J Dilla

A loss in the hip-hop world

Maureen Yancey - J Dilla's mother By Wang Howe

Artist Coby Solomon’s tribute to J. Dilla By Wang Howe

by Wang Howe

on 06/08/2008

The music community lost a well-respected and influential artist, producer and MC in James Yancey (known to some as Jay Dee and to more as J Dilla) in February 2006. Through his legacy of music, Dilla lives in the hearts of hip-hop fans worldwide. An outpouring of love and support for the Yancey family continues to grow as Dilla’s fans and fellow artists like DJ House Shoes, Common and The Roots organize and plan events in tribute to the well-liked inspirational Detroit musician. This year, Maureen Yancey founded the J Dilla Foundation. Along with carrying on the musical legacy of her son, Jay Dee, the foundation’s purpose will be to help support Lupus research and also support music training for underprivileged youths. Philadelphia and New York each hosted tribute events in May. Common and Karriem Riggins hosted a tribute at Comerica Park in Detroit in June. The J Dilla Foundation received all the proceeds. For donation information, you can visit www.jdilla.org.

The Shining CD
Set to release Aug. 22 is Jay Dee’s final studio album “The Shining” on BBE Records. Longtime associate Karriem Riggins has answered Dilla’s request to finish the project as its executive producer. This hip-hop diamond will drop along with a J Dilla legacy tribute DVD. Imagine Dilla, Black Thought, Common and Madlib at the same party ...