| J Dilla - Ruff Draft Album Review |
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| Written by Michelle Cavanaugh | ||||
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Dilla’s mind-bending production and lyricism reads like a history book. Lyrics paying homage to Dilla’s predecessors compliment the synthy thump in “Let’s Take It Back.” He resurrects that old school eerie dungeon-and-dragon-style of Wu-Tang in “Reckless Driving.” What’s the common thread wrapped around all emcee’s? Dilla sings it, flips it, scratches it with some influence from Common, Mos Def, amongst others in “The $.” The beat exerts urgency and the determination to conquer. Most of the time reviewing a clean version of a hip-hop album is like polishing a rusty knife; dangerous and impossible. “Crushin’ (Yeeeeaah!)” is a perfect example. While Dilla makes it pretty d*mn obvious what he sings in the dirty version, the static interrupts the headbangin’ chill vibe. Ruff Draft finishes with four unreleased tracks. “Wild” playfully marches along with a guest appearance from a young boy claiming this is his “slave song.” The bitterly short and sweet “Shouts (Alt)” is one of the most memorable tracks on the album. Dilla continues paying respect to his hip-hop heroes, with a rockin’ beat. It is difficult to get past the fact that it has been a year since Dilla left us. With Stones Throw’s decision to re-release Ruff Draft, they help celebrate Dilla’s spirit. Download: “Let’s Take It Back" "The $" "Crushin’" "Wild"
To purchase CDs, click on the cover art or title link. To legally download, click on the iTunes logo. If you do not have iTunes, you can download it here by clicking the "download iTunes" logo above. |
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