Dilla Day Detroit, 2013
The 2nd Annual “Dilla Day Detroit” in Detroit, Michigan – the official tribute concert now put on by Yancey Media Group (YMG), and The J Dilla Foundation inhis hometown each year – celebrating the life and legacy of super producer JAMES YANCEY aka “J DILLA,” was a nearly sold-out success! “Dilla Day Detroit” is a very special musical experience designed to honor and preserve J DILLA’s legacy as wellas raise funds for the J Dilla Foundation through intimate sponsorships.
The event this year was hosted by Grap Luva & Yolanda “Yo Yo” Whitaker and featured specialguest performances from Talib Kweli, Royce Da 5’9”, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Frank-n-Dank & Illa J, The B. Williams Experiment, Clear Soul Forces, J.Rocc, DJ Spinna, DJ Sicari and DJ House Shoes.
Over two thousand fans attended this year’s concert, not just from the metro Detroit area, but from cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta. The Dilla Day Detroit concert was followed the next day with the official “Dilla Youth Day” where multiple beat-making, songwriting, DJ’ing and other multi-media music production workshops were offered at the local non-profit community center and hip hop art space, 5e Gallery.
Title sponsor, Vitamin Water and support partner, Akomplice Clothing both contributed to “Dilla Day Detroit” in order to help make the 2013 edition aremarkable occasion. Along with support sponsorship from Akomplice Clothing came the concept of creating an economic business engine by way of a limitededition T-shirt and exclusive ‘45 record featuring an unreleased instrumental from J DILLA himself, guest-starring his younger brother Illa J, curated by J DILLA’s longtime friend and colleague Frank Nitt, plus a special guest artist to be announced.
The proceeds from the sales of this limited edition Akomplice x YMG merchandise will be donated to the J Dilla Foundation for the purchase of instruments and/or instructor fees to aid in youth music education programs. The exclusive merchandise will be available later this year.
Quotes from “Dilla Day Detroit” 2013:
“We’re here for “Dilla Day,” we’re here to celebrate the life and legacy of J Dilla, one ofthe greatest, most prolific, most incredible producers of all times.” – Talib Kweli
“That’s the real hometown hero; it’s not a celebration of death but a celebration of his life.” – DJ House Shoes
“In my opinion, Dilla is the greatest hip-hop producer of all time. The stuff he did with Badu, Common, Busta, Slum Village, all that stuff was ground breaking music, man.” – DJ Spinna
“Not only are we celebrating the music that my brother did in his lifetime, but we arealso celebrating the continuation of just beautiful music, and continuing to inspire others.” – Illa J
“Continue to support The J Dilla Foundation because we’re here for the youth, we wantto bring it all to them – we want them to have choices, life is about choices – let’s make it happen.” – Mrs. Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey
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VIDEO: FUSE TV Segment
PROJECT PARTNERS:
The J Dilla Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that serves to helpfund inner-city music programs and provide scholarships to students attendingschools that have progressive music curricula. The foundation was co-founded by Maureen Yancey, mother of acclaimed producer James “Jay Dee aka J Dilla” Yancey – http://www.jdillafoundation.org
Yancey Media Group is a collection of humble, progressive and professional individuals, who have graciously accepted a global vision to merchandise, document, publish, promote and market in every form of integrity, James Dewitt Yancey’s intellectual property and body of work. – http://dilladaydetroit.com and http://www.officialjdilla.com
Fusicology Media and Promotional Partner – “The Source for Progressive Events, Music & Culture” http://www.Fusicology.com
Rootz Media, LLC. Marketing/Endorsements – “Entertainment Industry Experts who Care.” http://www.Rootzmedia.net
Akomplice Clothing – Akomplice is a movement. We are characterized solely by the love inherent in eachindividual moment. Our philosophy is simple: “Evolution through Innovation.” http://www.akomplice-clothing.com
Additional collaborations from Akomplice Clothing: http://www.akomplice-clothing.com/collaborations.htm
