A Masterful Showcase of J Dilla’s Timeless Production and Busta’s Return to Form

Released August 25, 2026

Rest in Peace J Dilla

DILLAGENCE 2 is here! An album I’ve been excited about and anticipating since I first heard rumblings about it many months ago. Busta linked up with Ma Dukes (J Dilla’s mother) to create a sequel to Dillagence: DILLAGENCE 2. It’s a great album and a return to form from Busta after some recent releases I didn’t love.

First and foremost, I love to see and hear J Dilla beats get officially released. Not every beat here is brand new, but regardless, I do love getting to hear them in an official capacity. The beats selected throughout the project are great and have people I know who aren’t as big on J Dilla finally seeing the light. Some people need that fresh music to open their eyes, and I’m glad Dilla is getting that shine in a big way as his production is paired with a Hall of Famer like Busta Rhymes in 2026.

There’s a thread through the album of love and family. It’s great as a mature direction, and J Dilla’s production is perfect for it. Between Ma Dukes speaking multiple times and songs like “Royalty” featuring some of Busta Rhymes’ children, CIE & Trillian, there’s a grown, adult sound and vibe here. That doesn’t mean every bar or every song has to be deep, but it’s a vibe and feeling that carries through multiple elements.

There are a few songs I’m less into than the rest of the album, but they are few and far between, with the first being “Back Pain, Chest Pain, Head Pain.” It’s generally a good song, but it had a hook and flow that I just didn’t love, leaving it as a lone early track I don’t have a strong urge to return to. On the other hand, “Entry” with La Reezy and “SPAZZZ” were both very strong early tracks. This album has a lot of features—initially something about the project I didn’t love, but almost every feature grew into its own for me. The main one I’d say I didn’t love was Jon Batiste, but all the rap features brought their A-games across the board.

I know a few people who are the kind of fans I’d think would love this album. I’ve dug through it multiple times, and although I’m not saying it’s flawless, I’m not hearing the issues others are. I think this is an amazing album and toward the top of the year. A great drop from Busta Rhymes and a great showcase of the incredible and missed J Dilla.

Standout Tracks: SPAZZZ, Drugs, Run Em Down, Kingpin (Knock Ya Head Off) & Talk Ya Shit

Album Rating:👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑½ (9.5/10)