IFLTS: 'F*** the Police,' J Dilla

'F*** the Police,' J Dilla
A single from 2001

First things first: This is NOT a cover of the infamous N.W.A. tune. Now, on with it.

I'm well aware that this song choice might prompt a few eye rolls, be that it's coming from a white, 20-year-old NYU student. My experiences are nothing like Dilla's. Running from the police after a kegger isn't exactly a war story. But that's irrelevant. Dilla gives each of us permission to relate with the these words: "It's for you."

Dilla's flow atop a grimey beat is clever at best: "Now tell me/Who protects me from you?/I got people who buy techs/And weed from you." Two short quips and he's already hand-to-throat with those that serve and protect. But it's Dilla's attention to detail that best testifies his raw talent. For example, listen for the barely-audible guitar repeating the same 16th note over the verses. Subtle but profound.

Coming from a man who's best known for his neo-soul tracks, it's interesting to hear J Dilla let loose with a ferocious, socially conscious song. In the grand scheme, it makes a hard knock like 50 Cent come off more like PG-friendly Will Smith. Any "offended people"? Dilla's got a lyric just for you.

What song do you freakin' love? Write our next IFLTS. Send it to us at spinnereditor@aim.com