Urban Unrest

17 February 2006 | Community | Ernesto Aguilar

Influential Detroit hip-hop producer Jay Dee (a.k.a. J Dilla, nee James Yancey) died on Feb. 10 of complications from a longstanding illness. He died three days after his 32nd birthday, and the release of his new CD. J Dilla produced music for some of hip-hop’s most inspiring conscious artists, including Common, Erykah Badu and Visionaries. His label, Stones Throw, has a page on how you can help his family. J Dilla’s mother, Maureen Yancey, has recorded a thank-you message to fans as well.

When public service announcements pick back up at drive’s end, you’ll be hearing a variety of J Dilla’s compositions as background music on KPFT. This is certainly a tragic loss of a producer many believe will be remembered for years to come.

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