J. Dilla is a name that stands alone in hip hop. His world class production talents made him a must know name in hip hop circles. Skills he used to creat hits for the likes of the Pharcyde, Common, Slum Village, A Tribe Called Quest, and Busta Rhymes. To many, he is the greatest to ever sit behind the boards, as well as, one of the most influential beat makers ever. Unfortunately, the good are taken from us too soon, and the great even sooner. James Dewitt Yancey passed away in 2006 due to complications with lupus, but his legacy lives on and grows even stronger.

This past January, a portion of J. Dilla’s record collection found its way onto Ebay, put there by his mother, Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey. Thousands were clamoring at the chance to buy the records that helped Jay Dee create some of the biggest hip hop hits or some of their favorite songs. NPR’s Glynn Washington researched the journey of this coveted vinyl collection and produced  a documentary, entitled J. Dilla’s Lost Scrolls, with his findings.

The eighteen minute broadcast details how the collection was initially discovered by record store owner Jeff Bubek, his decision to give it to Ma Dukes, who was in financial trouble thanks to Dilla’s medical bills, and Dilla’s work ethic/talent. There is a really touching moment at the end, where Maureen Yancey describes what the music means to her, that will have you fighting back tears.

If you are a Dilla fan, you owe it to yourself to listen to this stream. It sheds a lot of light on the personal life of the normally inclusive producer, which will make you appreciate the amazing music that the man created during his short stint on earth. Check it out below

 

Jimi (@Nativejimi)