Attention Rappers: J Dilla Tribute Contest [360]

J Dilla was an unassuming genius. Like his striped down infectious soulful beats the Detroit-bred producer didn’t display any the over-the-top flashiness expected of a beatsmith his caliber.

Instead, he was humbly one of the most influential producers in hip-hop history, producing gems for stars the likes of Q-Tip, Busta Rhymes, and Common. He even extended his services to music icon Janet Jackson. Today, to celebrate the birthday of the esteemed trackmaster, who passed away on February 10, 2006, XXLMag.com is offering an opportunity for Dilla fans to pay homage to his work.

Select a Dilla beat of your liking and lace it with a freestyle paying respect to Jay Dee. The five best freestyles will be posted on XXLMag.com on Thursday, February 10, 2011.

Please email all MP3 entries to XXL@harris-pub.com with the subject line: J DILLA TRIBUTE FREESTYLE by 12pm EST on Thursday, February 10.