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Welcome 2 Detroit – The 20th Anniversary Edition

by J Dilla

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Gaelan D'costa
Gaelan D'costa thumbnail
Gaelan D'costa There's something to the production here I can't describe. It isn't totally smooth, but it's jazzy in an unpredictable way. Similarly, the lyrics are more arrogance swagger than I normally care for, but it has this staggered flow that I find really interesting. Favorite track: Pause.
lazy72
lazy72 thumbnail
lazy72 Beautiful rework of one of my favorite J Dilla masterpieces... The whole album remains a bonafide classic, as we share the same birthday date, February 7... I had to get this for my Aquarius Self! Favorite track: Think Twice (DJ Muro's KG Mix).
Rob Manga
Rob Manga thumbnail
Rob Manga A CLASSIC ALBUM!!
garyhiggins01
garyhiggins01 thumbnail
garyhiggins01 Remarkable collection by one of the true greats, and Mr. Yancey is sorely missed. Favorite track: Y'all Ain't Ready.
essaruno
essaruno thumbnail
essaruno Majorly slept on when it dropped. Great to see a classic album from dilla get the full treatment!
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  • Record/Vinyl + Digital Album

    12x 7" Vinyl Box Set
    An accompanying book by British writer and filmmaker John Vanderpuije offers an oral history of the album’s making, as told by Amp Fiddler, Ma Dukes and all of the album’s key musical contributors.

    Vinyl Tracklist
    DISC 1
    SIDE A
    1. Y’all Ain’t Ready
    2. Think Twice (faded)
    SIDE B
    1. Y’all Ain’t Ready (Instrumental)
    2. Think Twice (Instrumental – faded)

    DISC 2
    SIDE C
    1. The Clapper feat. Blu
    2. Shake It Down
    SIDE D
    1. The Clapper (Instrumental)
    2. Shake It Down (Instrumental)

    DISC 3
    SIDE E
    1. Come Get It feat. Elzhi (edit)
    SIDE F
    1. Come Get It (Instrumental – edit)

    DISC 4
    SIDE G
    1. Pause feat Frank ‘n’ Dank
    2. B.B.E. – Big Booty Express
    SIDE H
    1. Pause (Instrumental)
    2. B.B.E. – Big Booty Express (Instrumental)

    DISC 5
    SIDE I
    1. Beej-N-Dem Pt.2 feat. Beej
    SIDE J
    1. Beej-N-Dem Pt.2 (Instrumental)

    DISC 6
    SIDE K
    1. Brazilian Groove
    2. It’s Like That (Edit) feat. Hodge Podge, Lacks
    SIDE L
    1. Brazilian Groove EWF (Instrumental)
    2. It’s Like That (Instrumental)

    DISC 7
    SIDE M
    1. Give It Up
    SIDE N
    1. Give It Up (Instrumental)

    DISC 8
    SIDE O
    1. Rico Suave Bossa Nova
    SIDE P
    1. Azymuth – Rico Suave Bossa Nova (Vinyl Edit)

    DISC 9
    SIDE Q
    1. Feat. Phat Kat
    SIDE R
    1. Feat. Phat Kat (Instrumental)

    DISC 10
    SIDE S
    1. African Rhythms
    2. One
    SIDE T
    1. African Rhythms (Instrumental)
    2. One (Instrumental)

    DISC 11
    SIDE U
    1. It’s Like That (Alternate Version)
    2. Beej-N-Dem (og) feat. Beej
    SIDE V
    1. African Rhythms (No Drums)
    2. Brazilian Groove EWF (No Drums, No Vocal)
    3. Give It Up (Acapella)

    DISC 12
    SIDE W
    1. Think Twice (DJ Muro’s KG Mix)
    SIDE X
    1. Think Twice (DJ Muro’s KG Mix Instrumental)

    Includes unlimited streaming of Welcome 2 Detroit – The 20th Anniversary Edition via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ... more
    ships out within 7 days
    Purchasable with gift card

      £90 GBP or more 

     

  • T-Shirt/Shirt + Digital Album

    !!LIMITED EDITION!!

