Ruff Draft is aimed squarely at crate-diggers and beat junkies, deviating from the smooth, minimalist sound that some may be used to.  Full text...

Overall, the album’s wonderful. He doesn’t overload you with complicated beats and rhymes. Because of this, and because of the album’s length – it runs less than half an hour from start to finish – you’ll be left wanting more. Dilla’s legacy is still growing.  Full text...

Ruff Draft is a curiosity—an offshoot rather than example of Dilla's genius.  Full text...

Groundbreaking, posthumous re-release from late hip hop legend ties up loose ends.  Full text...

Ruff Draft is exceptional compared to the lackluster, recycled sample hip-hop that plagues much of the genre, but compared with J Dilla's own catalog, it pales against Donuts or Champion Sound.  Full text...

It's been over a year since Dilla's passing, and since his legend continues to spur a demand for underheard, rare, or repurposed material, Stones Throw's reissue of Ruff Draft comes at an ideal time.  Full text...

American hip hop producer James Yancey (aka J Dilla) passed away last year barely days after the release of his masterpiece album Donuts. It's a massive shame to have lost this influential voice so soon after producing one of the best albums of 2006. In the obvious absence of any new material, Stones Throw have re-released the ultra rare Ruff Draft, a title only previously available on an obscure German imprint.  Full text...