Jay Dee Appreciation Post

I got the flu so I got plenty of time to do some blogging sitting here at home all weekend. So let's take the time to give some shine here to 'your favorite producer's favorite producer', talkin' bout J Dilla. Has this guy ever done a wack beat? I can't think of one and he's put out quite a few tracks for over more than 10 years now. The most smooth, stylish and skilled producer on the east coast in my book. Dude's put out so many dope grooves it's hard to pick one, so I picked three. I left out the biggest classics like The Pharcyde's Runnin', his tracks on Like Water For Chocolate and his Janet remix to name a few, so I hope you'll discover something new here.


Phife Dawg - Game Day

First up is a groovin' Phife Dawg track. Initially it didn't really grab me in particular to be honest, but slowly it started to get into rotation on a daily basis in my small appartment. This is kinda what happens with a lot of Jay Dee's tracks, they may sound pretty simple and straightforward at first, but they really get under your skin after a while up to the point where you're playing that shit on the daily.


Mad Skillz - It's Going Down

Second track is by Mad Skillz from his 'From Where?' album. I only recently found out this track was done by Jay Dee, but me been lovin' it long time. That simple melody that runs through the loop during the song is enchanting. Skillz is also one of my favorite mc's, kinda underrated dude.


D'Angelo - Me And Those Dreamin Eyes Of Mine (Jay Dee Remix)

We end with D'Angelo, remixed by Jay Dee. This track is smoother than smoother than smooth showing that Dilla can do more than just hiphop production. Plus a little 'get well soon'going out to D'angelo who recently was in a pretty heavy car crash (among having some other problems). Let's hope he recovers and returns to putting out his amazing music.

So that's it for now, but once again we refer you to
Rensoul for more info and a pretty extensive discography plus loads and loads of soundclips. Or you can get at me on soulseek, I got a little Jay Dee folder in my shares.

Also, let's hear what your favorite Jay Dee tracks are, leave a comment if you got the time!

peace,
Jarno

The Interactive Session

Lakeside - Back Together Again
Get down to this Lakeside stanker. The vocals may seem like any other funk track, but the instruments in this one is what makes it so sick. Multi baselines and stuff....it just sounds so nice. "By 1981 disco, and music in general, was changing. Lakesides 1981 release "Keep On Moving Straight Ahead" seems to have gotten lost in the shuffle. The album produced no noticeable hits and perhaps is the reason it is not available on compact disc. The group however was still a major concert draw, as they had always provided a strong live set. " pfffft, music critics......
For you house heads, check out Wize-Music The goodies section - Twice - listen. for a nice use of this work. Shouts to Wize, try to keep the underground mindset and dont go too commerical on us.
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Unknown Track - Please I.D
Ok Folks, are you ready for a the first Classictrax interactive session. Where you, yes you, the reader, the listener, the user, can get involved and hands on......ok you get the point. I need help identifying this particular song. My guesses are The Whispers, Lakeside, The Brothers Johnson, Earth Wind & Fire, Dynasty, the lead singer of Shalamar, man I have no clue. You Gant Garrard fans out there may recognize it. Any help would be great. You can leave a comment, drop me an email, catch me on soulseek, msn, yahoo...man I'm just workin at my desk. Holla at me.

Thanks,
Proutcast

Keeping Up With The Positive Vibes

Musiq Soulchild - Newness

What up y'all, it's been a while. Summer's still going on here, the good weather just doesn't stop, so I'm pretty much in a good mood all day long. Inspired by Prout's latest post I got some more positive vibes to share. A nice and laidback track by Musiq Soulchild about "that weird point in any relationship where you don't know much about eachother yet, so everything is fascinating and mysterious"-Ben Katz


(go check Dr Katz if you're not familiar with the show)

Oh by the way, production is by Jazzy Jeff's production company ATOJ, so you know it's good, enjoy!

p.s. Rest in peace Willie Hutch, you will be missed!

greets Jarno