Ruff Draft [Beats]

Originally released independently in 2003 on vinyl, the late J Dilla's RUFF DRAFT returns in 2007 as an expanded double album (the second disc is instrumentals) on Stones Throw. In hindsight, RUFF DRAFT clearly marks a pivotal point in Dilla's creative evolution, displaying a nascent interest in zooming early-hip-hop synthesizers and a plethora of soul loops and samples. These tendencies would come into full fruition in CHAMPION SOUND, his later collabo with Madlib, and in his 2006 masterpiece, DONUTS. J handles the rhymes (and some crooning) on most tracks, though Guilty Simpson makes an appearance, but it's the production wizardry that makes this album something special.