#386 J Dilla, 'Donuts' (2006)

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A 31-track album of samples kicking off with the familiar sounds of Beastie Boys. ‘Donuts,’ the second album by Hip Hop producer, J Dilla, was released on his 32nd birthday. In a story very reminiscent of Bowie’s ‘Black Star,’ J Dilla would pass away just three days later. He had succumbed to an incurable blood disease, as well as lupus. The impetus for this record came during a hospital stay the previous year. This album was essentially recorded while J Dilla was dying. 29 of the tracks were recorded in the hospital.

This record was great. Completely different to anything else on the list so far, and to be honest, different to most of the albums I’ve listened to in my life. If this record is anything to go by, J Dilla could have been one of the most prominent Hip Hop producers of our time. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be. It’s difficult to single out any one song as this needs to be listened to as a body of work. 

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