Welcome 2 Detroit

2001J Dilla BBE The South Rises Detroit

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Welcome 2 Detroit is J Dilla’s first solo album, released by BBE Records on February 26, 2001, as part of its Beat Generation series of producer-led albums.

The story

Dilla recorded it between 1999 and 2001 in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, after leaving Slum Village. The guests were mostly Detroit artists: Phat Kat, Elzhi (before he joined Slum Village), Dwele, Frank n Dank and Beej.

Sound and production

The album moves between grimy hardcore hip hop and electronic, psychedelic tracks. Dilla covered Donald Byrd’s “Think Twice” and Plunky & the Oneness of Juju’s “African Rhythms,” playing the parts himself rather than sampling them, and “Rico Suave Bossa Nova” draws on Brazilian music.

Legacy

Pitchfork rated it 8.5 out of 10. An instrumental edition followed in 2005, and a 46-track 20th Anniversary Edition came out in 2021 with instrumentals, alternate takes and cassette demos.

Tracklist & credits

Produced by James Yancey

1
Welcome 2 Detroit
0:49
2
Y'all Ain't Ready
1:28
3
Think Twice
3:52
4
The ClapperProd. Jay Dee, Karriem Riggins
2:06
5
Come Get It
5:02
6
Pause
2:45
7
B.B.E. (Big Booty Express)
2:12
8
Beej-N-Dem Pt. 2
2:49
9
Brazilian Groove (EWF)
1:30
10
It's Like That
4:05
11
Give It Up
3:08
12
Rico Suave Bossa Nova
1:25
13
Featuring Phat Kat
3:43
14
Shake It Down
2:55
15
African Rhythms
1:36
16
One
1:30

Tracklist and producer credits: Discogs. Gear credits: Breakbeat Archive, sourced on each credit.

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Released February 26, 2001. More from hip hop in 2001.

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