BY MEKA • December 1, 2018
After releasing his R&B-tinged album Home in 2017, Illa J is now paying homage to his new digs with its follow-up.
The younger brother of J Dilla would like to introduce you to John Yancey. Entirely produced by LA producer Calvin Valentine (who helmed Home), the album takes inspiration from Illa’s move to California and will touch upon romantic relationships while still mourning over the death of his brother J. Dilla. “It makes sense that it ended up being called John Yancey because for so long in my career I felt like I was tryna be me and my brother, and I’m finally at peace, like I’m not J Dilla’s younger brother Illa J, I’m James’s younger brother John,” Illa says.
A 12-track effort led by the singles “Tokyo” and “Enjoy The Ride,” the project can be heard below.
Tags:
Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more
J Boog
Tuesday, June 16 @ UC Theater, Berkeley
DaBoyDame w/ Keyshia Cole, Plies +more
Friday, June 19 @ Fox Theater, Oakland
Buju Banton & Stephen Marley
Saturday, June 20 @ Fox Theater, Oakland
Kev Choice Ensemble
Friday, June 26 @ Yoshi's, Oakland
Khalid
Friday, June 26 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley
Thee Sacred Souls
Saturday, Aug 15 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley
Jungle
Wednesday, Oct 7 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley
© 2026 Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.
Powered by