The New York Times Presents: The Legacy of J Dilla is an intimate look into the life and career of one of Hip-Hop's most revered and private producers.
Featuring archival footage and photographs of his early Detroit upbringing, the documentary clocks in at just over an hour, and aired on both Hulu and FX. Primarily driven by an audio interview with Dilla conducted by Swedish DJ Mats Nileskär, the interview serves as narration throughout the piece.
DJ Jazzy Jeff, jazz musician Robert Glasper, Frank Nitt of Frank-N- Dank, Dilla's mother Ma Dukes and his brother and sister share stories of Jay Dee (born James Yancy) as a person and musician.
"He was always different even as a kid" childhood friend Frank Nitt said of Dilla. "In 7th grade when all the kids are carrying backpacks to school, he carried a briefcase."
His sister Martha Yancey described Dilla as a "nerd in a house full of nerds" who was a straight-A student. Influenced by his parents — his father was a musician and his mother was a singer — and early Hip-Hop by Whodini, Run-DMC and The Fat Boys, Dilla developed an interest in music early and started making "pause tapes" as his introduction to producing.