Nearing on the two-year anniversary of J Dilla’s death and in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, the University of Michigan organized an event that featured rapper Mos Def paying tribute (with the help of his band) to the producer with reinterpreted versions of his songs. AMG’s David Jeffries and Marisa Brown were there on hand to witness the event, and following is their discussion regarding the overall success of the show, the song selection, and the inarguable coolness of the red-dreaded keytar player.

Marisa Brown: Let’s talk about the title of the event: Mos Def Big Band Presents: A Tribute to Detroit’s J Dilla. I have to say I was expecting something a little different. First of all, a big band (not a bass-key-drum-trumpet-trombone-sax/keytar/talk-box/flute six-piece, though Mos Def did apologize for that confusion), and secondly, more than just… Mos Def. Obviously there are a lot of different factors involved in arranging guest star appearances, but I expected, if nothing else, some of the Detroit rappers to show up, if not one of the thousands of MCs who have been doing Dilla shout-outs during their live shows for the past two years.

That being said, Mos Def certainly proved his knowledge of Dilla’s work throughout the show. I caught some Slum Village, a lot of his solo work, De La Soul… what else am I forgetting?

David Jeffries: Momma Yancey didn’t even come out, and she was right back stage. She’s hardly the shy type, so it seemed a conscious decision. Maybe it was a jazz thing, since he and his band were often acting as a jazz ensemble. When a jazz artist does a tribute album they aren’t expected to call upon associates of their subject matter. Seemed like this was equal parts interpretation and celebration. To be honest, after watching Dave Chappelle’s Block Party again recently, it was nice to see something tight and self-contained rather than a pile-on party.

As far as Dilla material, using Slum Village’s “Fantastic” interludes along with Ruff Draft’s “Let’s Take It Back” as motifs was an amazing device. Heard a bit of J-88’s “Look of Love” and that blew my mind.

MB: That’s a good point, about it being a jazz thing, but I still think that there should have been some other MCs onstage, even if just for the encore. Intended or not, it seemed to drive home the point that even though a lot of people talk about how Dilla’s influenced them, they’re not out there doing anything for him. I know there are factors that come into this, but the audience doesn’t know any of this, they just know what they see, and I think having Busta or Q-Tip or even Guilty Simpson or Slum Village would’ve meant something. Ma Dukes, too — why she didn’t come out for a second or two is beyond me. I remember seeing her at the Stones Throw show in Detroit a couple of years ago and she was up there dancing along with the crowd. Maybe she was trying to keep the focus on her son, but even so, the show was as much about Mos Def (who was honored with the title of “Visiting Professor”) as it was Dilla.

Don’t let this make it seem that I didn’t enjoy the show, because I thought it was actually pretty amazing. But I think it was mis-titled, and I’m having a hard time getting past that. Maybe I was just psyching myself up too much about a Phat Kat verse. But Mos was great — and he sang a lot! — the band was tight, the audience was receptive, and I’m pretty sure I caught bits of Barrett Strong and the Pharcyde, so that automatically makes for something pretty damn good.

DJ: Yeah, and being in a big hall with 2000 or so seats sure makes it feel like Busta or Common are going to jump up there. Maybe the lack of guests has something to do with an arts grant or something, who knows? Mos Def seems to have this ongoing issue with keeping his audience uninformed, and I think The New Danger and True Magic got a universal ‘Huh?’ when they were released. Strange thing is, I listened to a little of both of those albums after the show and their free form feel was a perfect complement. Now, did all those 2000 people know Dilla’s work? The show didn’t give them anywhere to go next, no obvious step #2. Too insider, but really, what about that third name on the poster: MLK? No mention of the man or holiday till Mos Def received his award. Strange.

I loved the show, and I don’t even see it as a missed opportunity. Mis-titled, for sure, and more suited for an intimate venue but amazing band, set list, and audience. Hope it was captured for posterity but I sure didn’t see any recording equipment, least not video.

MB: At least we can call him Professor Def now.

And speaking of the audience, it was great to see such a wide range of people there, from 15-year-old punks to gray-haired couples. That might have been my favorite part.

DJ: If the audience was your fave, I get to pick the guy playing a keytar hooked up to a talk box. He played like Zapp meets George Duke and looked like Eddy Grant. That is what you call cool.