J Dilla is a name that is seemingly unavoidable these days wherever one reads any commentary about hip hop, soul or indeed music production in general. For an artist whose actual sales were relatively modest, the level of hype can seem completely out of proportion - especially when new releases continue to have his name linked to them over three years after his death in an apparent attempt to cash in on his cachet. Indeed, this is the second Dilla tribute to come our way in a matter of weeks. However, this beautiful release from producer Carlos Nino and multi-instrumentalist Miguel Atwood-Ferguson is in many ways the ultimate tribute to Jay Dee, as it follows in the footsteps of Robert Glasper in translating his work across the boundaries of musical genres.

In order to commemorate the third anniversary of the great man's death, the pair teamed up to produce this orchestral four-track album of Dilla tracks, ostensibly to raise money for Dilla's heirs, but also to celebrate the sheer genius of his work. And genius is what shines through here, as the 40-piece orchestra they assembled for these contemporary chamber music interpretations reveals the sheer emotion inherent in all of Dilla's greatest productions.

From the opening of A Tribe Called Quest's 'Find a Way', through versions of 'Antiquity' (originally recorded with Dwight Trible & the Life Force Trio) and the incredible 'Fall In Love' from his work with Slum Village to Common's 'Nag Champa' at the close, this record exudes the spirit of the man who created its music. More than any other producer in the history of hip hop, Dilla understood the wonderful marriage that can be made between melody and melancholy, and that sense of the bitter-sweet runs right across all four tracks. In no sense do the orchestral arrangements detract from the spirit of the music; in fact, in many ways they elevate it even higher.

There is a definite sense of loss evoked by this release. Whether it be the simple dedication on the sleeve, the hidden hand-written score inside, the major to minor changes on string and horn, the wrap-around photograph respectfully depicting Dilla's funeral party gathering to say farewell by his final resting place on the hillside of an LA cemetery or the heart-shaped cloud quietly sitting in the corner - everywhere you turn, this record tugs at the heart strings.

Unfortunately for those he left behind, I suspect this is anything but a commercial release. However, genius often lacks true recognition until time has provided greater perspective. If you have any interest whatsoever in understanding the essence of what makes Dilla so wildly lauded, buy this stunning record because it is ultimately a eulogy to genius. Listen and buy at Fat City