# J Dilla

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/J_Dilla
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/J_Dilla.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J_Dilla
> Source revision: 1356584897
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

American rapper and producer (1974–2006)

"Jay Dee" redirects here. For the Dutch house producer and DJ, see [Jaydee](/source/Jaydee). For the Canadian country singer, see [Jaydee Bixby](/source/Jaydee_Bixby). For the American comedian, see [Jay Dee (comedian)](/source/Jay_Dee_(comedian)).

"James Yancey" redirects here. For the pianist, see [Jimmy Yancey](/source/Jimmy_Yancey).

This article is written like a personal reflection, personal essay, or argumentative essay that states a Wikipedia editor's personal feelings or presents an original argument about a topic. Please help improve it by rewriting it in an encyclopedic style. (January 2026) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

J Dilla J Dilla in 2004 Background information Also known as Jay Dee Jon Doe JD Dilla Dilla Dawg McNasty J Deezy Dill Withers MC Silk Pay Jay Born James Dewitt Yancey (1974-02-07)February 7, 1974 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. Origin Detroit, Michigan, U.S. Died February 10, 2006(2006-02-10) (aged 32) Los Angeles, California, U.S. Genres Midwestern hip-hop instrumental hip-hop[1] progressive soul[2] electronic[3] jazz[4] Occupations Rapper record producer composer drummer songwriter Instruments Vocals drums percussion keyboards drum machine sampler Works Albums production Years active 1993–2006 Labels Delicious Vinyl BBE Pay Jay MCA Stones Throw Bling 47 ✓Look Formerly of Jaylib Slum Village Soulquarians The Ummah Signature

Musical artist

**James Dewitt Yancey** (February 7, 1974 – February 10, 2006),[5][6] better known by the stage names **J Dilla** and **Jay Dee**, was an American record producer, rapper, and composer. He emerged from the mid-1990s [underground hip-hop](/source/Underground_hip-hop) scene in [Detroit](/source/Detroit), Michigan, as a member of the group [Slum Village](/source/Slum_Village). He was a founding member of the [Soulquarians](/source/Soulquarians), a musical collective active during the late 1990s and early 2000s.[7] Yancey and [Madlib](/source/Madlib) collaborated as the duo Jaylib, releasing the album *[Champion Sound](/source/Champion_Sound)*. Yancey's final album, *[Donuts](/source/Donuts_(album))*, was released three days before his death. He was also known for producing [the Pharcyde](/source/The_Pharcyde) album *[Labcabincalifornia](/source/Labcabincalifornia)*.[8]

Yancey died at the age of 32 from a combination of [TTP](/source/Thrombotic_thrombocytopenic_purpura) and [lupus](/source/Lupus). Despite a short mainstream career, he is widely considered to be one of the most influential producers in hip-hop and popular music.[9] J Dilla's music raised the artistic level of [hip-hop production](/source/Hip-hop_production) in Detroit.[10] According to *[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)*, "His affinity for crafting lengthy, melodic loops peppered with breakbeats and vocal samples took instrumental hip-hop into new, more musically complex realms."[11] Yancey's approach to [drum programming](/source/Drum_programming), often cited as a loose, or "drunk", style that eschews the use of [quantization](/source/Quantization_(music)), has been influential on producers and drummers.

## Biography

### Early life

Yancey grew up in [Detroit](/source/Detroit), Michigan. The family lived in a house on the northeast corner of McDougall and Nevada, on the east side of Detroit.[12] Yancey's parents had musical backgrounds; his mother, Maureen "Ma Dukes" Yancey, is a former [opera](/source/Opera) singer and his father, Beverly Dewitt Yancey, was a jazz bassist, and performed [Globetrotters](/source/Harlem_Globetrotters) half-time shows for several years.[13] Yancey's mother said that he could "match pitch perfect harmony" before he learned how to speak.[14]

Along with a range of other musical genres, Yancey developed a passion for hip-hop music. After transferring from [Davis Aerospace Technical High School](/source/Davis_Aerospace_Technical_High_School) to [Pershing High School](/source/Pershing_High_School), his classmates T3 and [Baatin](/source/Baatin) joined him in [rap battles](/source/Battle_rap); the three later formed the rap group [Slum Village](/source/Slum_Village).[15] Yancey also took up beat-making using a simple tape deck as the center of his studio.[5] In his teenage years, he "stayed in the basement alone" to train himself to produce beats with his growing record collection.[16]

