If there were ever a Mount Rushmore of Producers Dilla would no doubt have been carved onto it. Dilla is undoubtedly a producers’, producer; and his sound has influenced some of the biggest artists in the world including Drake & Kanye West and he is largely credited with the ‘swing’ that’s become a staple of Lofi (as the kids call it these days) production.
While Dilla transitioned to a higher realm in 2006, his mark on Hip-hop is undeniable. Given what we know about the tools he was using in his prime — an MPC 3000, and Moog Voyager it’s amazing to think of care and attention to detail he put into his production. If nothing else, his ear, and unique sample chopping abilities are reasons for him to be revered.
These are the best Dilla Beats of All Time.
1. Slum Village – Climax
Artist: J Dilla, Slum Village
Release: Fantastic vol. 2 LP
Year: 2000 (recorded in 1997-1998)
Label: Good Vibe Recordings
I’m not sure how Dilla made this one but that’s why he’s a genius, right? The eerie sample plays perfectly off of the sparse drum pattern and bassline. One of the most appreciated elements of this beat are the transitions in the composition as you can hear right before the hook; The whimsical DJ scratch synth sound is no doubt another sample that was laid perfectly at the start/end of each hook and provides yet another texture to vibe to before diving into the verses.
2. De La Soul – Leave Your Cares Behind
Artist: De La Soul
Release: Fantastic vol. 2 LP
Year: 2014 (verses are originally from ‘A Roller Skating Jam Named Saturday)
First off, this sample is A1. And the swing of the drums? Incredible. This joint could fit perfectly in rotation with some of the Neo-Soul/ 90s style production that’s making its way back to the music scene and above all, it’s a testament to the timelessness of Dilla’s sound. There isn’t too much more to say about this record except the production is flawless; This is a remix of an original joint by De La but yo. This one might be the one. just saying.
3. The Pharcyde – Runnin’
Artist: The Pharcyde
Release: Labcabincalifornia
Year: 1995
Label: Delicious Vinyl Records
A quintessential Dilla beat. I think most heads can agree that this is in the top 3 of all Dilla beats. The sample choice is dope — I’m not gonna drop the link to the original joint but when you discover where it’s from and see what Dilla did to improve upon it you’ll be impressed. The biggest takeaway producers can take from this joint is that less is more. Kick, snare, bassline, sample. That’s it.
4. Common – It’s Your World
Artist: Common
Release: Be
Year: 2005
Label: Good Music
The sample is so infection and the bass line is so plush that this beat could stay on a constant loop forever. Not much to say other than this is a pretty flawless beat.
5. Erykah Badu – Didn’t Cha Know
Artist: Erykah Badu
Release: Mama’s Gun
Year: 2000
Label: Motown
You know a beat is dope when the sample gets sampled. Didn’t Cha Know is a true production gem in Dilla’s Catalog. It’s an incredible loop with a great bassline and it takes a seasoned ear to know when to add more instrumentation and when to keep things simple; On songs like this Dilla shows his range as a producer and the vocal performance given by Erykah truly helps the production shine.
6. De La Soul – Stakes Is High
Artist: De La soul
Release: Stakes Is High
Year: 1996 (Recorded In 1995)
Label: Tommy Boy/Warner Bros.
Phenomenal record. A thing I admire about Dilla’s sample selection is that it’s so solid. I like how he essentially filtered out the sample and let the bassline rock out through the first few bars of the verses. Here and there he even drops the bassline for like half a bar! very nice touches. This is probably the most recognizable beat in Dilla’s catalog and rightfully so. Not sure if the Stakes Can Get Much Higher than that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SBGLqq5VUw
7. Busta Rhymes – You Can’t Hold A Torch
Artist: Busta Rhymes
Release: The Big Bang
Year: 2006
Label: Aftermath/Flipmode/Interscope
The bassline rumble is nasty and it’s literally just one note. And there’s that noticeable scratch in the transition from the verse to hook. While the beat is essentially a loop it doesn’t feel that way. It took a few listens to realize that the hi-hat was there — it drives the beat so subtly. And Again, the sample selection is a huge part of that; Not sure if that theremin-like synth sound is part of the sample or from Dilla’s trusty Moog but either way it’s an excellent edition to the beat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y00WvMnMHtw
8. Common – Nag Champa
Artist: Common
Release: Like Water For Chocolate
Year: 2000
Label: Geffen Records
The bassline on this beat is supreme and the drumbeat plays off of it so perfectly. The sample/synth selection is amazing too. I notice that around the hook Dilla will bring in a quirky synth sound — it never drags it moreso “tickles’ the beat; The magic of Dilla is on full display in beats like this, and it deserves high praise.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cncKOGTCJk
9. Royce Da 5’9 – Let’s Grow
Artist: Royce Da 5’9”
Release: Lyricist Lounge 2
Year: 2005
Label: Rawkus Records
Dilla’s range is incredible. Would’ve never expected a beat like this in his catalog. The drum sounds don’t sound like the ones you’d usually hear on his would with Common or Slum, and I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that this track is sample free — but if there is a sample in here then major props to the GOAT. The crazy thing is this beat is giving me Dre vibes and Royce sounds like a pre-cursor to Eminem on this joint. Good things happen when Detroit connects as you can tell from this joint. Salute. to all involved.
10. Slum Village – Fall In Love
Artist: J Dilla, Slum Village
Release: Fantastic vol. 2 LP
Year: 2000 (recorded in 1997-1998)
Label: Good Vibe Recordings
Dilla was on his bag in the Fantastic Vol 2. One of the best qualities of Dilla is the way he uses filters to create transitions between the hook and verse sections of the song. If I’m not mistaken it sounds like he low-passed the bass and sample and let the drum loop rock! That’s a dope trick I might use going forward. There’s not really much more to say. Dilla’s a genius, and this beat rocks crazy.
