Like No Other Out There... {4 ½ Stars}
Norfeest | Washington DC USA | 10/23/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I mean, really, there isn't much to be said about instrumental albums. If you dig a certain producer and their style of production, then chances are good that you won't be let down by their instrumental releases. I think we all know that Dilla doesn't make wack beats. With that being said, you can rest assured that Jay Love Japan is another dope, albeit short, release from one of the best producers hip hop has ever seen. The guest appearances are few (Ta'Raach, Exile, Baatin, & The Ruckazoid) so, for the most part, you're allowed to vibe to great beats.
As with a lot of the recent Jay Dee releases, my first beef is how short the album is. The 9 tracks clock in at a paltry 20 minutes. There aren't too many passable tracks. I think "First Time" is the only track I skip with any regularity. What's left of the rest of this EP is pretty good.
Jay Love Japan is a good release, it's just incredibly short. It's hard to really get into some of the songs due to the brevity of the album, but the little that is here is still incredibly dope. Few producers could make beats like Dilla made beats and that's what makes a lot of his albums must haves. This one is no different. I recommend adding it to your collection.
Standout Tracks: Believe In God, Oh Oh, Say It feat. Ta'Raach, Say It [Instrumental] (my favorite), and In These Streets"
Jay love Japan and We love Jay
K. Miller | oklahoma, city | 11/25/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Im a REALLY BIG J DILLA FAN and it took about a week to finally get my hands on this album. I hate bootleggers... This is may be short but it is worth every penny. Its classic Dilla at his best, but when is he not. Listen to this album you can only miss THE GREATEST PRODUCER EVER.. There isnt a bad track on the album. When your listening to the album he takes you into the studio with him. Or to Japan.. wont disappoint. But when has Dilla ever done that... NEVER.."
The last major Dilla release we're gonna see
J. D. Trevathan | Knoxville, TN | 01/19/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I admit my first Dilla purchase was Donuts, followed by The Shining, Ruff Draft and now Jay Love Japan. Like those other albums, this one's short, actually too short. One thing I don't understand is why do we get the instrumental version of Say It but not for First Time? Ta'Raach and Exile can spit, but Baatin...I haven't been a fan of his dating back to the Slum Village days.
I'm not feeling In the Streets much, but all the others are worth a listen. The last three tracks, Believe in God, Can't You See and Say It are three of the best tracks Dilla's every done. After this, time to let Dilla go and make way for the new guys like Black Milk coming up. RIP forever."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1