D’Angelo – “Me And Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine”

As it’s heard on Brown Sugar, D’Angelo’s “Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine” is on some lounge-y, cool-out vibes. And if you have seen its video, you’ll understand why the track carries that feeling so heavily. But on Dilla’s remix, things get a whole lot more hypnotic and head-noddin’. His version is littered with his trademark sounds, from the neck-snapping snare and kicks to the warming Rhodes keys.

Common – “The Light” F. Erykah Badu

While the original sported a crisp Bobby Caldwell sample, Jay Dee decided to take things down a notch instrumentally, and kick things into high gear with original vocals from the one and only Erykah Badu. The chemistry between these three artists are pretty undeniable, made during the height of the Soulquarians movement. Questlove and James Poyser had a hand in this particular mix, too.

De La Soul – “Stakes Is High”

Here is another song where J Dilla produced both the original, and the remix. It appears he wasn’t happy enough with the original 1996 take on “Stakes Is High”, or perhaps he just wanted to show off a different angle. Either way, we are more than happy we were blessed with both versions. Especially one that sports a verse from the Mighty Mos Def.

DJ Cam – “Love Junkee”

J Dilla’s remix of French trip-hop producer DJ Cam’s “Love Junkee” is a minimalist slice at what was originally a thoroughly layered piece of music. Adding in the bumping drums we’ve come to love from Jay Dee, he made this Euro-influenced jam something far more hip-hop and bass heavy. Not to mention that West Coast-induced synthesizer that squirms around in the background.