Behind the Scenes with the J Dilla Ensemble

Berklee's J Dilla Ensemble - the only group in the world that studies and performs the iconic composer and producer's music - is rehearsing to take center stage at the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. On July 6, 2010, the group's faculty advisor, Brian "Raydar" Ellis will speak on an educational panel, and on July 10, 2010, the ensemble will perform for the festival's closing day performances alongside De La Soul, Smif-N-Wessun, Black Moon and other prominent artist.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• J Dilla
• Jay Dee
• Berklee College of Music
• Berklee
• Hip-Hop
• Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival
• Raydar Ellis

[brentmarley]

I'm guessing that most of the people that have problems with this have not been to music school, and do not understand the concept of analyzing the musical theory, tonality, and structure of the compositions. I guarantee you they are not just showing up jamming on some Dilla.

You don't have to study at an academic entity (one man does not cut it buddy) to learn and appreciate JD. And they aren't the only ensemble playing it, but might be one of only ones "studying" it. Dilla would be proud.

[goldbonebillionaire]

my boy phillipe! haha too dope.

[nbarer1]

what about musician tech schools in LA? I bet you can study it there too.

Also define academic entity? I am an academic entity insofar as I study hip-hop in a serious nature.

I just find it irritating that berklee cashes in on people like JD. and sells him and makes a shit ton of money off it. They don't stop there, they make idiotic claims like this too!

[dictionaryjw]

@nbarer1 i see where you're coming from nbarer, however, i've never heard of an academic entity studying a modern hip-hop artist like berklee has done. Obviously, that doesn't mean other schools aren't doing that, but if nobody else has come out and made it evident that they are doing the same, then i suppose they could claim that they are the only group doing so. lol

[nbarer1]

it is pretty ignorant and stupid to say that the berklee j dilla ensemble is the only group in the world that studies and plays j dilla tunes

[CHARLESHARDIN96]

Alright okay, alright okay okay, alright okay, I'm feeling you!!! :-D

[corncob5a]

absolutely amazing, yall keep it up, Rest in Paradise J. Dilla, your music lives through everybody