    Produced by Bedwin & The Heartbreakers.
    'A collaboration item with music producer and artist "J DILLA" from Detroit, USA. Produced to commemorate the "Welcome 2 Detroit 20th Anniversary Edition" released as the 20th anniversary of his solo debut this year, 15 years after his death. The original print fabric of cotton rayon with the photo of the album cover and the album title is used.'

    COTTON50%, RAYON50%

    SIZE (cm)
    Small -
    Lenght: 71
    Width: 60
    Shoulder width: 52
    Sleeve Length: 24

    Medium -
    Lenght: 73
    Width: 62
    Shoulder width: 53
    Sleeve Length: 24.5

    * A small amount of powder is contained in the product bag so that the product and the bag do not stick to each other, but it is used to maintain the normal quality of the product.
    Especially for black products, the powder may be noticeable on creases and look like dirt, but please note that there is no problem with the product.
    If you are worried about it, wipe it off with a wet cloth and it will come off easily.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Welcome 2 Detroit – The 20th Anniversary Edition via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ... more
    ships out within 7 days
    edition of 4 
    Purchasable with gift card

      £140 GBP or more 

     

  • T-Shirt/Shirt + Digital Album

    !!LIMITED EDITION!!

    Produced by Bedwin & The Heartbreakers. A collaboration item with music producer and artist "J DILLA" from Detroit, USA. Produced to commemorate the "Welcome 2 Detroit 20th Anniversary Edition" released as the 20th anniversary of his solo debut this year, 15 years after his death. Print the contents written on the leaflet on the front. The photo used for this album jacket and the recorded songs are printed on the back. Uses a GOAT body that is reminiscent of the 90's with a boxy and relaxed feel. Deployment of white only.

    COTTON100%

    SIZE (cm)
    Small -
    Lenght: 69
    Width: 58
    Shoulder width: 51.5
    Sleeve Length: 60.25

    Medium -
    Lenght: 71
    Width: 60
    Shoulder width: 52.5
    Sleeve Length: 61.25

    * A small amount of powder is contained in the product bag so that the product and the bag do not stick to each other, but it is used to maintain the normal quality of the product.
    Especially for black products, the powder may be noticeable on creases and look like dirt, but please note that there is no problem with the product.
    If you are worried about it, wipe it off with a wet cloth and it will come off easily.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Welcome 2 Detroit – The 20th Anniversary Edition via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ... more
    ships out within 7 days
    edition of 7  4 remaining
    Purchasable with gift card

      £50 GBP or more 

     

  • Bag + Digital Album

    !!LIMITED EDITION!!

    Produced by Bedwin & The Heartbreakers.
    A collaboration item with music producer and artist "J DILLA" from Detroit, USA. Produced to commemorate the "Welcome 2 Detroit 20th Anniversary Edition" released as the 20th anniversary of his solo debut this year, 15 years after his death. The photo used for this album jacket is printed on the front side. The back side is printed with a graphic commemorating the 25th anniversary.

    COTTON 100%

    SIZE: cm
    Width: 28
    height: 18
    handle: 28
    Machi: 9



    * A small amount of powder is contained in the product bag so that the product and the bag do not stick to each other, but it is used to maintain the normal quality of the product.
    Especially for black products, the powder may be noticeable on creases and look like dirt, but please note that there is no problem with the product.
    If you are worried about it, wipe it off with a wet cloth and it will come off easily.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Welcome 2 Detroit – The 20th Anniversary Edition via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ... more
    ships out within 7 days
    edition of 6  4 remaining
    Purchasable with gift card

      £20 GBP or more 

     

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      £20 GBP  or more

     

  • J.DILLA Ex.HOODED SWEAT
    Sweater/Hoodie + Digital Album

    !!LIMITED EDITION!!

    Produced by Bedwin & The Heartbreakers. A collaboration item with music producer and artist "J DILLA" from Detroit, USA. Produced to commemorate the "Welcome 2 Detroit 20th Anniversary Edition" released as the 20th anniversary of his solo debut this year, 15 years after his death. Print the contents written on the leaflet on the front. The photo used for this album jacket and the recorded songs are printed on the back. Uses a JERZEES 8oz body with medium-thick cotton polyester fleece. Available in gray only.

