Red Bull Music Academy Presents: Boombox 5th Annual J Dilla Tribute [Concert Review]

In the spirit of this wonderful J Dilla month, i had the great opportunity to attend one of the many J Dilla tributes happening out here in the city of Angels. Fellow music aficionado Joolyaah and I were in attendance at Boombox's 5th annual J Dilla Tribute hosted by the Red Bull Music Academy, held at the Grandstar Jazz Club in Chinatown Los Angeles. This years tribute show included sets from the legendary Maseo of De La Soul and Ali Shaheed Muhammed from none other than A Tribe Called Quest. In addition our ears were also blessed with the local talented Boombox LA Djs. Amidst the swarm of bodies by the bar and packed room Joolyaah began frantically screaming, "Guilty Simpson is here, Guilty Simpson is here...!" yet another musical emcee gracing the streets, airwaves, and that night those in attendance with his tantalizing beats.

In previous years Joolyaah recalls a different scene. This year the change of surroundings and people coming forth to celebrate the life of which we only describe hip hops greatest producer of all time, JayDee was apparent. "Last year, Grand star wasn't as packed as this years event, but nonetheless, my ears were solely focused on three talented DJ's. Houseshoes, Exile, and Jeremy Ellis blessing me with his talents on the MPC. Spinning all J Dilla beats. You name it, they played it, " Joolyaah says.

As Joolyaah said, the house was packed, the line was ridiculous for a "Grandstar" event as shown in the picture to the left. I'm glad my eyes didn't deceive me, the 40 minute wait and monstrous line was definitely worth it. Arriving fairly early was a plus, there was still space to move and find your way up close and personal to the ones and twos, however within 20 minutes we were jammed-packed, literally. The night began with Boombox LA's Dj Inka One's tribute/shout-out set to J-1, the late drummer of Dam-Funk's band Master Blazter.

About 45 minutes in Maseo of De La Soul made a discreet entrance and took over the ones and twos, playing a medley of ATCQ such as, "Can I Kick It," "Bonita Applebum," and "Find A Way," just to name a few. The only down side was that i was a little confused, although with the heavy play of ATCQ i could of sworn i was at a Tribe Show and not a J Dilla Tribute. However his efforts weren't in vein, the crowd definitely felt the vibe and felt it right. After Maseo the long awaited Ali Shaheed Muhammed of A Tribe Called Quest made his entrance and relieved Maseo of his duties. With one last salute from Maseo, Ali began to work his legendary magic we've all fallen in love with in the past.

He started a smooth transition to a couple of J Dilla samples and loops, from the likes of Minnie Ripperton, Stanley Cowell Trio, to Zapp. All of these sounds blended smoothly to songs from Detroits finest Hip Hop group Slum Village to Common, De La Soul, Busta Rhymes, and all the other great artists that were blessed to work with JayDee. The crowd singing all the lyrics back to Ali "for me, one won't do it , two is not enough for me no." J Dilla was definitely 'Shinning' down on us. Ali Shaheed did us good. Maseo on the mic, yelled out "we just got started, we can go on till 4am" and Ali had no problem with that, but it was closing time, and all we wanted was more, more music, more Dilla.

It was undeniable, his presence, his love, art, legacy, life and celebration it was all there, surrounding us and the hundreds of other people who were mesmerized, entranced, enthralled in all that was, is, and always will be Dilla . With that said, the night ended, and we walked away feeling a piece of us completed. Dilla, my dude, You've touched a part of hip hop that can never be duplicated. You have forever changed this world, these ears, this music, and it is all thanks to you, We celebrate YOU.

For the Love of Music,

Queenie & Joolyaah