J Dilla Tribute Events

Appearing to many as an artist who suddenly surfaced from obscurity, J Dilla’s contributions to the music industry have
imprinted more on the soundtracks of our lives than most people will truly ever imagine. This weekend commemorated his 32 years of life, and the third anniversary of his death, with three days marking the eerily fine timeframe that separated his earth day (Feb. 7^th) and his premature departure (Feb. 10^th) due to Lupus. Parties sprung up all over the country, paying homage to the legendary hip-hop producer, as well as fundraising for Lupus research.

In New York, the weekend kicked off on Friday night at Deity in Brooklyn with “Ladies Love Dilla” a female organized event featuring primarily female musicians, emcees, and DJs. Beyonce’s stage band brought the evening’s energy to a cathartic level as they played all live Dilla instrumentals with horn arrangements, complex percussions, and electric guitars. Guests ranged from Toni Blackman to Raydar Ellis, showing a true diversity of musicianship and talent stemming from the influences of Dilla’s nuanced sound. DJs Jasmine Solano, Chela, Ill P, and others satisfied our greatest Dilla cravings, proving the reach and scope of Dilla’s impact on all people (yes, including women) in this male dominated industry.

As the backboard of Slum Village, the genius behind numerous A Tribe Called Quest, Common, and Busta Rhymes songs (as well as the hit-maker for many other notable artists throughout the years), and as a pivotal member of the Soulquarians, Dilla made his rounds within the mainstream and underground hip-hop circuits, as well as reviving soul music into a newly functional and futuristic form, known initially by many as the neo-soul movement.

Dilla’s venerated status places him on a transcendental plane. New generation artists, ranging from that of Black Milk—who claims that he may not have entered into music production had it not been for Dilla—to ?uestlove of The Roots—who says he owes much of his band’s sound to Dilla’s influence—all look at Jay Dee as one of the true innovators of the genre. His music is not only viewed as musically influential but also spiritually motivated.

Saturday night marked the third annual “Donuts Are Forever” Dilla tribute and fundraiser event at Public Assembly in Brooklyn. Wajeed, DJ Center, Sucio Smash and others created playlists of their personal favorite Dilla tracks throughout the years, but the definitive highlight was Ge-ology’s musical psychoanalysis of Dilla’s mind, interpreted through his intricate mixes and scratches of the original vintage soul, funk and R&B songs blended into the variations that Dilla himself concocted.

A mere three years since his passing, Dilla continues to gain increased recognition as more and more works of his are surfacing throughout the music community. With young kids sporting t-shirt banners exclaiming “J Dilla Changed My Life,” it is tremendously painful for much of the hip-hop community to come to terms with the fact that such a vibrant life force ended so prematurely, however, his legacy continues to flourish. Rest in peace J Dilla—or should we say—Rest in Beats.

-Boyuan Gao