Happy Birthday Jay Dee

James Dewitt Yancey (February 7, 1974–February 10, 2006), better known as J Dilla or Jay Dee, was an American hip hop producer and MC, who emerged from the mid-1990s underground hip-hop scene in Detroit, Michigan. He began his career as "Jay Dee" but used the name "J Dilla" from 2001 on. Many critics believe J Dilla's work to have had an influence on his peers, and he perhaps embodied the neo soul sound, playing a defining yet understated role during the sub-genre's rise (roughly from the mid-90s to the early 2000s). Like cult favourites such as Shuggie Otis, Dilla was known as a "producer's producer", and was highly regarded by other better known producers such as Kanye West, and Pharrell Williams (who named him as his favourite producer). Many regard him as a genius. A large catalogue of his work, mostly unused beats, remains unreleased, and in some cases have been freely passed around through the internet, impressing enthusiasts and adding to his cult-status.

We truly miss you Dilla
Hip-Hop still shows respect for you
But, Music isn't the same, how could it ever be?
Thank you for being a constant source of Inspiration.