Yancey Boys

Yancey Boys
Studio album by Illa J
Released November 4, 2008 (2008-11-04)
Recorded 1995–98 (Beats, Instrumental Production)
2008 (Vocals, Scratches, Additional Bass, Mixing) at Yancey Boys Studio (Los Angeles, California)
Genre Hip hop, R&B, soul
Label Delicious Vinyl
Producer Michael "Mike Floss" Ross (also exec.), Stacey Kim (co-exec.), Jay Dee, Illa J
Illa J chronology
Yancey Boys
(2008)		 4 Past Midnite
(2010)
Singles from Yancey Boys
  1. "We Here"
    Released: August 26, 2008[1]
  2. "Sounds Like Love"
    Released: May 26, 2009[2]

Yancey Boys is the debut studio album by Detroit-based rapper/singer Illa J, featuring production from his late brother Jay Dee, also known as J Dilla. The album was released on November 4, 2008 under Delicious Vinyl.[3] The beats were created from 1995 to 1998 during Jay Dee's tenure with Delicious Vinyl.[4] The album's release was supported by two singles – "We Here" and "Sounds Like Love" featuring Debi Nova. Recording sessions for the album took place at Yancey Boys Studio in Los Angeles in 2008.[5] Stones Throw Records released a digital instrumental version of the album in 2009.[4]

Background

The album's title is a tribute to the family name, and also because the album overall was produced by instrumentals composed and/or sampled by the older brother, while the vocals where provided by the younger brother. In the wake of Dilla's death, the unused tracks were given to Illa J by Delicious Vinyl's founder, Michael "Mike Floss" Ross.[3] "From '95 through '98 Jay Dee was my go-to guy for hot beats and remixes. He was always making beats, always. So there was a select amount of tracks that he composed for me during that time, only they never got used. When I finally met Illa J [in 2007], I gave him a CD containing those unreleased beats," said Michael Ross.[5]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[6]
HipHopDX[7]
KevinNottingham.com(75/100)[8]
Pitchfork Media(6.3/10)[9]
PopMatters[10]
Sonink Music[11]
SXSW Music[12]
XLR8R(7/10)[13]

Upon its release, Yancey Boys was met with generally favorable reviews from music critics. AllMusic's David Jeffries gave the album three out of five stars, saying: "To his credit, his heavy workload includes putting the finishing touches on these lost tracks and figuring out how to pay tribute to his older brother while pimping his own potential. His solution is so understated and mellow that Yancey Boys ends up an interesting release for the Dilla faithful instead of Illa J's grand entrance."[6] Adam Thomas of HipHopDX also gave the album a three out of five, saying: "Yancey Boys is no classic. However, it's an enjoyable ride that is filled with some great J Dilla production. Illa isn't the most talented, but he does show glimpses of potential in and around the album, which was truly been billed more around his brother than him from the start. The only problem is that in the future, he won't have his older brother to have his back in times of musical trouble. Even so, it's an earnest and sincere attempt from Illa to pay respect to his brother through one of the things that connected them, and in these times, that should mean enough."[7]

Pitchfork Media reviewer Tom Breihan gave the album 6.3 out of ten, saying: "Thanks to his brother's beyond-the-grave contributions, he himself is the most disposable part of his own debut album. Luckily for him, it probably won't be too hard to find another hour's worth of unused Dilla tracks when it comes time to record the follow-up."[9] Dave Heaton of PopMatters gave the album a seven out of ten, saying: "Dilla's music has that elemental quality, like it's air or water, a manifestation of nature. That's true whether it's an instrumental project like Donuts or a supporting track for a rapper. Illa J seems to understand that about Dilla's music. He keeps Yancey Boys in that same natural/mystical space, carrying on his brother's spirit while making a strong, if not explosive, mark as his own artist."[10] XLR8R's Eric K. Arnold gave the album a seven out of ten, saying: "Yancey Boys isn't overly inundated with features, making it a true family affair as well as a delight for head-nodders."[13] KevinNottingham.com gave the album a 75 out of 100, saying: "Whether it was on purpose or not, Illa J's presence takes the backseat on this album, and Dilla's legacy of work shines through. The periodic off-beat bars and the mediocre rhymes proves that Illa J is far from a polished lyricist, however, Illa understands how to compliment Dilla's work in such a way that it highlights every beat, break and soulfulness within the production. Whether Yancey Boys purpose is to engage the listener to the sounds of neo-soul or to highlight J Dilla's endless talent, this release is an effortless listen, and ultimately an album worth giving a chance."[8]

Track listing

All tracks are produced by Illa J and Mike Floss.[14] All tracks feature Instruments produced and/or sampled by Jay Dee (aka J Dilla) except for additional instrumental performances by musicians (in personnel section) and the track "Mr. Shakes" which is a skit performed by Affion Crockett.[15]

