J Dilla’s solo debut album Welcome 2 Detroit is being reissued in an expansive new box set.
Originally released in February 2001, Welcome 2 Detroit saw James Yancey stepping out with his J Dilla alias for the first time on record, following production credits on tracks by the likes of Common and De La Soul. Focusing on his native Detroit, the album features guest contributions from a number of rappers from the city, including Beej, Big Tone, Elzhi, Frank N Dank and Phat Kat.
The 20th anniversary reissue, which arrives via BBE, will be spread across 12×7", and will also be made available in digital formats. It includes the original album in remastered form, a remix of album track ‘Think Twice’ by Japanese digger DJ Muro, a Dilla cover of Azymuth and alternate and demo versions of various Welcome 2 Detroit tracks.
The vinyl edition will also come with a book by John Vanderpuiji featuring an oral history of the making of the album, pulled together from interviews with Amp Fiddler, Ma Dukes and a number of artists and figures who contributed to the album.
BBE will release Welcome 2 Detroit – The 20th Anniversary Edition on February 5, 2021.
