Welcome 2 Detroit
Welcome 2 Detroit is the debut studio album by American hip hop recording artist J Dilla, released on February 26, 2001. The album followed his group Slum Village's critically acclaimed "Fantastic, Vol. 2", and kicked off BBE's "Beat Generation" series (producer-driven albums). "Welcome 2 Detroit" bears the name "Jay Dee" as well as "J Dilla", and marks the first time Dilla (who until that point was still known as Jay Dee) officially used the name J Dilla. Overview. "Welcome 2 Detroit" is a showcase of the talent from J Dilla's hometown, introducing a  pre-Slum Village Elzhi on the song "Come Get It", and making room for his longtime 1st Down partner Phat Kat on the appropriately titled "Featuring Phat Kat". The album sound ranges from grimy hardcore hip hop ("Pause") to electronic psychedelia ("B.B.E."). The track "Rico Suave Bossa Nova" is inspired by Brazilian music group Azymuth. As Dilla mentions in the extensive liner notes: J Dilla covers Donald Byrd's "Think Twice", singing the lead vocals. On "African Rhythms", J Dilla covers the Afro beat group Plunky & the Oneness of Juju's song of the same name, replaying all the instruments  as well as mimicking the spoken introduction. On the albums outro "One", J Dilla takes a moment to thank all who have helped him in the hip-hop industry, including Slum Village, Q-Tip and De La Soul. The Pop band 'N Sync is also mentioned. An instrumental version of the album was released on August 23, 2005. Track listing. "All tracks produced by J Dilla except "The Clapper" which is produced by Karriem Riggins and co-produced by J Dilla." Welcome 2 Detroit - The 20th Anniversary Edition This edition was released on February 5, 2021 on the BBE label , containing the original 16 tracks, with instrumentals, bonus mixes, beats and alternate takes.