Watch a Rare Video of Stones Throw Records’ Epic 2004 Montreux Jazz Festival Takeover
A grainy and distorted video of J Dilla, Madlib, Yasiin Bey, J. Rocc, and Peanut Butter Wolf’s full set from Montreux Jazz Festival has surfaced.
Circulated amongst heads for more than a decade, Stones Throw Records‘ star-studded showcase at the 2004 Montreux Jazz Festival has been unearthed.
Previously available in bite-sized clips scattered across Youtube, the video features the full set from the legendary indie rap banner, including performances from J Dilla and Madlib (as Jaylib,) Yasiin Bey (then, Mos Def,) resident turntablist and sample scholar, J. Rocc, and the label’s chief, Peanut Butter Wolf.
The nearly two-hour show commences with a choice 30-minute set from Wolf, who runs through hip-hop and funk hits and obscurities. From there, J. Rocc slips behind the ones and twos and takes over DJ duties, playing a few selections before he introduced The Beat Konducta. Not one known for his comfort in front of a crowd, Madlib performs a couple of tracks from Champion Sound and arch-nemesis Quasimoto. To close the solo portion of his set, the producer salutes Sun Ra and then welcomes the late J Dilla to the stage to join forces on “The Official.” Jaylib moves on to perform “Fall In Love” (a standout from Slum Village‘s classic 1997 album, Fantastic Vol. 1,) when they’re joined by Yasiin Bey, who sticks around to assist on the hook and a quick tease of “Untitled/Fantastic.”
After both Bey and Dilla disappear into the wings of the stage for a bit, the Bandana producer holds down the fort with a few more songs from Champion Sound. The group of polymaths then reunite as an unholy jazz trio in tribute to the iconic festival with Madlib stepping behind the kit, Bey taking to the keys, and Dilla jumping on the percussion.
You can watch the full performance below.