J.Dilla ~ Still Shining

poster design by pain19

This week many of us celebrated the birthday of the late James "J.Dilla" Yancey. The video below is a tribute which was put together in 2006 to help commemorate this legendary producer through rare footage and interviews. One of the great things about this film is the respect this man garnered not only for his amazing and ground breaking style of production, but for his legendary work ethic. He was a true master of his craft and I can relate to those endless nights toiling away in the "lab", trying to perfect whatever task was at hand and often foregoing human interaction and sometimes sustenance in the spirit of pursuing the passion that drives us.

So Far To Go - International J-Dilla Art Contest

©Creative Silence

"So Far To Go" is an international art contest and a tribute to a loved and missed recording artist and producer, James Dewitt Yancey, also known as J Dilla. Artists can submit their original artwork inspired by J Dilla. The top voted contestant's artwork will be produced as a poster and limited edition Giclee print series signed by the artist and J Dilla's mother, Ma Dukes. Proceeds will be donated to the J Dilla Foundation. 

For more info visit art4dilla.com 

J Dilla Documentary (prt 1 of 3)

via Stones Throw

stay tuned for parts 2 and 3

Suite For Ma Dukes

On Feb 22 at the campus of Cal State Los Angeles, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson and his 40-piece orchestra along with Karriem Riggins on drums breathed new life into Hip-Hop with their brilliant re-imagining of J Dilla's music.

Surprise guests including Common, Talib Kweli, Posdnuous (De La Soul), Bilal, Dwele, Amp Fiddler.

Release date: April 2009.