"Simple" that's the only way to describe "Dilla Plugged In", the first taste of De La Soul's upcoming Smell the D.A.I.S.Y. mixtape, which will feature the hip-hop icons tackling J Dilla beats. That adjective could be appended to every single part of this offering. There's the bare-bones cover, recalling the trio's 3 Feet High and Rising which turned 25 last month. A reconfigured Dilla beat from the Old Donuts collection, epoxied by piano chords and impossibly on-point drumming. Even the group's rapping deserves the term; so laid-back that Pos' doesn't seem to mind repeating his lead-off verse in the mission-defining "Plug Tunin'".
But minimalism can be absolutely marvelous and "Dilla Plugged In" is a perfect example. Give the aforementioned drumbeat a round or two and you'll be nodding along in unison. Dilla's drums have long been praised and in an effort like this, you begin to understand what all the hubbub is about. Even Posdnuos can't keep from commenting, "Drums are heard sounding off each and every person" he giddily rattles off. Those piano chords are imbued with similar warmth, ringing out without clanging. And then there's the "Plugs" heralding the D.A.I.S.Y. Age like 1989 never left. "Musical notes will send a new motto," Trugoy promises without a hint of the disaffection that marked De La Soul is Dead. More than just "capturing the essence of Dilla" De La reclaims an entire era. Not bad for something so "simple."
Smell the D.A.I.S.Y. is coming soon, along with a new album entitled You're Welcome and Premium Soul on the Rocks, which will be produced entirely by DJ Premier and Pete Rock.
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