Hip-Hop Classic #40: D'Angelo - Me & Those Dreamin' Eyes Of Mine (J Dilla Remix) (Chosen by Disclosure)

Released in 1997 on the 'Jay Dee Remix EP', here is Dilla's remix of D'Angelo's classic 'Me & Those Dreamin' Eyes Of Mine', which was the fourth and final single to be lifted from his critically acclaimed debut album 'Brown Sugar'. The original was produced by D himself, alongside Bob Power, and reached #74 on the Billboard Hot 100 & #25 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop singles chart - the lowest charting out of the four singles. Even though there are countless stunning reworks from the Detroit-born producer, this is without doubt one of Jay Dee's best remixes and still gets regular spins from myself, and the Disclosure boys.

Click to read more ...

Hip-Hop Classic #31: The Pharcyde - Drop (Chosen by DJ MK)

'Drop' is the lead single from The Pharcyde's sophmore album, Labcabincalifornia, which was released in 1995 on Delicious Vinyl. The track is once again produced by the late J Dilla and contains a sample of 'The New Style' by Beastie Boys, off their 1986 release 'Licensed To Ill' - Jay Dee uses the titular "mmm..... drop" line delivered during a drop to create the songs hook.

Click to read more ...

Hip-Hop Classic #27: The Pharcyde - Runnin' (Chosen by Andy Sheldrake)

'Runnin' is the lead single from The Pharcyde's sophmore album, Labcabincalifornia, which was released in 1995 on Delicious Vinyl. The song was produced by J Dilla and samples 'Saudade Vem Correndo' by popular Jazz artist Stan Getz, and also samples part of the hook from Run DMC's 'Rock Box'.

Click to read more ...

Hip-Hop Classic #20: Common - The Light (Chosen by Georgia LA of SBTV)

'The Light' is the Grammy-nominated second single from Common's fourth studio album, Like Water For Chocolate, which was released in 2000 on MCA Records. The track is produced by the late J Dilla, and features keyboards performed by fellow Soulquarian, James Poyser - it also samples 'Open Your Eyes' by Bobby Caldwell and drums from 'You're Getting A Little Too Smart' by The Detroit Emeralds.

Click to read more ...

Hip-Hop Classic #13: Common - Thelonius (Feat. Slum Village) (Chosen by Kola Bello)

'Thelonius' is a track taken from Common's fourth studio album, Like Water For Chocolate, which was released in 2000 on MCA Records. The track features Detroit Hip-Hop group Slum Village and is produced by the late great SV member J Dilla (?uestlove isn't credited, but he produced the opening melody), who was the executive producer of the album along with ?uestlove & James Poyser (Soulquarians) - not many people know this, but Dilla lifted a sample from Vulcan Mind Probe by the incredible George Duke for this song.

Click to read more ...