J Dilla, Nas, Madlib Team Up on "The Sickness": Listen

On April 15, Nas‘ label Mass Appeal Records and J Dilla‘s PayJay imprint will release The Diary, a Dilla vocal album made at the turn of the millennium. We’ve already heard “The Introduction” and “Gangsta Boogie” (with Snoop Dogg and Kokane), and at SXSW, Nas previewed “The Sickness,” which features him and Dilla rapping over a Madlib beat. Today, Mass Appeal Records has shared the song. Hear it above. Update (4:48 p.m.): Nas has shared a statement about J Dilla. Read it below.

“The Sickness” was recorded by Dilla in 2001; Nas added his verse in 2016. The track will be included with The Diary as an iTunes exclusive bonus track.

Constructed over the past decade from mixes and masters culled from J Dilla’s personal archive, The Diary features rapping from Dilla, Snoop Dogg, Kenny Wray, Bilal, Frank and Dank, Boogie, Kokane, and Nottz. The production was handled by Dilla, Madlib, Pete Rock, Supa Dave West, Hi-tek, Nottz, House Shoes, and Bink!, among others.

Nas:

May J Dilla continue to Rest in Power in Hip Hop Heaven for eternity. Honored to play a part in his works and honored to be a part of this song. He shines down on us with while we get to enjoy his Diary Of J Dilla album. His word ring loud on this one. Salute to all those who collaborated on this piece. Salute to Detroit and his family.

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