Ruff Draft

Ruff Draft is an EP-album by late, highly acclaimed hip hop producer-rapper J Dilla, released in 2003 through Stone Throw Records. It was released exclusively on vinyl before a 2007 reissue.

One of Dilla’s least known projects, Ruff Draft was a response to his other project at the time The Diary being shelved by MCA Records. As a result, the album was recorded and mixed in only a week.

Stylistically Ruff Draft showcases some of Dilla’s more experimental work, much of which he would imitate on his most recognised and adored efforts as a solo artist on Donuts.

The project has gained mainly positive reviews from publications like HipHopDX and Pitchfork Magazine. Dilla’s mother launched a label for his unreleased music after his death called Ruff Draft Records, which was later changed to Pay Jay Productions.