Yancey mastered his craft throughout his career though, not just at the end of it.
Widely received as one of his best albums, the album is an exercise in the chop, layer, and loop aesthetic that is the requisite of any self-respecting hip-hop producer. Recorded whilst in his hospital bed, heavily medicated and dealing with the pain of a rare blood disease that would eventually take his life - this album is a testament to immense emotive and positive creativity in the face of physical and emotional hardship. Donuts was released on February 7th on James Yancey's 32nd birthday.