More hidden heat from Dilla! You may have heard the two cuts featured here before, but they've never seen official release until now. They were both part of the shelved album, The Diary. Long before Dilla's posthumous release, The Shining, he titled these tracks "The Shining Pt. 1" and "The Shining Pt. 2." They feature verses from Dilla, but production from outside. "Diamonds (The Shining Pt. 1)" was produced by Nottz on some classic boom-bap style. It finds Dilla playing off the chorus with his verses, ruminating over jewels and girls with ease. On the flip is the Madlib produced "Ice (The Shining Pt. 2)" which seems to be a sign of what was to come from Dilla. We're treated to one more Madlib instrumental with "The D." It's a cut Dilla secured for The Diary, but never finished.

• music label: Pay Jay Productions 2013

reviewed by Kool Moby 09/2013