J Dilla Portrait on Spiral Notebook

J Dilla, born James Dewitt Yancey, was an influential American record producer and rapper from Detroit, Michigan. Renowned for his innovative approach to hip-hop production, he was a key figure in shaping the sound of the genre in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Dilla's work with groups like Slum Village and collaborations with artists such as A Tribe Called Quest, Common, and Erykah Badu showcased his unique ability to blend soulful samples with intricate drum patterns. His posthumous album, "Donuts," is celebrated as a masterpiece, cementing his legacy as a pioneer in music.