J Dilla: The Shining Instrumentals Vinyl 2LP

Original 2006 Lab review:

A lot of you guys are gonna buy this regardless of what I type in the box, but for those of you on the fence lemme give you my personal Dilla experience. I've never been a fan - definitely was into his stuff from time to time, but never could get the whole "Jay Dee changed my life" thing. Maybe it was the middle of the road MCs he was producing for, maybe it was the fact that his arrival on the Tribe & De La production squads coincided with the immediate deterioration of two of my favorite groups. In any case, I'm not gonna tell you that since Dilla's passing I've seen the light and he's now in my G.O.A.T. pantheon, but I developed a real appreciation for his sound on Donuts (constant store rotation) and The Shining impressed the shit out of me. Forget about paying respects (although that's fine too)- this is exceptional music, and the most realized I've ever heard Dilla's music sound. I may not have been a fan, but I've been up on all his big stuff, and this record brings together elements from all those bursts of genius (at least for me). Check the diversity of sound: "Geek Down," "Love Jones," "Body Movin," "E=MC2," "So Far To Go," and "Love." Arguments could be made for this record over the vocal versions.

• black double vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve
• original release year: 2006
• music label: BBE 2026

reviewed by the mgmnt 10/2006