From the vaults

by SCOTT C

Although I’ve been accused of being a J Dilla dilettante many times over the years, I don’t let it faze me. I know I’m not alone in my admiration of one of the best. This week, the lid popped off an album that has been talked about for years—Pay Jay, something that the late producer/MC had completed for MCA Records back in 2001 but had been shelved for whatever reason.

Of course, the people who actually had a copy of the record have been keeping it close, letting individual tracks trickle out a bit at a time, but this week, an 11-track version of what seems to be a full LP surfaced online. It features Dilla rapping over tracks from dudes like Pete Rock, Nottz, Hi-Tek, ?uestlove and Karriem Riggins, providing a welcome time warp back to 2001, when he was still alive. I can remember seeing an interview with Stones Throw label head Peanut Butter Wolf where he talked about how he was very interested in negotiating something with MCA, but whether the record will be officially released remains to be seen. For now, cop yourself a link and enjoy some unreleased flashbacks from Dilla.

Who knows, there might be another bunch of tracks that we haven’t even heard yet. Unlike many of the posthumous Tupac cash grabs we’ve seen released over the years, so far Dilla’s remembrance has been rooted in respect, a real love for his many musical contributions, and a desire to bring awareness to Lupus, the disease that eventually took his life. Let’s hope it stays that way.

Okay, the sun is out and we’re all starting to feel the heat, so that means you have absolutely no excuse not to bring your wannabe MC ass down to Hip Hop Karaoke with More or Les, Moonstarr and The One Tash, tonight, Thursday, May 8 at Zoobizarre. This is your chance to show everyone in the place that you actually know all the words to Jeru Tha Damaja’s “Come Clean.” For a mere $5, you’ll be able to get the jump on all of Montreal’s closet MC talent, stars that were meant to shine but for some reason or other decided to take another route in life. Be a part of it, people. Visit www.hhkmontreal.com to take your pick from the song list. Check out HHK host with the most Tashish doing a priceless rendition of Biggie’s “Warning,” backed by the one and only Masta Ace in Toronto right here: http://tinyurl.com/5z3ndz.

Dipset fans should already know to make a move down to Tabu Lounge tonight to check out Jay Bezel doing his thing. He’ll be joined by locals Ceasrock, VokaB and Magnum 357 for a $12.50 ticket. I’m sure Mag 357 will be performing his latest Malicious callout “Trigger Happy” in an effort to continue the recent “dialogue” between the two local MCs. We’ll get into the politics of beef another time, kids, but for now, do what you gotta. http://tinyurl.com/4ghb8o.

Seven reasons my girlfriend finally tried the vacuum cleaner:
1. J Dilla Pay Jay (MCA)
2. Inverse Cinematics Passin’ Through (Pulver)
3. Carlos Nino & Lil Sci Elevation (P-Vine)
4. Sy Smith Conflict (Psyko!)
5. Portishead Third (Universal)
6. Flying Lotus Los Angeles (Warp)
7. The Roots Rising Down (Def Jam)

LET ME HELP YOU GET YOUR SALES UP...fathead@videotron.ca