Dilla also used samples from prior collaborations—the repeated mantra “go” stems from the intro to B.R. Gunna’s 2004 LP, "Dirty District, Vol. 2", while the intro takes lyrics from Madlib and Dilla’s “No Games.”
Interestingly, the vocal samples are equipped with audio feedback—an error that Dilla actively made. In a 2001 interview with Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide on BBC Radio 1, he spoke on adding errors to his music:
"I used to listen to records and actually, I wouldn’t say look for mistakes, but when I heard mistakes in records it was exciting for me. […] I try to do that in my music a little bit, try to have that live feel a little bit to it."
Dilla Says Go
J Dilla Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yea
Wo
Go
Ah man
I'll get over it baby
Oh, it's all right
Let's go!
The lyrics to J Dilla's song "Dilla Says Go" appear simple at first, with just a few repeated phrases and ad-libs. However, they actually carry a significant emotional weight, particularly when you consider that J Dilla recorded and produced the track while undergoing treatments for lupus, a debilitating autoimmune disease that eventually took his life. Lines like "I'll get over it baby" and "Oh, it's all right" can be seen as reassurances to himself that he can push through the pain and keep making music, even when his body is failing him.
The energetic "Let's go!" that caps off the song also takes on added meaning in this context, suggesting that J Dilla was determined to keep creating and pushing forward despite his health struggles. It's a testament to his dedication to his craft and his determination to leave his mark on the world.
Overall, "Dilla Says Go" is a powerful statement of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we can find the strength to keep going and pursue our dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Yea! Dilla!
An enthusiastic introduction to J Dilla by himself
Yea
A expression of excitement or agreement
Wo
A exclamation used to express enthusiasm, astonishment, or pleasure
Go
An urging for action or movement
Ah man
An expression of disappointment or disbelief
I'll get over it baby
A promise to move on from a difficult situation or emotional pain
Oh, it's all right
An assurance that everything will be fine
Let's go!
An enthusiastic call to action or movement
Contributed by Lincoln L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@MrJavonnthomas
When I first held my niece at the hospital I had donuts playing and this was on. That’s why I love this track so much
@OliverCowlishaw
Dude that brought a tear to my eye. I could imagine it. This beat would make a moment like that so much better.
@negispringfield6156
What a coincidence…Dilla made this in a hospital
@007JNR
Lovely ☺️
@treviewty7567
I first read this comment in like 2019 when I got into Dilla. I would always see it every time I came back to my favorite song from Donuts and today I'm finally commenting because my niece was born today and I'm doing the same. Life is funny. Love you Marcy 💚 1/10/22
@007JNR
@@treviewty7567 congratulations 🥂
@rodehs688
Dilla’s music goes straight to the heart in a way you can’t explain
@djswrv942
currently going on a dilla binge, studying the dudes craft and applying it to my own production.
rest in beats Jay Dee
@DeadlyTyper42
Don't get lost. You will when you discover James Yancey in your music. He is spiritually in the music
@WESTYISHERE
I hope you're creating magic now god