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Karriem Riggins' Mini-Doc 'Behind the Sleeves' Showcases His Work With J Dilla, Common and More

Karriem Riggins' Mini-Doc 'Behind the Sleeves' Showcases His Work With J Dilla, Common and More

Published Thu, February 16, 2023 at 5:33 PM EST

Acclaimed producer/drummer Karriem Riggins' mini-doc Behind the Sleeves just dropped today (Feb. 16), and shines a light on his illustrious career, including his work with heavyweights like Common, J Dilla, Madlib, Erykah Badu, Kaytranada, and more.

Riggins has quietly been behind some of the best Hip-Hop records produced. A longtime band leader for Common, Riggins worked on Dilla's acclaimed projects Welcome to Detroit and The Shining. He's also worked with Madlib in the Supreme Team and the jazz group Jahari Massamba Unit. The documentary takes a peek into the stories behind four records — from finishing The Shining at Dilla's request to working with Common, Madlib, and Steve Lacy.

“In my heart, I don’t think he knew that he wasn’t going to be here when we were working on [the project],” Riggins told Billboard about his work with Dilla, who he initially met through Common. “It was big shoes to fill and huge decisions to make when J left me the message [about finishing the album]. But it was a no-brainer because he’s one of my favorite people. I consider him a brother.”

Additionally, Riggins is celebrating the release of the new Native Instruments' Play Series collaboration 'Karriem Riggins Drums' which offers "an abundance of kits and groove patterns created by Karriem himself in hopes of providing a starting point for those interested in better understanding and utilizing his techniques." The instrument pack was recorded at Sunset Sounds' Studio 3, where Prince lived and recorded.

Check out the mini-doc below.

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