was convinced that he is one of the best super technical djs out there. He also shot our (Rhythm Native’s) new music video and a bunch of dope videos you might have seen. Word up, here’s to a good day, Turn It Up!
(download here)
by exaktoh
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