Inside J Dilla's studio with Frank n Dank, Common

As the long awaited release of Black Milk's completely appropriately titled Album of the Year looms on the horizon perhaps our readers need a glimpse into Milk's (born Curtis Cross) mentor Jay Dilla aka Jay Dee's (born James Yancey) studio and technique.

Here is a very rare guided tour by no lesser production figures than Frank N Dank (with Common working in the studio and Dilla picking up some samples studiously).



The point to grasp here may be that while J Dilla had a copious and expansive musical sense, was a very strong MC and clearly the greatest Hip Hop producer likely ever - it may be that his production 'techniques' are impossible to duplicate. Frank N Dank allude to the fact that there are other rooms full of 'secret' gear.