Remembering: One Year Since Dilla's Passing

Stones Throw Launches Dilla Month With Tribute Concerts and Podcast

February 10th marked the one-year anniversary of James Yancy, aka Jay Dee, aka J Dilla's untimely passing. Quietly battling lupus and a rare blood disease for approximately two years, Dilla succumbed to cardiac arrest just three days after his birthday and the release of his now famous "Donuts" album.

Sadly as is so often the case with artists who are prolific yet understated as Dilla was, it wasn't until his death that J Dilla's contribution to hip hop was truly recognized and appreciated. The last year has marked a movement of sorts, led by the some of the very artists he worked with; Madlib, Common, The Roots, Busta Rhymes, Frank-n-Dank giving praise and raising awareness for what the man has done for the music and culture of hip hop.

Like many gifted hip hop artists who have passed away, Dilla's work continues to find its way to the listeners’ ears. "Donuts" has come to be recognized as a truly inspiring and introspective piece of work; it represents Dilla's last days and he likely knew this as he was working away on his laptop  from his hospital bed. It is completely unbound by restrictions, and for an album consisting of 36 tracks less than two minutes in length, is deeply emotional at times and completely inspiring. 

Later in 2006, BBE released another gem in Jay Dee's "The Shining", a more traditional album featuring Dilla's production and over a dozen vocal artists. And the wave of Dilla continues this year, with the (re) release of the J Dilla's "Ruff Draft", a raw mix tape style album that is being billed as a visible turning point in Dilla's production style and focus. Previously only released in Germany and Japan, Stones Throw is bringing "Ruff Draft" to North American store shelves on March 20th, 2007.

In recognition of Dilla and the forthcoming album release, Stones Throw has launched Dilla Month, a series of tribute concerts through February and March. And for the people that wont be able to attend those events, the Stones Throw website currently has a very special podcast, mixed by J Rocc titled "Thank You Jay Dee, Act 2". We strongly encourage you to go cop it here.

Also, while scanning the net for tidbits on the man, we came across this classic, and candid audio interview with Dilla himself. If your a fan or just want to know more about him and his career, its an absolute must listen: click here.

J Dilla Interview: http://www.rumoursonline.com/protectedwebdata/RumoursItemImages/2070dilla.wma

Support the J Dilla Foundation: http://www.jdilla.org

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