20 Years of J Dilla’s “Donuts”
“It’s family first — and then everything else”
February 7th is Dilla Day, honoring the birthday of the late, great James Dewitt Yancey, aka Jay Dee, aka J Dilla. A multi-hyphenate artist who was taken way too soon at the age of 32 due to complications from the illnesses he was battling against. Many know him as a producer and were influenced by his production but he was also a well-respected rapper.
Either way, he spent his life giving the world some really enjoyable music. And his legacy lives on through many reputable artists we know and love (and hate to love) today.
We at TDN spent the day celebrating by playing some joints of his.
Below is a slideshow with some facts about J Dilla and the project he worked on to his final breath, “Donuts”. Whether it’s your first or fifteenth or hundredth listen, it’s worth it each time.
Below is also a playlist curated by Goddess Shani of a few favorites we shared in the group chat!
RIP J Dilla. Happy Dilla Day!