### Early career

In 1992, Yancey met the Detroit musician [Amp Fiddler](/source/Amp_Fiddler), who let him use his [Akai MPC](/source/Akai_MPC), a [music workstation](/source/Music_workstation), which he quickly mastered. Fiddler, while playing keyboards with [Funkadelic](/source/Funkadelic) on the 1994 [Lollapalooza](/source/Lollapalooza) tour, met [Q-Tip](/source/Q-Tip_(musician)) of [A Tribe Called Quest](/source/A_Tribe_Called_Quest), a group also in the lineup. Fiddler introduced Q-Tip to Yancey, who gave Q-Tip a Slum Village demo tape. In 1995, Yancey and MC [Phat Kat](/source/Phat_Kat) formed [1st Down](/source/1st_Down) and became the first Detroit hip-hop group to sign with a major label ([Payday Records](/source/Payday_Records)). The deal ended after one single when the label ended the contract.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

In 1995, Yancey recorded the *Yester Years* EP with 5 Elementz (a group consisting of [Proof](/source/Proof_(rapper)), Thyme, and Mudd). In 1996, he formed Slum Village and recorded what would become their debut album *[Fantastic, Vol. 1](/source/Fan-Tas-Tic_(Vol._1))* at RJ Rice Studios. Upon its release in 1997, the album quickly became popular with fans of Detroit hip-hop. Many journalists compared Slum Village to A Tribe Called Quest. However, Yancey said he felt uncomfortable with the comparison:

It was kinda fucked up [getting that stamp] because people automatically put us in that [Tribe] category. That was actually a category that we didn't actually wanna be in. I thought the music came off like that, but we didn't realize that shit then. I mean, you gotta listen to the lyrics of the shit. Niggas was talking about getting [head](/source/Fellatio) from bitches. It was like a nigga from [Native Tongues](/source/Native_Tongues) never woulda said that shit. I don't know how to say it. It's kinda fucked up because the audience we were trying to give to were actually people we hung around. Me, myself, I hung around regular ass Detroit cats. Not the [backpack shit](/source/Conscious_rap) that people kept putting out there like that. I mean, I ain't never carried no goddamn backpack. But like I said, I understand to a certain extent. I guess that's how the beats came off on some smooth type of shit. And at that time, that's when [Ruff Ryders](/source/Ruff_Ryders) [was out] and there was a lot of hard shit on the radio so our thing was we're gonna do exactly what's not on the radio.[17]

By the mid-1990s Yancey had a string of singles and [remix](/source/Remix) projects for artists such as [Janet Jackson](/source/Janet_Jackson), [the Pharcyde](/source/The_Pharcyde), [De La Soul](/source/De_La_Soul), [Busta Rhymes](/source/Busta_Rhymes), A Tribe Called Quest as well as [Q-Tip](/source/Q-Tip_(rapper)) solo, and others. Many of these [productions](/source/Hip-hop_production) were released without Yancey's name attribution, being credited to [the Ummah](/source/The_Ummah), a production collective composed of him, Q-Tip and [Ali Shaheed Muhammad](/source/Ali_Shaheed_Muhammad) of A Tribe Called Quest, and later [Raphael Saadiq](/source/Raphael_Saadiq) of [Tony! Toni! Toné!](/source/Tony!_Toni!_Ton%C3%A9!). However, he was given songwriting credit on all of his non-remix productions under the Ummah.

Under this umbrella, Yancey produced original songs and remixes for Janet Jackson, Busta Rhymes, [Brand New Heavies](/source/Brand_New_Heavies), Something For the People, trip hop artists Crustation and many others. He handled production on seven tracks from the Pharcyde's album *[Labcabincalifornia](/source/Labcabincalifornia)*, released in the holiday season of 1995 and *[Hello](/source/Hello_(Poe_album)),* the debut album by [Poe](/source/Poe_(singer)), [released earlier that year](/source/1995_in_music) on [Modern Records](/source/Modern_Records_(1980)).[18]

### Performing career

2000 marked the [major label](/source/Major_label) debut of [Slum Village](/source/Slum_Village) with *[Fantastic, Vol. 2](/source/Fantastic%2C_Vol._2)*, creating a new following for Yancey as a producer and MC. He was also a founding member of the production collective known as the [Soulquarians](/source/Soulquarians) (along with Ahmir "[Questlove](/source/Questlove)" Thompson, [D'Angelo](/source/D'Angelo) and [James Poyser](/source/James_Poyser) amongst others) which earned him more recognition. He later worked with [Erykah Badu](/source/Erykah_Badu), [Poe](/source/Poe_(singer)), [Talib Kweli](/source/Talib_Kweli), and [Common](/source/Common_(rapper))—contributing heavily to the latter's critically acclaimed breakthrough album, *[Like Water for Chocolate](/source/Like_Water_for_Chocolate_(album))*.[5]

