Perhaps he didn’t share the spotlight other celebrated producers like the Neptunes, Timbaland and Dr. Dre have received, but the influence James Yancey, a.k.a. Jay Dee and J Dilla had on the Hip-Hop movement and Neo Soul sound shall be forever recognized among the pure enthusiasts and musicians of both genres. Yancey recently released a 31-track instrumental album called Donuts (Stones Throw) – simply titled due to his fixation for the cake rings - on leading independent Hip-Hop label Stones Throw. The album dropped on his birthday on Tuesday, February 7. Three days later, Yancey passed away the morning of February 10 in his Los Angeles home at the age of 32 from both a rare blood disease and complications from lupus.

Lyrically and musically, the Detroit native Yancey orchestrated some of the most innovative songs and remixes for an extensive roster of stars including A Tribe Called Quest, The Roots, Eryka Badu, D’Angelo, Pharcyde, Janet Jackson, and Busta Rhymes. Always fervent in pursuing his musical aspirations through numerous avenues, he formed Slum Village with high school friends Baatin and T3. Their classic album Fantastic Vol. 2 followed their successful opening act for A Tribe Called Quest’s farewell tour in 1998. The Yancey-driven sonic movement truly represented another element of Detroit’s sound minus the hype of Eminem and D-12.

Regardless of limited limelight which didn’t phase the legendary beatsmith, doors of opportunity began to open at a steady pace for Yancey. His creative manipulation of soulful samples, extensive knowledge of instrumentation and overall gift of musicianship was consistently sought-after by some of the most prominent acts in Black music. Along with classic rap cuts including The Light by Common, and Stakes is High by De La Soul, he collaborated with other prominent producers including the high-powered super group, the Soulquarians, (D'Angelo, James Poyser, and ?uestlove) and Madlib on the album Champion Sound, where the duo “Jaylib” swapped each other’s beats and blessed them with their own lyrical interpretations. Yancey’s critically acclaimed solo project Welcome 2 Detroit flipped the script on the instrumental series “The Beat Generation” pumped out by label BBE, where he unselfishly used the opportunity to introduce fellow “Dirty District” lyricists Elzhi, Frank N Dank, Phat Kat, Beej and others globally. According to his manager, Timothy Maynor, Yancey’s Welcome to Detroit 2 compilation is completed and scheduled for release in the very near future.

Wu Tang member and lyrical assassin Ghostface is one of the last recipients of Yancey’s musical genius on his upcoming album Fishcale that’s scheduled to drop March 28 (Def Jam). In a recent interview, Ghost stated that there is a void that will never be filled regarding the late producer. He became remorseful at the mention of J Dilla and said, “I never met [J Dilla], G. He sent me the tracks and I demoed them. He didn’t even get a chance to hear what I did to ‘em. I wish he could’ve heard them and take them back to the grave with him.” After hearing them, rap enthusiasts can be rest assured Dilla’s beats were not made in vain for the uncanny MC, Ghostface.

And while his neck-breaking productions will always receive high praise in the music world, there was also love for Yancey’s inventive wordplay. Besides the witty punchlines and raw lyricism he demonstrated with Slum and on his solo projects, he collaborated with some the best MCs to pick up a mic. For example, on Common’s song Thelonious featuring Slum Village (Like Water For Chocolate, 2000, MCA), Yancey’s verse was truly the grand finale:

Yo we do it and we don't quit
Sucka nigga you don't want it, it's Thelonious
Ownin' this rap shit, super microphonist, and we known to spit
I spit fire like Esther on Sanford and Son did
I'm raw dude, more juice than Sunkiss
You want this, so MJ kept sayin’ the rhyme flawless
Shit fly like MJ in his prime, "Off The Wall" wit mines
I'm grabbin' my balls when I rhyme, nine nines bustin' plus
Ball all the time, now stay on your mind like great sex
You ain't on my mind I'm thinkin' 'bout paychecks
Niggas large like an Adex Avirex jacket
Yo the gods they bust like latex sex packets
Emcees they don't rhyme and ball, they lyin' to y'all
They dyin' to ball, the rhyme we do all the time
We do all the fine bitches they fall in lines
Me and my mans is somethin' like the Source Sports
We gettin' money a long time and y'all short
My niggas bounce and full rise and y'alls fall
You funny dude, cuz really you think you can do me
When you roll a 500 that's really a 320
Should of let somebody else hook it
Numbers look crooked like King Kong shook it
I'm from where niggas bang gats when they celebrate
That's how they play, don't let it be a holiday
Thelonious niggas, if you testin' us we get you laid back
Show you the definition of a pay back
- Jay Dee a.k.a. J Dilla

