What separates the slap chop producers from
the beatmakers is a varied skillset, one that
grows over time. One skill that some contemporary
producers could benefit from is the ability to discern
whether one should manipulate a sample drastically
to fit their vision or tweak it here and there so as not
to disturb the magnetic appeal of it yet letting it fit
what they want to do. J Dilla was highly adept at this
skill and arguably no other beat illustrates this than
'Heroin Joint', a rare beat unearthed just after his
passing. It's short, but seems to expand with every
horn and muted organ note. It drips with soul, and
no wonder; Dilla sampled 'King Heroin', a powerful
spoken word piece by Soul Brother Number one, James
Brown. It doesn't take a careful ear to pinpoint the
sample but one is needed to fully appreciate how
magnetic and full this instrumental is courtesy of
Dilla.