It’s Dilla Time, folks. We are joined this week by acclaimed author Dan Charnas to talk about his excellent, deeply researched new book on the life and musical innovations of the great producer J Dilla. Dan is a longtime chronicler of hip-hop culture, an educator, as well as a former label executive so he is uniquely positioned to tell the story of the heartbreakingly brief but undeniably influential life of James Dewitt Yancey. Dilla Time weaves musicological explanations of J Dilla’s innovative way with rhythm among the facts of his life in a way that feels fresh, important, and eminently readable. Dan was kind enough to speak to us about how he pieced the book together, among other topics. Of course the fellas also talk about Jay Dee’s music, including listener feedback on which track best summarizes his brilliance. DBRP is brought to you by Stony Island Audio, home of flagship program What Had Happened Was hosted by Open Mike Eagle, which returns next week, don’t miss it!
