I really love donuts.

Crullers, jelly-filled, long johns, cake, yeast, etc. I love ’em all.

I also have a weak spot for hip-hop, but usually the underground stuff (Madlib, J. Dilla, etc.). I find most mainstream Hip-hop to be little more than a bunch of muck that I’d rather not support. What is the connection between hip-hop and donuts? I will explain.

Recently, I have been listening to the album “Donuts” by the afore mentioned J. Dilla. It’s a really amazing collection of 1-2 minutes songs and interludes that found a home in my iPod. When we were members of Emusic a while back I downloaded the album. I had heard that J. Dilla was pretty good but had never really listened to any of his music. Then, after he died last year of lupus and his albums were momentarily in the spotlight (a sad commentary on how we treat good artists), Nichole found “Donuts” and was nice enough to download it for me from the service.

Dilla was considered by many to be one of the best producers in hip-hop. A generally shy person, J. Dilla grew up in Detroit and stayed clean when those around him were not. “Donuts” was released on his 32nd birthday, just three days before J. Dilla died of complications due to Lupus and a rare blood disorder, in February of 2006. He died in his mother’s arms. It’s a sad ending, someone taken at such a young age. If interested, you can help support the family of J. Dilla by purchasing a shirt from http://www.stonesthrow.com/news/dilla-ts/index.html.

I can say without reservation that I haven’t enjoyed an album of this style as much since “Madvillainy” back in 2004 and before that maybe The Beastie Boys “Ill Communication” from 1994. If you like good, mostly instrumental compositions with expert sampling, I highly recommend “Donuts”–you won’t be disappointed you tried these confections.

And the best thing? These might be the only donuts that won’t go straight to your waist line.