No. TitleWriter(s) Length
1. "Timeless" (Uses a Replayed Piano Sample from "Healing Force" (performed) by Don Pullen[16])John Yancey, James Yancey
Uncredited: Composed by Don Pullen[17]		 3:14
2. "We Here" (Samples "Trans-Europe Express" by Kraftwerk[18] and "Silhouette" by L.A. Express[19])John Yancey, James Yancey
Uncredited: Music Composed by Emil Schult, Ralf Hutter[20]& Victor Feldman[21]		 4:10
3. "R U Listening?" (featuring Guilty Simpson)
(Uses Vocal Samples from "Much More" by De La Soul with Yummy Bingham[22])		John Yancey, James Yancey, Byron "Guilty" Simpson
Uncredited: Lyrics Written by De La Soul & James Yancey[23]		 4:18
4. "Alien Family" (Voices performed by Frank Nitt)James Yancey, Frank "Nitt" Bush 2:17
5. "Strugglin'"  John Yancey, James Yancey 3:23
6. "Showtime"  John Yancey, James Yancey 3:45
7. "Swagger" (Instrumental track recorded in 1997[24])John Yancey, James Yancey 3:33
8. "Mr. Shakes" (Voices performed by Affion Crockett)
(Uses a Piano Sample from "Für Elise" composed by Beethoven[25])		Affion Crockett 0:44
9. "DFTF" (featuring Affion Crockett)
(Samples "The Colorado Trail" (performed) by Dave Grusin[26] & "You're Gettin' a Little Too Smart" by The Detroit Emeralds)[27]
(Also uses a Vocal Sample from "Passin' Me By" by The Pharcyde[28])		John Yancey, James Yancey, A. Crockett
Uncredited: Music Arranged by Dave Grusin[29] & Music Composed by Abrim Tilmon[30]
Also Uncredited: Lyrics Written by Derrick Stewart, Emandu Wilcox, John Martinez, Tre Hardson & Romye Robinson[31]		 4:25
10. "All Good" (Samples "The Look of Love" by Ray "Funky Trumpet" Davies[32])John Yancey, James Yancey 3:05
11. "Sounds Like Love" (featuring Debi Nova)
(Samples "See You Later" by Flip Nunez[33])		John Yancey, James Yancey, Deborah "Debi Nova" Kader
Uncredited: Music Composed by Joseph "Flip" Nunez[34]		 3:25
12. "Everytime" (Samples "Is This What Feeling Gets?" by Diana Ross[35])John Yancey, James Yancey
Uncredited: Music Composed by Quincy Jones, Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson[36]		 4:32
13. "Illasoul"  John Yancey, James Yancey 3:47
14. "Air Signs"  John Yancey, James Yancey 3:25

Personnel

Credits for Yancey Boys adapted from Allmusic[37] and from the album liner notes.[38]

