De, Dee, D

DeBarge, IN A SPECIAL WAY, GORDY. 1981. So of course this is the album from which Biggie's "One More Chance" was lifted. One of the dopest little loops of all time, if you ask me. And probably Puff too. But man, if you stop there, you're a fool. This peice of plastic packs a powerful punch. With uptempo riot-starters like "Baby Wontcha Come Quick" and "Be My Lady", as well as some of the more "sentivo" cuts of the early 80s (see "Time Will Reveal" and "Dream"), this is about as well-rounded a pop-funk-R&B record could get. Chock full of "good corniness" (see Prince's feathered hair and hoop rings circa his self-titled release) and absent of "bad corniness" (see DeBarge brother Chico's later works). Oh, and "Dream" rounds out the album, like Dennis Edwards, sparking some future east-west beef by laying the soundscape for 2Pac banger "I Ain't Mad At Cha". Classic. Classic. Classic.

Jay Dee, RUFF DRAFT EP, MUMMY. 2003. Mummy Records' second release EVAR, Ruff Draft EP was one of Dilla's crowning acheivements, if you ask me. Like, dude was kind of nice on the beats or whatever. But he really shined (shone?) on two particular cuts. Yes, I'm talking about the recently re-released and videoed "Nothing Like This" and my personal favorite "The $", on which he ripped your favorite emcee a new asshole. This is probably the single best example of Dilla as a superior emcee. If you're one of the naysayers who needs proof beyond the obvious that he was nice on the mic, check this track. Oh, and the EP also features "Make Em NV", "Crushin'", "Reckless Driving" and "Let's Take It Back". Some of his best works. Released on vinyl only.

The Dramatics, A DRAMATIC EXPERIENCE, STAX. 1973. So The Dramatics brought you such lackluster hits as "In The Rain" and "Watcha See Is Whatcha Get". Okay, I'm a fan too, but really, nothing is fucking with this record. I think this is their climax as a group. Stax let them wild out on this one and they went dark. It's still some soulful shit you'd expect from The Dramatics but with a weird twist. The crown jewel from the whole album? Remeber The Pharcyde's vocal sample on "Hey You"? Wink wink.