Besides the ageless creative works Yancey left behind, he also provided a greater awareness of a disease that contributed to his demise, lupus, which effects over 1.5 million Americans. Even more astonishing is the disease’s racial disparity. This illness is three times more common among African Americans, Hispanics/ Latinos, Asians and Native Americans than Caucasians. Dennis de Costa, the director of communications and marketing for the S.L.E. Lupus Research Institute (www.lupusresearchinstitute.org), stated, “Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system—normally our natural defense against disease—becomes overexcited and forms antibodies that attack and damage different organs and tissues such as the skin, brain, heart, lungs, blood and kidneys.” The institute reports that lupus is widespread, yet awareness and accurate knowledge about it lag behind

For most people, lupus can be managed and will affect only a few organs, but for Yancey, his case was extraordinary since 90 percent of Lupus sufferers are women. Coupled with a rare blood disease, his lupus complications became life-threatening to the point where dialysis (being attached to a machine for several hours two to three times a week to carry on organ functions) was crucial regularly. Since his initial diagnosis three years ago, Yancey moved in with his mother in Los Angeles. After being hospitalized for pneumonia just days before, Yancey’s mother, Maureen Yancey, found him deceased that Friday morning. For symptoms, statistics and more information regarding lupus, visit the Lupus Research Institute (www.lupusresearchinstitute.org).

Suffering greatly from the joint and kidney pain lupus caused for him, Yancey still insisted on touring in Europe this past December where he was embraced by thousands of admirers. To add, Japan was also a major hub for Yancey devotees. Always known for his dedication and persistence, Yancey has two solo albums, The Shining and Jay Love Japan set for release. He also has produced tracks on upcoming projects by Madlib, Busta Rhymes, A.G., Visionaries, Truth Hurts, Phat Kat, MF DOOM, Skillz and Frank N Dank.

James’s public viewing was held on Monday, February 13 at Los Angeles' Forest Lawn Mortuary and a private funeral followed the next day. He is survived by his mother, father, and two daughters: Ja-mya Yancey and Ty-monae Whitlow.

Yancey’s spirit will eternally exist through the influential music he created throughout the years. We will forever be grateful for the constant head nods, lyrics and overall contribution to our lives.

