In 2009, the world of hip-hop continues to be dominated by the south. While Georgia and Texas continue to carry the baton, other MCs from New York City, California, and the Midwest struggle to keep their regions relevant. But while all of these locations are now synonymous with hip-hop, the gritty city known as Detroit continues to mire in relative obscurity. While it is yet to become a hip-hop capital, the motor city has produced a few hip-hop heavyweights including Eminem and well-renowned producer J Dilla. Though unknown to most casual hip hop fans, Dilla rose to fame around the turn of the century and is now regarded as one the most respected beat makers ever.

Before his untimely death in 2006, Dilla’s work was featured on songs with artists such as Q-Tip, Common, Talib Kweli and even R&B superstar D’Angelo. On his most recent release titled Jay Stay Paid, his musical legacy lives on past his death. The 28-track album is a cross between a mixtape and a producer’s demo tape. Some tracks showcase the lyrical abilities of emcees, while others remain voiceless and focus on Dilla’s production prowess. One of the album’s first gems comes in “In the Night While You Slept”. The instrumental track follows in the mellow, east coast mold of yesteryear. While the track features no artist, it would be definitely be the perfect match for a lyrical artist such as Nas or Mos Def. Other instrumental highlights within the album include “Glammour Sho75” and “10,000 Watts”.

When it comes to the lyrical aspect of the album, the best performance comes on “Reality Check” which features The Roots’ front man Black Thought. The track features Thought rhyming almost every word of the song by utilizing the titles of today’s most popular television reality shows. Other solid guest appearances include Raekwon (of Wu Tang fame) on “24K Rap” as well as M.O.P. on “Blood Sport”. Hip hop artists Blu and MF Doom also appear on two other solid tracks. While some people may never gravitate to the underground grooves of J Dilla, this collection of tracks will definitely keep him alive in the hearts of both his diehard and newly added fans for many days to come.