The Constorium of Greater Minds

my lola (grandmother in tagalog) called me up today asking a simple question. what amazed me about this was that she knew to ask this question only on pure intuition, as it had been bothering her for a couple days. the situation she was asking about was 150 miles away. it’s wild how moms can know things like that.

When There’s No Answer

Every effort’s

lonely letdown,

still, and

hopeful.

James D. Yancey, you may know him as your favorite producer’s favorite producer, died at the age of 32, just three days after releasing his final, seminal album. J Dilla was a musical genius, he belongs in the musical canon, colleague of Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, or John Coltrane.

February plays host to tributes throughout the world, as fans of all stripes come out to celebrate the man and his eternal music. I recently visited one of a series of tribute events in Los Angeles. Illa Jay, House Shoes, J Rocc, and Madlib all were there to reminisce and smile at the memories we all shared.

I hit the bar. Madlib orders a Martini next to me. I finger at the bartender and order two shots – Tequila. And two waters, tap, please. After reminding Julie of the tragic story of the famed producer (she’s been to her fair share of Dilla related events), we concurred that it was necessary to drink in his honor.

Turning to Madlib, I ask him what J Dilla’s drink was. He leans in. Hawaiin punch. I can’t believe it, but somehow I can. Motioning, he tells me how J Dilla preferred to smoke. It all made sense. Marijuana is the link that ties all of the hall-of-fame musicians together.

So this February, if you can’t make it to a tribute jam on your block, throw on some Champion Sound, and smoke ‘em if you got ‘em, for Jay Dee.

(legal disclaimer: I make no representation of what Madlib, aka Otis Jackson Jr., actually said or meant in any conversation with me. I’m a fan, and I’m not trying to blow up spots, slander, or defame his reputation as a serious,  professional artist)

the following are the ramblings of a half drunk twenty something year old:

stimulants and alcohol, i’m not supposed to mix them

but i can’t help it, they always give me a night to remember.

anyways, i have the next three days off from work. originally these days were to be spent up in canada, making full use of their 3.30 am closing time. due to illness spreading throughout my crew we chose instead to remain in the emerald city. i fail to see how you cannot enjoy a few days with the following things: friends, hip hop, guns, steak, and seattle.

peace out.

ps. plus i got on my good clothes.

be back in a while. bye!