The New York Times presents this portrait of the brilliant and influential hip-hop artist and producer J Dilla (aka Jay Dee), who tragically passed away from a rare illness just days after his 32nd birthday, following the release of the absolute classic, “Donuts” (2006). Featuring exclusive material provided by his family, it delves into the musical mindset of a rhythm machine and sample virtuoso who, from his basement in Detroit, crafted unforgettable sounds and beats for artists like De La Soul, The Pharcyde, A Tribe Called Quest, and Busta Rhymes. As a soulful heart of the “neo-soul” collective, the Soulquarians, he also produced for The Roots, D’Angelo, and Q-Tip. All the while, J Dilla shied away from the media spotlight, generously gifting beats to the point where managing his legacy has become a legal battle.

Starring: J Dilla, Frank Nitt, Martha Yancey, John Yancey, Maureen Yancey, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Black Milk, Edwin Houghton, Phat Kat, Mike Ross, Raphael Saadiq, Robert Glasper, Jonathan Dworkin, Kelley Carter, House Shoes, Frank n Dank, Karriem Riggins, Lauren Herstik