Musical personnel
Additional personnel

References

  1. ↑ "iTunes - Music - "We Here" by Illa J". iTunes. 26 Aug 2008. Retrieved 7 Nov 2013.
  2. ↑ "iTunes - Music - "Sounds Like Love" - EP by Illa J & Debi Nova". iTunes. 26 May 2009. Retrieved 7 Nov 2013.
  3. 1 2 "iTunes - Music - Yancey Boys by Illa J.htm". iTunes. 4 Nov 2008. Retrieved 7 Nov 2013.
  4. 1 2 "J Dilla | Yancey Boys Instrumentals | Stones Throw Records". Stones Throw. Retrieved 8 Nov 2013.
  5. 1 2 Paine, Jake. "Illa J To Release Album Produced By Brother J Dilla". HipHop DX. Retrieved 11 Nov 2013.
  6. 1 2 Jeffries, David. "Yancey Boys - Illa J | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 8 Nov 2013.
  7. 1 2 Thomas, Adam (4 Nov 2008). "Illa J - Yancey Boys | Read Hip Hop Reviews, Rap Reviews & Hip Hop Album Reviews". HipHopDX. Retrieved 8 Nov 2013.
  8. 1 2 eA (4 Dec 2008). "Illa J: Yancey Boys | The Underground Hip Hop Authority | Hip Hop Music, Videos & Reviews | KevinNottingham.com". KevinNottingham.com. Retrieved 8 Nov 2013.
  9. 1 2 Breihan, Tom (18 Nov 2008). "Illa J: Yancey Boys | Album Reviews | Pitchfork". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved 8 Nov 2013.
  10. 1 2 Heaton, Dave (18 Feb 2009). "Illa J: Yancey Boys | PopMatters". PopMatters. Retrieved 8 Nov 2013.
  11. ↑ "Sonink Music | Review of Yancey Boys by Illa J". Sonink Music. 29 Oct 2009. Retrieved 8 Nove 2013. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  12. ↑ Fawcett, Thomas (19 Mar 2010). "SXSW Music - Review Illa J - Music - The Austin Chronicle". AustinChronicle.com. Retrieved 8 Nov 2013.
  13. 1 2 Arnold, Eric K. (11 Nov 2008). "Yancey Boys | XLR8R". XLR8R. Retrieved 8 Nov 2013.
  14. ↑ Illa J. "Yancey Boys" (LP, Album). Discogs.com. Delicious Vinyl. 2008. https://www.discogs.com/Illa-J-Yancey-Boys/release/1565405
  15. ↑ Illa J. "Yancey Boys (Instrumentals)" (CD, Album). Discogs.com. Delicious Vinyl. 2008. https://www.discogs.com/Illa-J-Yancey-Boys-Instrumentals/release/1720487
  16. ↑ "Timeless" Sample of "Healing Force". WhoSampled.com. http://www.whosampled.com/sample/421614/Illa-J-Timeless-Don-Pullen-Healing-Force/
  17. ↑ Pullen, Don. "Healing Force". Discogs.com. Black Saint. 1976. https://www.discogs.com/Don-Pullen-Healing-Force/release/933752
  18. ↑ "We Here" Sample of "Trans-Europe Express". WhoSampled.com. http://www.whosampled.com/sample/191361/Illa-J-We-Here-Kraftwerk-Trans-Europe-Express/
  19. ↑ "We Here" Sample of "Silhouette". WhoSampled.com. http://www.whosampled.com/sample/149157/Illa-J-We-Here-The-L.A.-Express-Silhouette/
  20. ↑ Kraftwerk. "Trans-Europe Express". Discogs.com. Kling Klang. 1977. https://www.discogs.com/Kraftwerk-Trans-Europa-Express/release/75547
  21. ↑ L.A. Express. "Shadow Play". Discogs.com. Wounded Bird. 1976, 2008. https://www.discogs.com/LA-Express-Shadow-Play/release/7753379
  22. ↑ "R U Listenin'" Sample of "Much More". WhoSampled.com. http://www.whosampled.com/sample/40281/Illa-J-Guilty-Simpson-R-U-Listenin%27-De-La-Soul-Yummy-Bingham-Much-More/
  23. ↑ De La Soul. "The Grind Date". Discogs.com. BMG. 2004. https://www.discogs.com/De-La-Soul-The-Grind-Date/release/3370683
  24. ↑ "Swagger" Sample of "Track 3 (1997 Batch)". WhoSampled.com. http://www.whosampled.com/sample/436843/Illa-J-Swagger-J-Dilla-Track-3-(1997-Batch)/
  25. ↑ "Mr. Shakes (Skit)" Sample of "Fur Elise". WhoSampled.com. http://www.whosampled.com/sample/88764/Illa-J-Mr.-Shakes-(Skit)-Ludwig-Van-Beethoven-Für-Elise/
  26. ↑ "DFTF" Sample of "The Colorado Trail". WhoSampled.com. http://www.whosampled.com/sample/33714/Illa-J-DFTF-Dave-Grusin-The-Colorado-Trail/
  27. ↑ "DFTF" Sample of "You're Getting a Little Too Smart". WhoSampled.com. http://www.whosampled.com/sample/153116/Illa-J-DFTF-Detroit-Emeralds-You%27re-Getting-a-Little-Too-Smart/
  28. ↑ "DFTF" Sample of "Passin' Me By". WhoSampled.com. http://www.whosampled.com/sample/162890/Illa-J-DFTF-The-Pharcyde-Passin%27-Me-By/
  29. ↑ Grusin, Dave. "Discovered Again". Discogs.com. Sheffield Lab. 1976. https://www.discogs.com/Dave-Grusin-Discovered-Again/release/1052741
  30. ↑ Detroit Emeralds. "I'm In Love With You". Discogs.com. Westbound Records. 1973. https://www.discogs.com/Detroit-Emeralds-Im-In-Love-With-You/release/4643157
  31. ↑ The Pharcyde. "Bizarre Ride 2 The Pharcyde". Discogs.com. Delicious Vinyl. 1992. https://www.discogs.com/The-Pharcyde-Bizarre-Ride-II-The-Pharcyde/release/94804
  32. ↑ "All Good" Sample of "Look of Love". WhoSampled.com. http://www.whosampled.com/sample/324413/Illa-J-All-Good-Ray-%27Funky-Trumpet%27-Davies-Look-of-Love/
  33. ↑ "Sounds Like Love" Sample of "See You Later". WhoSampled.com. http://www.whosampled.com/sample/126977/Illa-J-Debi-Nova-Sounds-Like-Love-Flip-Nunez-See-You-Later/
  34. ↑ Nunez, Flip. "My Own Time and Space". Discogs.com. The 3rd Catalyst Records. 1976. https://www.discogs.com/Flip-Nuñez-My-Own-Time-And-Space/release/2649131
  35. ↑ "Everytime" Sample of "Is This What Feeling Gets?" WhoSampled.com. http://www.whosampled.com/sample/130503/Illa-J-Everytime-Diana-Ross-Is-This-What-Feeling-Gets%3F-(Dorothy%27s-Theme)/
  36. ↑ "Is This What Feeling Gets (Dorothy's Theme)". Allmusic.com. http://www.allmusic.com/song/is-this-what-feeling-gets-dorothys-theme-mt0012326391
  37. ↑ "Yancey Boys - Illa J | Credits | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 8 Nov 2013.
  38. ↑ Yancey Boys (Media notes). Illa J. Delicious Vinyl. 2008.
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