Jay Stay Paid
by J Dilla aka Jay Dee
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Rolling Stone
    60
    This collection of unreleased material is uneven, tossing in undercooked instrumentals alongside tracks with MCs like Black Thought.
  2. Spin
    60
    With peaks and valleys, Stay Paid is patchwork, but Dilla's brilliance remains stunningly apparent.
  3. Dusted Magazine
    60
    Though much of Dilla’s later works were quick jots, Jay Stay Paid sounds too much like the unrevised pages of a journal.
  5. PopMatters
    60
    J$P‘s strengths might outweigh its weaknesses, but it’s just not enough. Also, this album feels far too long at a mere 60 minutes’ runtime.

Awards & Rankings

69
#69 Best Album of 2009

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. clem666
    Oct 17, 2022
    7
    Despite the cover and the title of the album which really leave something to be desired in my opinion, and even if they testify of the time inDespite the cover and the title of the album which really leave something to be desired in my opinion, and even if they testify of the time in which they were made, this album has many highs and some lows.
    The first leg is really inequal to me as the compilation of sounds don't manage to set a memorable atmosphere. The second half really makes up for the shortcomings of its predecessor. The Black Thought - MF Doom sequence is just marvelous as the two vocalists truly embellish and compliment Dilla's work. I found that the six last tracks also made a honorable conclusion to this effort full of beatswitches, turn of events and mixed emotions and collaborations.
    All along we can hear and feel how this project is posthumous. Surely Dilla would not have done it this way and some tracks still lack both sensitivity and efficiency. But if we don't forget that these are more drafts than actual material, you will be able to find some stardust in this record here and there. And it is all that it deserves to me.    … Full Review »
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