Rest in peace, James Yancey, a.k.a. Jay Dee and J Dilla

JAY DEE / J DILLA DISCOGRAPHY



Artist Titles (As Producer and/or MC):
1st Down - No Place To Go 12" single 1993
1st Down - A Day Wit The Homiez 12" Single 1995 (Pay Day Records)
Slum Village - Fan-Tas-Tic 12" single 1996
Slum Village - Fan-Tas-Tic (Vol. 1) CD/LP 1996 (Donut Boy Recordings) 1997 (Sudden Impact)
Slum Village - We Be Down 12" single 1997 (Sudden Impact)
Jay Dee - Jay Dee Unreleased (Remixes) 12" EP 1997 (House Shoes Records)
Slum Village - Somethin' For The People, All I Do (Remix) from "All I Do" 12" single 1997 (WB)
Slum Village - Fantastic Vol. 2 CD/LP 2000 (Goodvibe) 2002 (Capitol)
J-88 - Look Of Love (Remix) 12" single 1999 (Groove Attack)
J-88 - Best Kept Secret 12" EP 2000 (Groove Attack)
Jay Dee - Fuck The Police/Move, feat. Frank N Dank 12" single 2001 (Up Above)
Jay Dee feat. Frank-N-Dank - Pause 12" single 2001 (BBE)
Jay Dee - Welcome 2 Detroit CD/LP 2001 (BBE)
1st Down - A Day Wit The Homiez CD 2002 (RonnieCash.com)
Jay Dee - Instrumental Series Vol 1 12" EP 2002 (Bling47.com)
Jay Dee feat. Frank N Dank - Take Dem Clothes Off/Off Ya Chest 12" single 2002 (ABB)
Jaylib - The Message from Stones Throw Summer 2002 12" EP (Stones Throw)
Jay Dee -Instrumental Series Vol.2: Vintage 2003 CD/LP (Bling47.com)
Jay Dee - Ruff Draft 12" EP 2003 (Mummy/Groove Attack)
Jaylib - The Red/The Official 12" single 2003 (Stones Throw)
Jaylib - Champion Sound/Strip Club 12" single 2003 (Stones Throw)
Jaylib - Champion Sound CD/LP 2003, and Champion Sound Instrumentals LP 2004 (Stones Throw)
Jaylib - Raw Addict/Ice 12" single 2003 (Stones Throw)
Jaylib - McNasty Filth/Pillz 12"/CD single 2004 (Stones Throw)
Jaylib - Blaze Up, The Mission (Remix) from Stones Throw 101 Mix CD 2004 (Stones Throw)
Jaylib - Popshit from Stones Throw 100 12" EP 2004 (Stones Throw)
J Dilla - Welcome 2 Detroit Instrumentals CD/LP 2005 (BBE)
J Dilla - Donuts: The EP 12" EP 2005 (Promotional)
J Dilla - Donuts CD/LP 2006

MC only:
Tami Hert - If You Were Mine (Detroit Demolition Mix) from "If You Were Mine" 12" single 1997 (550 Music)
v/a - Fight Club, feat. Dilla, Nottz & Boogie from "Best Kept Secret Mix" CD 2003 (Bling47.com)
Dabrye - Game Over 12" single 2004 (Ghostly International)
Wale Oyejide - There's A War Going On 12" single 2004 (Shaman Work)
Wale Oyejide - There's A War Going On from "One Day, Everything Changed" CD/LP 2004 (Shaman Work)
Slum Village - Reunion from "Detroit Deli" CD/LP 2004 (Barak/Capitol)
Pete Rock - Niggaz Know from "Soul Survivor II" CD/LP 2004 (Rapster /BBE)
v/a - Do Your Thang, Stupid from "BR Gunna Presents Dirty District Vol. 2" CD 2004 (Barak)
Phat Kat - Door from "The Undeniable LP" (New Version) CD/LP 2004 (Barak)
Lawless Element - Love (feat. Jay Dilla) 2005
Platinum Pied Pipers - Act Like You Know feat J Dilla 12" single 2005 (Ubiquity)
Platinum Pied Pipers - Shotgun, Act Like You Know from Triple P CD/LP 2005 (Ubiquity)
Sa-Ra - Thrilla feat. J Dilla 12" single 2005 (Sound in Color)
Diamond - We Gangstas from Diamond Mine CD 2005
Platinum Pied Pipers - Shotgun (Remix) from 12" single 2005 (Ubiquity)

Production Credits (by year):
1994-1995
Da Enna C - NOW from "Throw Ya Hands In Da Air" 12" single 1994 (Up Top)
Little Indian - One Little Indian 12" single 1995 (Premeditated)
Poe - Fingertips from "Hello" CD/LP 1995 (WEA / Atlantic)

