Illa J – Yancey Boys (CD) (2008) (FLAC + 320 kbps)

The final statement of J Dilla, aka Jay Dee, aka James Yancey, created on his death-bed, was 2006’s Donuts, a ghostly and earthly masterwork that spins around and around through mysteries, on to infinity. The ghost of Dilla lives on in the collective memory of hip-hop fans, but on new albums too. His unfinished album The Shining was finished and released in 2007. His presence hung strongly over Erykah Badu’s 2008 epic New Amerykah Part One (4th World War). Rare Dilla records continue to be released. And now there’s Illa J’s debut LP, Yancey Boys.

This one is more than just homage. It’s a collaboration, and between family members no less. Illa J is John Yancey, James’ brother, 12 years younger. Yancey Boys takes leftover productions J Dilla created and cast aside between 1995 and 1998 and uses them as the foundation for new songs. During those years, Dilla worked on, among others, the Pharcyde’s Labcabincalifornia and A Tribe Called Quest’s Beats, Rhymes and Life, two classic albums with an air of contemplation, with a mission to, as the Pharcyde put it, “kick somethin’ that means somethin’”. Yancey Boys carries that same feeling.

It is a tribute that doesn’t make too big a fuss over itself. There are a few references to Dilla’s greatness, plus memories of his personality. “Alien Family”, for example, is Frank Mitty’s spoken recollection of Dilla’s UFO love, put into the context of the entire Yancey family. Mostly, though, Yancey Boys offers a reverant continuation of the feeling of J Dila’s music, while also introducing a new talent in Illa J.

Tracklist:

01. Timeless
02. We Here
03. R U Listenin’? (feat. Guilty Simpson)
04. Alien Family (by Frank Nitty)
05. Strugglin’
06. Showtime
07. Swagger
08. Mr. Shakes (a.k.a. Affion Crockett) (Skit)
09. DFTF (feat. Affion Crockett)
10. All Good
11. Souds Like Love (feat. Debi Nova)
12. Everytime
13. Illasoul
14. Air Signs

Download:

FLAC – Wayshare

320 kbps – Wayshare