His debut as a solo artist came in 2001 with the single "[Fuck the Police](/source/Fuck_the_Police_(J_Dilla_song))" (Up Above Records), followed by the album *[Welcome 2 Detroit](/source/Welcome_2_Detroit)*, which began British independent record label [BBE](/source/BBE_Records)'s "Beat Generation" series. In 2001, Yancey began using the name J Dilla to differentiate himself from [Jermaine Dupri](/source/Jermaine_Dupri) who also goes by "J.D." He left Slum Village to pursue a major label solo career with [MCA Records](/source/MCA_Records).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

In 2002, Yancey produced [Frank-N-Dank](/source/Frank-N-Dank)'s *[48 Hours](/source/48_Hours_(Frank-N-Dank_album))*, as well as a solo album, but neither record was ever released, although the former surfaced through [bootlegging](/source/Bootleg_recording).[19] When Yancey finished working with Frank-N-Dank on the *48 Hours* album, MCA Records requested a record with a larger commercial appeal, and the artists re-recorded the majority of the tracks, this time using little to no samples.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] Despite this, neither versions of the album were successful, and Yancey stated that he was disappointed that the music never got out to the fans.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

Around this time, Yancey also assisted in the production of singer and fellow Soulquarian [Bilal](/source/Bilal_(American_singer))'s second album, *[Love for Sale](/source/Love_for_Sale_(Bilal_album))*.[20] The singer credited Yancey with showing him a unique approach to [drum programming](/source/Drum_programming): "He had this thing where no matter what he picked up he could bend his will into it. Just because you hear it so strong in your head you can throw the funk in it."[21]

Yancey was signed to a solo deal with [MCA Records](/source/MCA_Records) in 2002. Although Yancey was known as a producer rather than an MC, he chose to rap on the album and have the music produced by some of his favorite producers,[22] such as [Madlib](/source/Madlib), [Pete Rock](/source/Pete_Rock), [Hi-Tek](/source/Hi-Tek), Supa Dave West, [Kanye West](/source/Kanye_West), [Nottz](/source/Nottz), [Waajeed](/source/Waajeed) and others. The album was shelved due to internal changes at the label and MCA.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

While the record with MCA stalled, Yancey recorded *[Ruff Draft](/source/Ruff_Draft)*, released exclusively to vinyl by German label Groove Attack.[23] The album was also unsuccessful, but his work from this point on was increasingly released through independent record labels. In a 2003 interview with Groove Attack, Yancey talked about this change of direction:

You know, if I had a choice... Skip the major labels and just put it out yourself, man... Trust me. I tell everybody it's better to do it yourself and let the Indies come after you instead of going in their [direction] and getting a deal and you have to wait. It ain't fun. Take it from me. Right now, I'm on MCA but it feels like I'm an unsigned artist still. It's cool. It's a blessing, but damn I'm like, 'When's my shit gonna come out? I'm ready now, what's up?'

### Later life and death

The [Los Angeles](/source/Los_Angeles) producer and MC [Madlib](/source/Madlib) began collaborating with Yancey, and the pair formed the group [Jaylib](/source/Jaylib) in 2002, releasing an album called *[Champion Sound](/source/Champion_Sound)* in 2003.[5] Yancey relocated from Detroit to Los Angeles in 2004 and appeared on [tour](/source/Concert_tour) with Jaylib in Spring 2004.

Yancey's [illness](/source/Thrombotic_thrombocytopenic_purpura) and medication caused dramatic weight loss in 2003 onwards, forcing him to publicly confirm speculation about his health in 2004. Despite a slower output of major releases and production credits in 2004 and 2005, his [cult](/source/Cult_following) status remained strong within his core audience, as evidenced by unauthorized circulation of his underground "beat tapes" (instrumental, and raw working materials), mostly through internet [file sharing](/source/File_sharing).[11][24]

