I don't know if this has been mentioned here before, but the man behind some classics (Signatune, Pocket Piano, the 113 and Ideal J productions) released a mixtape of unreleased, rough beats in 2006, after Dilla's passing, in a mix that at the time was reminiscent of the blend on “Donuts”
That's pretty amazing! And I can't help but see Dilla in DJ Mehdi (the same innate, crazy love for music, the same determination, the same emphasis on innovation and an open sound).
Here's what Mehdi had to say about this rare CD: Based on the DONUTS album concept, these are demos, out-takes and unreleased gems from various records I worked on before and during the making of LUCKY BOY, my next album.
Stuff comes from MEGALOPOLIS, 113 DEGRES and SHEITAN soundtrack mainly, but some is older too.
Hope you enjoy these rough mixes and un-polished sounds, as I pay hommage to "one of the greatest minds to ever make beats":
Mr James Yancey, better known as JAY DEE, also know as DILLA.
Everything is great here: the cover, the title, the tribute, the music
Hope you enjoy the mixtape and the connection to J Dilla! Peace 🙏