Monday, February 10, 2014

[Black History Month Spotlight] James Dewitt Yancey - J. Dilla

Any hip-hop fan should definitely be familiar with J. Dilla. Even if you are not on top of your Dilla game, a lot of music that you know and love was either produced by Dilla, featured Dilla, or was heavily influenced by Dilla.

Born February 7, 1974 in Detroit, Michigan, James was surrounded by music since birth. His mother was an opera singer and his father was a jazz bassist, so his music knowledge flourished in all genres. 

From forming the group, Slum Village, to working with names like A Tribe Called Quest, Busta Rhymes, Common, Erykah Badu (the names do not stop there, J. Dilla impacted the hip-hop community greatly. Not getting the credit he was due until after he died was definitely a huge blow.

February 10, 2006, Dilla died of a rare blood disease thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Prior to his death, complications of his disease landed Dilla in the hospital and was made apparent to the public that his health was a problem when he performed in a wheelchair during his 2005 tour in Europe.

After his death, Dilla projects became very popular and that's when greatness was finally shined on everything that he had touched. Unfortunately, because of the hospital bills and other debts, Dilla's two daughters nor his mother are seeing any of the profit that is being made off of his sales. So that is why it is important to attend charity benefits that support Dilla!

If you're a Dilla fan and you reside in the city of Nashville, you definitely missed out on a wonderful event that LoveNoise had put on last Thursday, February 6, 2013. 

Everyone just take some time out and really think about how great music in the 90s were either produced, featured, or influenced by Dilla and thank you to all the artiest that still pay homage and keep the memory of Dilla circulating to this day.






-Roll Up. Get Paid. Make a Difference.

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