Articles in the publications *[URB](/source/URB_(magazine))* (March 2004) and *[XXL](/source/XXL_(magazine))* (June 2005) confirmed rumors of ill health and hospitalization during this period, but these were downplayed by Jay himself. The seriousness of his condition became public in November 2005 when Yancey toured [Europe](/source/Europe) performing from a wheelchair. It was later revealed that he suffered from [thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura](/source/Thrombotic_thrombocytopenic_purpura) (a rare blood disease), and [lupus](/source/Lupus_erythematosus).[11][24] Near the end of his life, he was mostly hospital bound, which eventually left him in debt–after his medical insurance was dropped following a late payment. His mother, Maureen Yancey, recalled paying $500,000 a month.[25]

Yancey died on February 10, 2006, at his home in Los Angeles, three days after the release of his final album, *[Donuts](/source/Donuts_(album))*. Maureen said that the cause was [cardiac arrest](/source/Cardiac_arrest).[26][27][28][29] He is buried at [Forest Lawn](/source/Forest_Lawn_Memorial_Park_(Glendale%2C_California)) in [Glendale, California](/source/Glendale%2C_California).[30]

## Musical style

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding missing information. (June 2022)

According to [Dan Charnas](/source/Dan_Charnas), Yancey juxtaposed straight and [swung](/source/Swing_time) styles, creating "a new, pleasurable, disorienting rhythmic friction and new time-feel".[31] He used an [Akai MPC3000](/source/Akai_MPC3000) and disabled the [quantize](/source/Quantization_(music)) feature to create his signature "off-kilter" sampling style.[32]

## Posthumous releases

At the time of his death, Yancey had several projects planned for future completion and release.[5] According to founding Slum Village member T3 in an interview in March 2015, Yancey had about 150 unreleased beats, some of which featured on Slum Village's album entitled *Yes!*, released June 16, 2015.[33]

*[The Shining](/source/The_Shining_(J_Dilla_album))* was "75% completed when Dilla died" and was finished by [Karriem Riggins](/source/Karriem_Riggins) and later released on August 8, 2006, on [BBE Records](/source/Barely_Breaking_Even).[34]

*[Ruff Draft](/source/Ruff_Draft)* was reissued as a double CD/LP set in March 2007 and is sometimes considered his third solo album. The reissue contains unreleased material from the *Ruff Draft* sessions and instrumentals. It was also released in a cassette tape format, paying homage to Yancey's dirty, grimy sound (he was known for recording over two-tracked instrumentals).[5]

*[Sniperlite](/source/Sniperlite)* was an EP released by the hip-hop collaboration Dilla Ghost Doom, consisting of Yancey, [Ghostface Killah](/source/Ghostface_Killah), and [MF Doom](/source/MF_Doom). It was recorded sometime in 2005 before Yancey's passing. It was subsequently released in 2008 by [Stones Throw Records](/source/Stones_Throw_Records).

*[Jay Love Japan](/source/Jay_Love_Japan)* was announced in 2005 as his debut release on the Operation Unknown label. Though it saw a 2006 release in Japan, it was heavily bootlegged elsewhere and did not receive an official release until 2016.

*[Champion Sound](/source/Champion_Sound)*, Yancey's and Madlib's collaborative album, was reissued in June 2007 by [Stones Throw Records](/source/Stones_Throw_Records) as a 2-CD Deluxe Edition with instrumentals and b-sides.[5]

*[Yancey Boys](/source/Yancey_Boys)*, the debut album by Yancey's younger brother [John Yancey](/source/Illa_J), was released in 2008 on [Delicious Vinyl Records](/source/Delicious_Vinyl_Records). It is produced entirely by Dilla and features rapping by his brother, under the name '[Illa J](/source/Illa_J)'. Stones Throw Records released a digital instrumental version of the album in 2009.[35]

*[Jay Stay Paid](/source/Jay_Stay_Paid)*, an album featuring 28 previously unreleased instrumental tracks made at various points in his career, was released in 2009 by [Nature Sounds](/source/Nature_Sounds). Vocals to a select few of the tracks were provided by rappers who were close to Yancey though the majority of the album is instrumental. The project was mixed and arranged by [Pete Rock](/source/Pete_Rock).

In 2010, unreleased production and vocals from Yancey were featured on [Slum Village](/source/Slum_Village)'s sixth studio album *[Villa Manifesto](/source/Villa_Manifesto)*, the first album with all five members.

In December 2011, Jonathan Taylor, CEO of the Yancey Music Group (founded by Yancey's mother Maureen Yancey), told the UK's Conspiracy Worldwide radio show that the album *Rebirth of Detroit* was ready for a May 2012 release.[36] On May 25, 2012, Mahogani Music released a limited edition 12" vinyl titled *Dillatroit/Rebirth Promo EP,* leading up to the official release of *Rebirth of Detroit* on June 12, 2012.

