Previewing a strings ‘n’ beats concert DVD boxset commemorating the work of hip hop DJ J Dilla
The most overlooked recording of 2009 was undoubtedly Suite For Ma Dukes, an EP by Carlos Niño and Miguel Atwood-Ferguson that commemorated the work of hip hop DJ J Dilla, who died in 2006. Proceeds from the EP will go to Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey — hence the title — who’s battling lupus, the same disease that took her son’s life. Suite For Ma Dukes comprises orchestral arrangements of Dilla productions.
Soon fans of the EP will be able to see footage of the concert that accompanied the release of Suite For Ma Dukes. The DVD, which is part of the Timeless Concert Series, features a 60-piece orchestra and appearances by the likes of Bilal, Dwele, Posdnuos (from De La Soul) and Talib Kweli. The three-DVD boxset also includes discs devoted to ethio-jazzer Mulatu Astatke and Brazilian arranger and guitar player Arthur Verocai.
Producer Bob Power, who’s worked with singers such as Erykah Badu and D’Angelo, mixed the J Dilla recordings for the DVD. The limited-edition boxset is scheduled for release in March, 2010.
Stones Throw Records