While everyone on the Internet continues to mythologize Dilla on his born day (and I can’t knock the impulse), it’s important to remember that he was a real human being — not some Yoda-like alien chopping up records through the force. This an extensive and pretty essential long interview with Dilla from 2003, conducted in the Netherlands by Y’ Skid and covering everything from his inspirations, how he made beats, the controversy over production in the Ummah, Madlib, and biters. Ten years later, there are still plenty. So watch these videos and remember him as a real person, not as an untouchable cloud of mist. I’m also posting this Yours Truly video of Karriem Riggins remembering his late friend, because he really was that good.

Karriem Riggins – J Dilla The Greatest from Yours Truly on Vimeo.