J Dilla Changed My Life - London/Manchester/Brighton (3rd-5th February)

For the sixth year running the UK is set to celebrate the life and work of the irreplacable James 'J Dilla'  Yancey - but this year is special, as the show is set to take to the road with three seperate events in London, Manchester & Brighton. The dream team of DJs, including Mr Scruff, Mr Thing, Harry Love & many more, will once again be joined on stage at all three events by last year's suprise guest, Dilla's mother, Maureen 'Ma Dukes' Yancey. Dilla's long-term friend and collaborator Phat Kat will also be hosting the events and will be performing some of his own Dilla-produced classics. I'll be down at the Manchester gig paying tribute to my favourite producer of all-time, and will hopefully see some of you there - it's going to be a special night. All the info you need for the 3 dates are after the jump. R.I.P. Jay Dee.

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Slum Village - Fall In Love (Vondeuhlux Remix)

Dilla month is just around the corner, so as you would expect, the remixes/tributes have already started to flood in. Dutch-based producer Vondeuhlux kicks off proceedings with this funky rework of a Slum Village classic. My man.

Common - Be (Instrumentals) (Free Download)

With the release of his ninth studio album just around the corner, what better a time to revisit one of Common's classics. 'Be' was the sixth album from the Chicago-born rapper and was released in 2005 on G.O.O.D. Music and Geffen Records. The album was primarily produced by fellow Chicagoan and G.O.O.D. Music label owner KanYe West - it peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200 album chart and was Common's second album to sell over 500,000 copies (over 800,000 copies sold). A classic in every sense of the word and some of the best Hip-Hop production of the 21st Century. Listen to two instrumentals below and pick up all 12 HERE. My favourite rapper of all-time.

Go (Prod. KanYe West)

Love Is... (Prod. J Dilla)

Ta-Ku - Dilla Lives On (Day 1)

Ta-Ku uploaded this beat to his soundcloud today with the message that he will be making a beat a day for 50 days in tribute to one of his biggest influences; J Dilla. A sick beat, and an amazing idea. The greatest there ever was.

Benji B - J Dilla: Gone Too Soon

Benji B yesterday wrapped up 1Xtra's brilliant Gone Too Soon series by paying tribute to both mine and his favourite producer of all-time, the one and only J Dilla. He portrays Dilla's life story beautifully by providing exclusive interviews with Plug 2 from De La Soul, Mos Def, Questlove from The Roots, Common, Erykah Badu, Busta Rhymes, J.Rocc, Slum Village members T3 and Wajeed, his brother Illa J and his incredible mum, Ma Dukes. There have been many tributes put together since his passing in 2006, but this one in particular allows people to connect with Jay Dee, learn about how he made those beats, what he was like as a person and the legacy he left behind. Forever the greatest to ever do it.

J Dilla - Detroit Madness (Feat. Phat Kat)

Here is the first snippet to surface from an upcoming project entitled 'The Rebirth of Detroit', which will feature a selection of Detroit artists that Dilla knew and collaborated with in his lifetime, all performing over his productions - unreleased productions, of course. Check out an interview with Ma Dukes about the project HERE, and enjoy 'Detroit Madness' below. Dilla lives on, forever.

Balance & The Traveling Sound - Won't Do (J Dilla Cover)

WOW! Here is a live performance of a stunning Dilla cover from Balance & The Traveling Sound, which is going to be on their upcoming Departure EP (out tomorrow). Always worries me when people take on one of my favourite Dilla joints, but this accumulation of Soul and Jazz, which is reminiscent of the Motown era with a raw Hip-Hop edge to it, is nothing short of mind-blowing. One of the best tributes I've ever seen to my hero and the best to ever do it. Currently on my 5th listen, and still going. More info HERE.

J Dilla - Rare Live DJ Set from 2003

Spotted over @Will Make Beats For Food, here is a classic DJ set from the one and only J Dilla. I would do anything to go back in time and be there for this - track selection is not even funny. Download below.

J Dilla - Last Donut Of The Night

FINALLY! A track off Dilla's infamous Donuts gets some visuals courtesy of the Stones Throw Video Contest. So much love for this. Miss you Jay Dee.

J Dilla - Geek Down

An incredibly sick fan-made video by Steve Smith (Detroit), as part of the video contest Stones Throw are currently running. Miss you Jay Dee.

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