Mark Your Calenders, February 9 is the 7th Annual Dilla Day!

Photo of J-Dilla working in his studio courtesy of Stones Throw Records

Arguably the greatest hip-hop producer of all time, James Dewitt Yancey, more commonly known as J-Dilla or Jay Dee passed away seven years ago on February 10, 2006 from a rare incurable blood disease named lupus. Born in Detroit, Dilla would eventually help to build the foundation for hip-hop’s golden age during the 1990’s. During his career, Dilla worked with artists such as De La Soul, Erykah Badu, A Tribe Called Quest, Madlib, Busta Rhymes and Common to name a few.

Dilla at his final concert rapping from a wheelchair

Undoubtedly his bare bones, raw beat making and rhyme styles have helped earn respect of the hip hop community as well as a larger audience of music aficionados. Dilla would eventually leave his home in Detroit and move to Los Angeles to farther pursue his musical career while working with musical genius Madlib. The two intellect  joined forces and released the collaboration album JayLib together. Dilla’s boisterous work ethic allowedAP Photo/HO, Roger Erickson, Courtesy Stones Throw Recordshim to create some of hip-hop’s most proficient tracks. His non-stop work ethic stayed with him until his last breath on earth; Dilla literally completed his final album Donuts while lying in his hospital bed and dying of lupus. A truly remarkable story, J-Dilla will be remembered for his unique style as well as his astonishing catalog of killer beats.

Dilla’s final record, Donuts

This year, on February 9^th, we will celebrate the 7^th annual Dilla Day. DJ’s and hip-hop heads including a special Dilla Day Concert at the Fillmore Theatre in Detroit will celebrate the holiday all over the country. Detroit native Royce Da 5’9 and Dilla’s good friend Talib Kweli will headline the show with additional performances by his brother Illa J, his former disc jockey DJ House Shoes, Frank N Dank, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, DJ Spinna, DJ Sicari and B. Williams Experiment. If you’re lucky enough to be in Detroit on February 7^th be sure to check out the concert! If not, be sure to hold your own Dilla Day celebration by buying and listening to the beautiful music of Mr. James Yancey and remember MAKE EM NV!

RIP JD