The Jay Dee reissue train rolls on with this latest gem unearthed from the late beatsmith’s vaults. Ruff Draft, of course, is one of the classic Dilla releases. It finds J at once focussed and playful, crafting beats of minimal brilliance and making some daring production choices. The record also marks the moment Jay announced himself to the world as a deft MC - though he had stepped to the mic before, this record is cited as the moment when he became known as a rapper beyond his native Detroit - and paved the way for his all-conquering Madlib collaboration Champion Sound. This version includes some alternate takes which J held in high esteem, as well as instrumentals. It also comes with a booklet which contains previously-unseen photographs and an essay by prominent Dillaphile Ronnie Reese.