Legendary producer J Dilla passed away in 2006 at the age of 32 but left behind a storied legacy. From his work with Slum Village and A Tribe Called Quest to Erykah Badu and The Roots, he left his indelible fingerprint on numerous Hip Hop masterpieces.
Even as a solo artist, Jay Dee’s work set himself apart and further cemented his legendary status. Not long after one of Dilla’s beats appeared on Busta Rhymes’ highly anticipated album Extinction Event Level 2: The Wrath of God (on the song “Strap Yourself Down”), BBE Music has announced a special Welcome 2 Detroit box set to celebrate the project’s 20th anniversary.
According to a press release, it will include a deluxe 7” vinyl box set boasting instrumentals, two brand new interpretations by Brazilian group Azymuth and the DJ Muro, a stash of previously unreleased alternative mixes and studio outtakes pressed over 12 discs, plus a book revealing the album’s hidden story as “told by those who were there.”
Originally released by BBE on February 26, 2001, Welcome 2 Detroit served as Dilla’s inaugural solo album and the first project under the “J Dilla” moniker, a nickname given to him by Busta Rhymes. Featuring 16 tracks, the album introduced the Hip Hop audience to several Motor City artists, including a pre-Slum Village Elzhi and Phat Kat.
It also sparked the producer-led Beat Generation album series, which would later spawn classic albums by DJ Jazzy Jeff, Pete Rock, DJ Spinna, Marley Marl and even will.i.am.
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While speaking to Variety about ELE 2, Busta Rhymes talked about keeping Dilla’s legacy alive, a promise Bus-A-Bus made to Jay Dee’s mother Ma Dukes.
“I vowed to his family, his mother and his memory to keep his name as part of the culture,” he said. “I will always incorporate J Dilla in any recording I do. I am fortunate enough to have an incredible stash of his music and beats that he personally left with me.”
The Welcome 2 Detroit 20th anniversary edition is expected to arrive on February 5, 2021. Until then, revisit the original below.
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Millennials think Dilla (and the first Nas album) is overrated because they were told it was great by their parents growing up. When I tell them how good it is it I realize I sound like an old man who listen to the oldies. Fucking depressing,
My kids grew up on what I listened to, 90s east, west and southern. They bop they heads, just like my moms n pops music, classics. Some of were sampled for 90s HipHop, Gangsta Rap
I did not know Buster Rhymes made Jay Dee use the J Dilla name. That’s awesome. Busta is also awesome for always putting Jay Dee’s beats on his albums. As for this reissue I am all ears. Dilla is up there with the greatest to ever do it. Fantastic vol.1 and volume ii are my favourites of all time