1996
5-Elementz - Whutchawant, Feed Back, Rockshows, Party Groove, Janet Jacme, E.G.O., Don't Stop, Searchin from "The Album Time Forgot" cassette 1996 (That Was Entertainment)
A Tribe Called Quest - 1nce Again, Get A Hold, Keeping It Moving, Stressed Out, Word Play from "Beat, Rhymes, & Life" CD/LP 1996 (Jive Records)
Busta Rhymes - Keep It Movin', Still Shinin' from "The Coming" CD/LP 1996 (Elektra)
Busta Rhymes - Woo-Hah!! (Jay-Dee Bounce Remix), Woo-Hah!! (Jay-Dee Other Shit Remix) 12" single 1996 (Elektra)
Busta Rhymes - It's a Party (Ummah Remix), Ill Vibe (Ummah Remix) 12" single 1996 (Elektra)
De La Soul - Stakes Is High from "Stakes Is High" CD/LP 1996 (Tommy Boy)
De La Soul - Stakes Is High (Remix) from Itzsoweezee 12" single 1996 (Tommy Boy)
Mad Skillz - It's Going Down, The Jam from "From Where???" 1996 (Big Beat)
Kieth Murray - The Rhyme (Remix), Dangerous Ground from "Enigma" 1996 (Jive)
Natives Of Da Underground - Pack Da Hous/Brotha's Juss Don't Know/Whatcha Gonna Do? 12" single 1996 (ALR)
Phife Dawg - Game Day from "NFL Jams" 1996 (Castle)
Proof - Da Science from "Detroit Hip Hop Volume 1" 1996 Modern Tribe
Proof - Vibe Session from "Anywhere" 12" single 1996 (Hip Hop Shop)
Tha Pharcyde - Runnin', Bullshit, Splatittorium, Somethin' That Means Somethin', Drop, Y? from "Labcabincalifornia" CD/LP 1996 (Delicious Vinyl)

1997
5-Elementz - Sun Flower from "Yester Years" 12" EP 1997 (That Was Entertainment)
A Tribe Called Quest - Get A Hold, Mardi Gras At Midnight from "Jam" EP 1997 (Jive Records)
Brand New Heavies - Sometimes (Ummah Remix) from "Sometimes" 12" single 1997 (Delicious Vinyl)
Busta Rhymes - So Hardcore from "When Disaster Strikes" CD/LP 1997 (Elektra)
Crustation - Purple (ATCQ Edit) 12" single 1997 (Zomba)
Janet Jackson - Got Til It's Gone (Ummah Jay Dee Revenge Mix) 12" single 1997 (Virgin)
T Da Pimp - Why You Lookin Hard?/We Knowwe Rockit 12" single 1997 (Penmp)
Tha Pharcyde - She Said (Remix) 12" single 1997 (Delicious Vinyl)
Tha Pharcyde - Runnin (Remix), Y? (Remix) from "Drop" 12" single 1997 (Delicious Vinyl)
Truz - True Dawgs/Routes To Hell 12" single 1997 (Ad Fam)

1998
A Tribe Called Quest - 4 Moms, Against The World, Busta's Lament, Da Booty, Find A Way, His Name Is Mutty Ranks, Start It Up, Steppin' It Up from "The Love Movement" CD/LP 1998 (Jive Records)
A Tribe Called Quest - That Shit from "Funkmaster Flex Vol. 3" 1998 (Loud Records)
Bizarre - Butterfly from Attack of the Wierdos 12" EP 1998 (Federation)
Mood - Secrets Of The Sand (Remix) from "Snake Backs" 12" single 1998 (Blunt)
N'Dea Davenport - Bullshittin (Remix) from "N'Dea Davenport" CD/LP 1998 (V2)

1999
5 Ela - You Ain't Fresh, Ain't No Love from 5-E Pt. 3 1999 (That Was Entertainment)
Brand New Heavies - Saturday Night (Jay Dee Remix) from "Saturday Night" 12" single 1999 (Delicious Vinyl)
Heavy D - Listen from "Heavy" CD/LP 1999 (Universal)
Macy Gray - I Try (Remix) 12" single 1999 (Epic)
Nine Yards - Always Find A Way (Remix) 12" single 1999 (Virgin)
Phat Kat - Dedication To The Suckers 12" single 1999 (House Shoes Recordings)
Phife Dawg - Bend Ova/Thought U Wuz Nic 12" single 1999 (Groove Attack)
Que D - Underestimated, Supa Shit, Kilo, Cash Flow, Michelle, Rock Box, Don't Stop from "Quite Delicious" cassette 1999 and "Que D Limited Edition" CD 2003 (Royal Flyness)
Q-Tip - 11 tracks from "Amplified" CD/LP 1999 (Arista)
The Roots - Dynamite from Things Fall Apart CD/LP 1999 (MCA)
The Roots - New Year's @ Jay Dee's from "You Got Me" CD single 1999 (MCA)
Zooco - Butterfly from "Glow-Mellow-Flow" CD/LP 1999? (Columbia Japan)

