New biography explores the life of J Dilla

A new biography named Dilla Time: The Life And Afterlife Of J Dilla, The Hip-Hop Producer Who Reinvented Rhythm will cover the life and career of J Dilla.

Out next month, the book created by Dan Charnas includes over 400 pages of tales on the late hip hop producer.

In 1999, Charnas collaborated with Dilla when working in the record industry since then, the now author, Charnas has interviewed over 150 family, friends, and collaborators of Dilla’s over a four-year period to gain perspective for the biography.

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Exploring the late hip hop producer’s childhood in Detroit, the biography follows him from becoming GRAMMY-nomination to the darker days of discovering his rare blood disease which later was the cause of his death.

The book description states: “Equal parts biography, musicology, and cultural history, Dilla Time chronicles the life and legacy of J Dilla, a musical genius who transformed the sound of popular music for the twenty-first century.”

Charnas also “rewinds the histories of American rhythms: from the birth of soul in Dilla’s own ‘Motown,’ to funk, techno, and disco.”

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The book description adds: “Dilla Time is a different kind of book about music, a visual experience with graphics that build those concepts step by step for fans and novices alike, teaching us to ‘see’ and feel rhythm in a unique and enjoyable way.

“Dilla Time is a book as delightfully detail-oriented and unique as J Dilla’s music itself.”

Out February 1, Dilla Time is available to pre-order here.

Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter