Roy Ayers, a multi-talented instrumentalist known as “The Godfather of Neo-Soul,” has passed away at 84. His influence on hip-hop is immeasurable, with his music sampled over 964 times by artists like J. Dilla, Dr. Dre, and Kendrick Lamar.
Ayers’ six-decade-spanning career saw him collaborate with various genres, including jazz and funk. Despite his work often exceeding six minutes, his iconic compositions have been flipped hundreds of times, earning him recognition as a go-to sample source for producers.
The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of Ayers, but his legacy lives on through his artistry. Mary J. Blige, Pete Rock, and DJ Premier are among those who have expressed gratitude and respect for Ayers’ contributions to music.
Ayers frequently toured and collaborated with hip-hop artists, including late Gang Starr MC Guru and Tyler, The Creator. He played the vibraphone on several tracks, including “Find Your Wings” by Tyler, which he praised as “beautiful.”
Renowned music aficionado Questlove eulogized Ayers as “The cat who birthed us all in the ‘vibes only’ movement.” His impact on hip-hop will continue to inspire generations of music lovers.
Source: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/hip-hop-tribute-roy-ayers-1235290695