Raw

Falling short of being a posthumous release, J. Dilla's instrumental album of various beats and hooks is a fresh record unlike the Ying Yang Twins and Ne-Yo genre that hip-hop has become.

J-Dilla is One-of-a-Kind, straight hot outta the Oven (4 stars)

J-Dilla aka Jay-Dee alias James Yancey whose Works was released prior to his death on Feb 10 became known as a worldified timeless masterpiece. This is really good. To put it down, I was never much of a J Dilla/Jay Dee fan before I got to know him instantly. His musical production seems to be doing for me IMO. I can't hate. To me this marks as a first-time lover and beginner of the Genius of Jay Dee. Thank God for DONUTS. It's full of everything: pop, jazz, rock, funk, old school, r&b, etc. This Disc has it all.

J Dilla - Donuts

J Dilla's "Donuts" (2006) is an impressive creative thirty-one track instrumental album. It's not very often that I review instrumental albums, but I am glad I took the time to check out the last album released in Jay Dee's life. May he Rest In Peace. Every track is unique on this release, and Dilla takes his listening audience through a distinct, soulful, entertaining and memorable musical journey. The third track "Waves" is dope, as is the Jazzy "The New". Backed by a brief Jadakiss sample, and some smooth singing "Stop" is one of my early favourites, love this instrumental. Definitely feeling the upbeat piano based "Mash", and soulful "Time: The Donut of the Heart". On "One Eleven" Dilla elevates his audience to another place all together, production on this cut is off the hook. The second longest track is "Don't Cry", which samples an old school song, I don't think the singer's lines are coincidental, I think Jay Dee was thinking of his loved ones in particular when he made this cut. More impressive tracks follow, those who listened to Ghostface's new album "Fishscale" will be familiar with "One For Ghost". Laidback standouts like "Dilla Says Go" & "U-Love" are excellent. Another favorite of mine is "Bye", a sad memorable sounding track. The "Last Donut Of The Night" and "Donut" (Intro) close this release off well. Reviewer Jerkstore made some interesting insights in regards to the significance behind this album and describing the way Dilla kept battling on making music into his last days. Another major loss for Hip-Hop, J Dilla will not be forgotten.