2000
Black Star - Little Brother from "The Hurricane (Soundtrack)" CD/LP 2000 (MCA)
Brand New Heavies - Sometimes (Remix), Saturday Night (Remix) from "Trunk Funk Classics" CD/LP 2000 (Delicious Vinyl)
Busta Rhymes - Enjoy Da Ride, Live It Up, Show Me What You Got from "Anarchy" CD/LP 2000 (Elektra)
Common - 10 tracks from "Like Water For Chocolate" CD/LP 2000 (MCA)
Common - The Light (Remix) from "Bamboozled (Soundtrack)" 2000 (Motown)
D'Angelo - various tracks from Voodoo CD/LP 2000 (Virgin)
De La Soul - Thru Ya City from "Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump" CD/LP 2000 (Tommy Boy)
Erykah Badu - Cleva, My Life, Didn't Cha Know, Kiss Me On My Neck from "Mama's Gun CD/LP 2000 (Motown)
Frank N Dank - Me & My Man/Love (A Thing Of The Past) 12" single 2000 (McNasty)
Frank N Dank - Everybody Get Up/Give It Up Pt. 2 12" single 2000 (McNasty)
Guru feat. Bilal - Certified from "Guru's Jazzmatazz Street Soul" CD/LP 2000 (Virgin)
Innerzone Orchestra - People Make The World Go Round (J-88 Mix) - 12" single 2000 (Planet E)
Phife Dawg - Bend Ova, 4 Horseman from "Ventilation: Da LP" CD/LP 2000 (Groove Attack)
Phife Dawg - Ya Heard Me from "Definition of Ill Compilation" 2000 bootleg
Royce Da 5'9" - Let's Grow from "Lyricist Lounge Volume 2" CD/LP 2000 (Rawkus)
Spacek - Eve (Remix) 12" single 2000 (Blue)

2001
Bahamadia- One-4-Teen (Remix) from "Summer Sampler" CD 2001 (Goodvibe)
Bilal - Reminisce from "1st Born Second LP" CD/LP 2001 (Interscope)
Busta Rhymes - Genesis, Make It Hurt from "Genesis" CD/LP 2001 (Elektra)
Chino XL - Don't Say A Word from "I Told You So" CD/LP 2001 (Metro Records)
De La Soul - Peer Pressure (Intro & Outro Monologues by Jay Dee) from AOI: Bionix CD/LP 2001 (Tommy Boy)
Lucy Pearl - Without You (Remix) 12" single 2001 (Pookie/Virgin)
Mos Def - Can U C The Pride In The Panther? (Remix) 12" Single 2001 (Interscope)
Que D - In Yo Face from "Still Bangin" 12" single 2001 (Up Above) and "Que D Limited Edition" CD 2003 (Royal Flyness)
Toshi Kubota - Nothin But Your Love (Remix) 12" single 2001 (Epic)

2002
Big Tone - Party Crasher (mixed by Jay Dee) from Party Crasher 12" Antidote 2002
Busta Rhymes - It Ain't Safe No More, What Up, Turn Me Up Some from "It Ain't Safe No More..." CD/LP 2002 (Elektra)
Common - various production & instrumental credits from "Electric Circus" CD/LP 2002 (MCA)
DJ Jazzy Jeff - Are You Ready (with Slum Village) from "The Magnificent" 12" EP 2002 (BBE)
Frank N Dank - Push 12" EP 2002 (Mummy / Groove Attack)
Phat Kat - Dedication To The Suckers, Don't Nobody Care About Us, Microphone Master, Big Booties, World Premier from "Dedication To The Suckers" LP/CD 2002 (RonnieCash.com)
Slum Village - Hoes, Let's, One from "Trinity" CD/LP 2002 (Capitol)
Talib Kweli - Where Do We Go, Stand To The Side from "Quality" CD/LP 2002 (Rawkus)

