J Dilla reinvented the remix. Since remixing’s inception with Jamaican dub reggae pioneers in the 1960s and razor blade-wielding tape-editing disco producers like Tom Moulton in the 1970s, it has been a vital part of many producers' toolkits and a way to get their names in circulation. Like the forebearers that influenced him — Pete Rock, Marley Marl and Kurtis Mantronik — Detroit-born producer J Dilla was as gifted at remixing and reimagining existing songs as he was at crafting his own original productions. During his early years in the music business, Dilla worked under Q-Tip’s mentorship, producing and remixing tracks as part of the Ummah production collective.

During this early run of productions, Dilla laced many established artists with his characteristically soulful and funky beats. Today, nearly two decades after his tragic and untimely passing, these remixes for hire have gone on to become some of Dilla’s music beloved and influential productions. Here are a handful of essential remixes created by one of hip-hop’s most beloved musical minds.

GET THE FULL STORY AT OKAYPLAYER