Jay Dilla – Jay $tay Paid (6-2-2009)

Posted on Jul 11 in Reviewsby adminPrint

We’ve seen this story on a number of occasions in hip hop. When an artist or key figure finally starts to get the type of recognition they deserve they pass on to a different life; a better life for that matter! As I’m sure you’re fully aware of by now J. Dilla, born James Dewitt Yancey passed away in early 2006 after battling the rare blood disease thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, otherwise known as TTP. In the three plus years since his passing Dilla’s spirit and music have thrived in an almost unimaginable form. The release of Jay Dee’s second posthumous album, Jay $tay Paid, should be another testament to the legacy of another hip hop figure gone before his time!

The album kicks off with a fresh beat that any random MC could only wish to have the chance to rock on but it’s only fitting that J. Dilla’s legacy is the only thing that shines on ”King.” “Lazer Gunne Funke” will give any listener a major headache from the associated head nod factor, the same can be said for the trailing “In The Night/While You Slept (I Crept).” Underground MC Blu gets the chance to blow out on the hazy lifestyle inspired “Smoke,” a delectable favorite for any fan of the cannabis sativa.

Lil Fame gets the opportunity to spit over two crispy J. Dilla beats on the equally mixed “Blood Sport.” Dilla obviously had a penchant for crafting melodic tunes as evidenced by his work on the likes of “Expensive Whip” and “Kaklow (Jump On It).” Dilla went for a more old school yet harmonious feel on the standout beat “Milk Money.” Black Thought from The Roots spits about his chick that loves nothing more than “Reality TV” as he’d rather watch something along the lines of The First 48.

Dilla weaves some interesting sound-plots into the belly of “On Stilts” but its Doom’s short but sweet delivery on “Fire Wood Drumstix” that will really catch your ear. Havoc and Raekwon combine their lyrical prowess on the laid-back boom bap inspired “24K Rap.” “Big City” turns out to be exactly what it’s advertised to be at the beginning, a “neck breaking Dilla beat.” Towards the end of the album Dilla’s beats get a little more mesmerizing with the likes of “Coming Back” as well as “Mythsysizer.”

Jay $tay Paid is indeed a living testament to the legacy that J. Dilla left behind for the rest of the hip hop world. Pete Rock’s clever radio show format gives the album an even brighter glow, but nonetheless this is indeed another one of J. Dilla’s shining moments! Since I haven’t listened to a ton of J. Dilla material I can’t really compare this album to his earlier work but I must say that I now know exactly why he is revered as one of the top producers to ever grace an MPC now!

VERDICT – BRILLIANT
LYRICS: N/A
PRODUCTION: N/A
DELIVERY: N/A
CONSISTENCY: N/A