2003
ASD (Afrob & Samy Deluxe) - Komm Schon from "Wer Hatte Das Gedacht?" CD/LP 2003 (Eimsbush)
ASD (Afrob & Samy Deluxe) - Wenn Ihr Fuhlt... from "Hey Du" 12" EP 2003 (Eimsbush)
Common - Come Close "Remix" (Closer) 12" single 2003 (MCA)
De La Soul - Much More/Shoomp 12" single 2003 (AOI)
Fourtet - As Serious As Your Life (Remix) 12" single 2003 Domino
Frank N Dank - 48 Hours CD 2003 (Bootleg)
Vivian Green - Fanatic (Remix) 12" Single 2003 (Sony)
Phat Kat - Dedication 2004, Destiny, Big Booties from "The Undeniable LP: Detroit Edition" CD/LP 2003 Barak Records
Que D - Supa Shit 12" single 2003 (Royal Flyness)
Royce Da 5'9" - Life Goes On from "Build & Destroy: Lost Sessions Part 1" 2003 (Trouble Records)
Subtitle - Mark Luv Mixtape Song from "Greatest Hi$$" CD 2003 (Marks03 Recordings)
T-Love - When You're Older, Who Smoked Sunshine, Chiquita, Long Way Back from "The Long Way Back" 2003 (Pickininny)

2004
5 Ela - Scenario 2004 from "The EP" 2004 (5 Elements)
Amp Fiddler - You Play Me, Waltz Of A Ghetto Fly from "Waltz Of A Ghetto Fly" CD/LP 2004 (Genuine/PIAS)
Amp Fiddler - I Believe In You (Jaylib Mix) CD/12" single 2004 (Genuine/PIAS)
Brother Jack McDuff - Oblighetto (J Dilla Remix) from "Blue Note Revisted" CD/LP 2004 (Blue Note)
De La Soul - Verbal Clap, Much More from "Grind Date" CD/LP (Sanctuary)
DJ Cam - Love Junkee (Remix) 12" single 2003 (Inflamable) and "Liquid Hip Hop CD/LP 2004 (Inflamable)
Elzhi - Days and Nights, Concrete Eyes, Love It Here, and Look At My Friends from "Witness My Growth" Mix CD 2004 (Libido Speedo)
Frank-N-Dank - Let's Go, Okay, MCA from "Xtended Play" CD/LP 2004 (Needillworks)
Lawless Element - The Shining 12" single 2004 (RMR/Fat Beats)
Oh No - Move from The Disrupt CD/LP 2004, and The Disrupt Instrumentals LP 2005 (Stones Throw)
Proof of D12 - Bring It 2 Me from "I Miss The Hip Hop Shop" CD/LP 2004 (Iron Fist)
Prozack - Leisure Rules from "Death, Taxes, and Prozack" CD 2004 (Outofwork Records)
Slum Village - Do You from "Detroit Deli" CD/LP 2004 (Barak/Capitol)

2005
Common - Love is..., It's Your World (Part 1 & 2) from "Be" CD/LP and "Be Instrumentals" LP 2005 (GOOD Music/Geffen)
Common - The Movement from "NBA 2K6 - The Tracks" CD/LP 2005 (Decon)
Dwele - Keep On from "Some Kinda" CD/LP 2005 (Virgin)
Dwight Trible & The Life Force Trio - Antiquity from "Love Is The Answer" CD/LP 2005 (Ninja Tune)
MED - Push feat. J Dilla 12" single 2005 (Stones Throw)
MED - Push, So Real from "Push Comes To Shove" CD/LP 2005 (Stones Throw)
Moka Only - One Time from "The Desired Effect" CD/LP 2005 (Nettwerk)
Oh No - Move Part 2 feat. J Dilla & Roc C 12" single 2005 (Stones Throw)
Slum Village - Who Are We from "Prequel To A Classic" CD 2005 (Barak Records)
Spacek - Dollar 12" single 2005 (Sound in Color)
Spacek - Dollar from "Space Shift" CD/LP 2005 (Sound in Color)


According to www.bbemusic.com, James Yancey donations can be sent to:
Maureen Yancey
132 N. Sycamore Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Bank Wires can be sent to:
Wells Fargo Bank of Los Angeles, CA
Routing Number: 122000247
Account Number: 6043250676
1-800-869-3557