    COTTON50%, POLYESTER50%

    SIZE (cm)
    Small -
    Lenght: 71.1
    Width: 55.9
    Sleeve Length: 90.2


    Medium -
    Lenght: 73.7
    Width: 60.95
    Sleeve Length: 92.7

    * A small amount of powder is contained in the product bag so that the product and the bag do not stick to each other, but it is used to maintain the normal quality of the product.
    Especially for black products, the powder may be noticeable on creases and look like dirt, but please note that there is no problem with the product.
    If you are worried about it, wipe it off with a wet cloth and it will come off easily.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Welcome 2 Detroit – The 20th Anniversary Edition via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ... more

    Sold Out

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Think Twice 03:52
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The Clapper 02:06
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Come Get It 05:02
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Pause 02:45
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Give It Up 03:08
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One 01:31
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about

BBE Music announces a special 20th Anniversary edition of one of the most important records in the label’s history: J Dilla’s Welcome 2 Detroit, presented in a deluxe 7” vinyl box set boasting instrumentals, two brand new interpretations by Azymuth and Muro, a stash of previously unreleased alternative mixes and studio outtakes pressed over 12 discs, plus a book revealing the album’s hidden story, told by those who were there.

First issued by BBE Music on Monday 26th of February 2001, Welcome 2 Detroit was James Dewitt Yancey aka Jay Dee’s first solo outing and the debut appearance of his new ‘J Dilla’ moniker (bestowed on him by none other than Busta Rhymes). The album also inaugurated the producer-led Beat Generation album series, which would later spawn classic LPs by DJ Jazzy Jeff, Pete Rock, DJ Spinna, Marley Marl and even will.i.am, all of whom had been inspired to reach for new creative heights by hearing Dilla’s magnum opus.

Choosing to showcase his own voice and the voices of local rap-heroes from across the city instead of big stars, Welcome 2 Detroit marked a coming of age for the then 27 year-old producer, who fully embraced the creative-freedom offered by BBE for his first solo project. As Dilla tells it: “Peter (Adarkwah, founder of BBE) let me do whatever I wanted to do. So, I wanted to put people on there who are gonna spit y’know, lyrically and represent Detroit. Because I wouldn’t have been able to pull this album off if it came out under a major. Cos they’re not gonna let you just do a song or you can’t just do an instrumental. You gotta have this feature and you’re Jay Dee, why ain’t you got Erykah Badu? Why ain’t you got so and so on your album? I’d have had to go through all of that, instead of just putting out…y’know, Beej on this joint!”

The album would prove to be the perfect distillation of Dilla’s Detroit. From Kraftwerk- inspired Tech Noir that would make Metroplex proud, through subtle echoes from Africa, live jazz-funk and bossa-nova grooves, to tough Midwest boom-bap, this record somehow showed reverence to the city’s past without ever leaving its present. Grimy street flows that somehow swayed like James Brown. Unquantized marvels, so free and alive in their bounce, that they could seduce the hardest of hard-rocks into the sweetest screwface! Diverse, multifaceted, super collaborative and yet somehow singular, Welcome 2 Detroit was the shy and humble James Yancey revealing his true self in the only way he knew how: through his music.

“The numerous guest appearances from some of the city’s best MCs at the time — Beej, Big Tone, Elzhi, Frank N Dank, Phat Kat — added to the album’s immersive experience, offering listeners a taste of Detroit in a way that only Jay Dee could do.” – Okayplayer

To mark the 20th Anniversary of this momentous record, BBE Music is issuing a specially remastered edition of Welcome 2 Detroit, featuring a stunning new remix of ‘Think Twice’ by Japanese DJ/producer Muro and a stellar cover version of ‘Rico Suave Bossa Nova’ by legendary Brazilian jazz-funk juggernauts Azymuth, plus a stash of newly discovered alternate versions and work-in-progress recordings from the album sessions, lovingly reproduced from priceless cassette tapes recorded by J Dilla himself. An accompanying book by British writer and filmmaker John Vanderpuije offers an oral history of the album’s making, as told by Amp Fiddler, Ma Dukes and all of the album’s key musical contributors. The deluxe 7” vinyl box set and digital album will be released on February 5th 2021 during the annual #DillaMonth celebration, as close to the great man’s birthday as possible and will be available to pre-order from the BBE website and Bandcamp from November 3rd 2020.

credits

released February 5, 2021

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all rights reserved

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