J Dilla's Simple Complex Production Techniques

In this video, we explain some of the methods that Dilla used to make music, give some examples and discuss some backstory.

Until recently, we thought we knew everything about J Dilla's production techniques. With the release of the book Dilla Time by Dan Charnas, new information was revealed about J Dilla's music production including drum programming, sampling and more.


Chapter Titles:
0:00 Intro
0:57 Backstory
1:36 Dilla's Production
2:22 MPC Backstory
3:07 Simple Complex
3:21 Swing Explained
5:45 Quantization Explained
6:22 Time Shift Explained
7:04 Programming Example
8:03 Sampling Techniques
8:24 Sample Timing
8:43 Time Signatures
9:09 Polyrhythms
9:29 Temp Changes
9:50 Natural Loops

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*** LIKE & SUBSCRIBE ***

#jdilla #mpc #hiphop #dillatime

[vraalten]

Wowwww, super inspiring and very well made video and instruction! Thank you very much for providing the spark I needed to get back to beatmaking and sampling.

[beekdorrr]

the fact that people still talk about J Dilla today shows how timeless he is. <3

[MONQTV]

Dills was an amazing producer. My opinion people need to find their own Dilla when producing. Their own way. I listen to Dilla and a lot of jazz. When it comes down to it, I can't be a Dilla or a Madlib, or any of these people but I can listen to them and be inspired to just be.
Great video btw

[imeverskilled]

I think J Dilla can be described as someone doing “naive art”, someone who didn’t read the manual and didn’t care about how you were “supposed” to do things. He found his own way to do it. There are many like him but with this approach it’s really about either you have it or you don’t. You can learn how to do things the proper way, but to do things your own way and have it appeal to other people takes something you’re born with.

[cleekersneaker]

I love how this book is bringing clarity and energy to the Dilla fans. I picked up my copy last week, and while I was walking around the store with it, someone asked me about it because it had been on their list.

[Schemez-vhiphopbeatz]

his beats sound simple but there complex micro rhythm drum selection the way things sat in the mix dudes a legend

[grinchoi]

This is the best and most accurate explanation of Dilla’s techniques I’ve seen on YouTube. The book “Dilla Time” is amazing. A lot of Dilla myths and folklore were debunked. Great read and highly recommended for any serious hip-hop fan.

[jdtorian]

Book is life-changing. Not start wearing a different clothes/ change-out-your-friends life-changing, but anyone with a computer who makes music needs to understand all of this. Great recap!

[deebaker]

Dilla was a scientist with his craft. There will never be another. RIP JDILLA !

[Afiplaysmusic]

Thanks for the breakdown. I'm reading Dilla Time now. You're explanation is clear and gives great ideas to work with.

[CaptainPikant]

Excellent video! Loved the animations and especially the hand puppet (more please) :)

[juliandurbin]

I'm happy people are finally discerning the misconceptions of Dilla's work and technique.

[Makker_]

I think J was just making music he liked and didn't care about all those complicated terminologies.

[OrangeDrinkMusic]

epic video Ollie! great animations/editing
incredible deep dive into the mystery of "time feel"
also what a tribute to the genius of Dilla RIP

[JMLRecording]

what an incredibly well made video. I often wonder WHY and how people have the time to make videos like this. They are so much work, this one especially. Thank you so much for making this!

[Ponchy]

Man this is such a great video both in production and actual content. Great job! RIP Dilla.

[CannedFunkMusic]

This is the best explaination I've seen yet!

[strupndown]

Very dope and educated explanation of JD’s techniques. Dan Charnas did a phenomenal job on the Dilla Time book with not only explaining his processes and breaking them down, but his actual life in relation to how he became the great artist he was. I was fortunate to go the Smithsonian museum in D.C. to see Dilla’s 3000 and Moog along with many other great musicians artifacts. We’re all blessed to experience JD’s music. Salute.

[JaeElise]

This breakdown sparked something in me !

[frenchtrace]

Thank you so much for this, I was seeing all those exact articles and videos about his work and kept thinking "wow, I guess the MPC back then didn't have microtiming options to move individual notes" and just didn't question it.