The Shining

“The Shining” is the third studio album by American hip hop producer and rapper J Dilla, released posthumously on 22 August 2006, through BBE Records. J Dilla passed away on 10 February 2006, leaving the album incomplete, and it was posthumously completed by producer Karriem Riggins. The album marked J Dilla’s first full-length solo release with newly recorded vocals since “Welcome 2 Detroit” five years earlier.

Initially known under working titles like “Welcome 2 LA,” the album was anticipated for release in February 2006. However, it was only 75% complete at the time of J Dilla’s passing. Karriem Riggins, entrusted by J Dilla and his mother, was responsible for completing and handling the record. Riggins expressed the intention to release more of J Dilla’s music in the future, emphasising that “all of his music needs to be heard.”

“The Shining” features vocal versions of previously heard material, including tracks like “So Far to Go,” which originated from the “Donuts” album and was intended as a remix to Common’s “Go!” The album includes collaborations with past collaborators like Common, Busta Rhymes, D’Angelo, Madlib, and Black Thought.

The closing track, “Won’t Do,” features J Dilla rhyming solo, while he collaborates with Madlib and Guilty Simpson on “Baby” and provides the chorus for “E=Mc2.” “Won’t Do” was released as a single along with a video featuring appearances by various artists, including Common, Slum Village, will.i.am, and Talib Kweli.

A leaked promo single called “Love,” featuring Pharoahe Monch, surfaced on the internet shortly after J Dilla’s death, leading to the album’s retail release being accelerated and scheduled for April 2006. An instrumental version of the album followed its release.

“The Shining” received positive reviews and debuted at #103 on the Billboard charts in its first week. J Dilla’s experimental approach to music production, including his “behind-the-beat” style and exploration of tonality, has influenced contemporary musicians and continues to impact modern electronic and pop music. The album showcased J Dilla’s broad talents and experimental nature, solidifying its status as one of his final and most significant works.