Koko

 

João Canziani. This picture was taken in Los Angeles behind the Henry Fonda Theater, April 2004, just moments prior to Madlib and J Dilla's first live performance together as Jaylib.

 

J Dilla and Madlib had never been photographed together or appeared as a group in public. In the years that followed, this changed drastically - after Dilla's move to Los Angeles, the two worked together, communicated through hip-hop beat tapes, and toured together as JAYLIB. Madlib's profile rose with his MF DOOM-collab Madvillain. J Dilla, though dealing with a serious illness, continued crafting material for artists such as Common and Busta Rhymes while working on a wealth of solo material. Dilla's final albums - Donuts and The Shining - along with the re-issue of Ruff Draft have introduced his name and music to countless new fans while publications from The Source to Rolling Stone paid respect to his career.