J Dilla's contributions to music are indisputable. Born James Dewitt Yancey in Detroit, Michigan; Dilla was a phenomenal rapper and producer who quickly rose to fame out of the underground Hip-Hop scene. He is now remembered as a legendary beat maker and is described as timeless, the Mozart of Hip-Hop, and a true genius. Dilla was known as someone who created levels of depth and honesty that is rarely seen today. He passed away on February 10, 2006, due to his battle with the blood disease, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

In honor of the anniversary of his death, and to celebrate his legacy, here are my top 15 J Dilla tracks:

15. Lightworks -J Dilla 

14. Fuck the Police- J Dilla

 

13. The Last Donut of the Night- J Dilla

 

12. African Rhythms- J Dilla  

 

11. Thelonius – Common feat Slum Village 

10. Come Close Remix – Common feat Erykah Badu, Q-Tip, Pharrell Williams

 

9. Vivrant Thing – Q-Tip

 

8. Feel Like Making Love- D'Angelo 

 

7. Didn't Cha Know- Erykah Badu

6. Pause – J Dilla 

5. Find A Way – Tribe Called Quest

 

4. Dynamite- The Roots 

3. The Light- Common

 

2. Runnin – The Pharcyde 

1. So Far To Go- J Dilla (Feat Common and D'Angelo)

Disagree? Share your favorite J Dilla tracks in the comments below. 

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