Geneology Tree Report by Connor Smith

Connor Smith

1033085_2_2 — 2024-02-09 01:36:32 UTC

J Dilla

1033085_2_2 — 2024-02-09 01:36:47 UTC

J Dilla is important to me as an influence due to many various reasons. J Dilla is well renowned for his innovative and unique production style. I believe his approach to music production is unreplicated and great. J Dilla innovated the sample-based production, sourcing Soul, Funk and R&B songs and incorporating them into his music (Grant, 2023).

Herbie Hancock

1033085_2_2 — 2024-02-09 01:37:18 UTC

Herbie Hancock has influenced me through his approach and understanding of music composition. Through his use of electronic instruments he creates complex and beautiful compositions (Hancock, 2021). Hancock pioneered the use of synthesizers and electronic piano in the field of jazz, and has found success not only in music production, but movie scores and such too.

Pete Rock

1033085_2_2 — 2024-02-09 01:37:55 UTC

Often cited as one of J Dilla's major influences, Pete Rock is a legendary hip-hop producer known for his soulful and jazz-infused beats. J Dilla admired Pete Rock's production techniques, and the two share similarities in their approach to sampling and drum programming

A Tribe Called Quest

1033085_2_2 — 2024-02-09 01:38:13 UTC

J Dilla collaborated with A Tribe Called Quest on their album "Beats, Rhymes, and Life.". The group's jazz-influenced production and innovative use of samples had a profound impact on J Dilla's musical sensibilities. Having some of the first beats he professionally produced be for A Tribe Called Quest, the influence the group had upon J Dilla during his early career had changed his approach to music production

Roy Ayers

1033085_2_2 — 2024-02-09 01:38:44 UTC

J Dilla sampled extensively from jazz vibraphonist and soul/funk artist Roy Ayers. Ayers' smooth and vibey compositions found their way into many of J Dilla's tracks, contributing to the soulful and jazzy elements in his music.

Ayers produced and released his music during J Dilla's early introduction to music during the 80s and 90s. This early introduction and euphoric sound led J Dilla to use his tracks and vocals on many of his own (Ginell, R, 2024).

Miles Davis

1033085_2_2 — 2024-02-09 01:39:30 UTC

Davis' influence on Hancock's early career was immense, and their collaborations produced some groundbreaking albums like "Maiden Voyage" and "Speak Like a Child.". Hancock, having been found and spent formative years next to Miles Davis, owes the many Jazz albums to the likes of Davis as his early start in jazz was due to the invitation to join his Jazz Quintet, having Hancock spend his developmental early years under Davis's wing

Thelonious Monk

1033085_2_2 — 2024-02-09 01:39:48 UTC

Hancock has expressed admiration for Thelonious Monk's innovative and idiosyncratic approach to jazz piano. Monk's use of dissonance and unique phrasing left an impact on Hancock's own exploration of the instrument. Herbie, succeeding the likes of Monk, took influences from his traditional jazz style and approached them in a more modern sense (Blue Note, 2020).

Sly Stone

1033085_2_2 — 2024-02-09 01:40:02 UTC

Hancock's introduction into jazz-funk and the development of his Head Hunters band were influenced by the funk innovations of Sly Stone. The album "Head Hunters" is a prime example of Hancock's fusion of jazz and funk elements, seen throughout the entire collection. Hancock drew his jazz inspiration from any artists, but particularly Sly Stone, even devoting a track to Sly’s name. Hancock also stated in his band’s biography: “but he had never devoted himself to the groove as he did on Head Hunters. Drawing heavily from Sly Stone, Curtis Mayfield, and James Brown” (Hancock, 2021).