In 2014, Yancey's long-lost MCA Records album entitled *[The Diary](/source/The_Diary_(J_Dilla_album))* was scheduled for release, but was delayed to April 15, 2016, via Mass Appeal Records. Intended for release in 2002, the album is a collection of Yancey's vocal performances over production by [Madlib](/source/Madlib), [Pete Rock](/source/Pete_Rock), [Nottz](/source/Nottz), [House Shoes](/source/House_Shoes), [Karriem Riggins](/source/Karriem_Riggins), and others. The first single is the album's intro cut, "The Introduction."[37]

In 2020, Dres of [Black Sheep](/source/Black_Sheep_(group)) announced that he would be releasing a collaborative album with Yancey titled *No Words*, with unreleased instrumentals of Yancey's provided with the cooperation of his mother.[38]

In February 2021, the 20th anniversary edition of *Welcome 2 Detroit* was released.[39]

In March 2023, the J Dilla Foundation partnered with Kano Computing for a 10-year deal to release exclusive music on the Stem Player.[40] They released *J Dilla’s Stems Vol. 1* with the deal's announcement, followed by volumes 2 and 3 later.

## Legacy

A Minimoog Voyager, as owned by Yancey

A [mural](/source/Mural) in the Wynwood neigh­bor­hood of Miami, Florida depicting [MF Doom](/source/MF_Doom) (left) and Yancey (center) as *[Peanuts](/source/Peanuts)* characters [Charlie Brown](/source/Charlie_Brown) and [Schroeder](/source/Schroeder_(Peanuts))

Yancey was survived by two daughters.[41] In May 2006, Yancey's mother announced the creation of the J Dilla Foundation, which works to cure people affected by [lupus](/source/Lupus_erythematosus).[5]

### Influence and innovation

["Don't Cry"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:J_Dilla_-_Don%27t_Cry.ogg)

"Don't Cry", a noteworthy track from *[Donuts](/source/Donuts_(album))*, achieved universal critical acclaim for its emotional depth, seamless abstract flow, and chopping.

*Problems playing this file? See [media help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Media).*

Yancey's death has had a significant impact on the hip-hop community.[42] Besides countless tribute tracks and concerts, Yancey's death created a wealth of interest in his remaining catalog and, consequently, Yancey's influence on hip-hop production became more apparent.[5]

"Highly influential for both producers and drummers", he made "innovative" use of the MPC sampler, by employing real-time rhythms and choosing not to [quantize](/source/Quantization_(music)) them, thus creating a "drunk" and "laid-back" style which "[was] a significant contribution to contemporary popular music that evade[d] quick interpretation, transcription and definition". [Questlove](/source/Questlove)—who considers Yancey the "world's greatest drummer"—said that he "invented the sound we call [neo-soul](/source/Neo-soul)" and actively sought to emulate Yancey.[43] The University of Illinois' Adam Kruse states that Yancey is "considered one of the greatest beat producers in hip-hop's history".[44]

### Honors

[Dave Chappelle](/source/Dave_Chappelle) gives a special dedication to Yancey in his movie *[Dave Chappelle's Block Party](/source/Dave_Chappelle's_Block_Party)*, which includes the statement: "This film is dedicated to the life and memory of Music Producer J Dilla, aka Jay Dee (James D. Yancey)". The film focuses mostly on members of the [Soulquarians](/source/Soulquarians), a collective of hip-hop musicians of which Yancey was also a member.[45]

Yancey's music has been used in various television programs. In 2006, [Cartoon Network](/source/Cartoon_Network)'s late night programing block [Adult Swim](/source/Adult_Swim) played the songs "Waves", "Welcome to the Show", and "Mash" during the [commercial bumpers](/source/Bumper_(broadcasting)) in between shows, as well as a number of tracks on their [Chrome Children](/source/Chrome_Children) EP. In May 2010, [UK](/source/United_Kingdom) [mobile network](/source/Mobile_network) [O2](/source/O2_Broadband) used [Jaylib](/source/Jaylib)'s "The Red" instrumental in their "Pool Party" ad.[46] A recent BBC documentary inspired by the Olympic runner [Usain Bolt](/source/Usain_Bolt) contained two Yancey-produced songs—"So Far To Go" by [Common](/source/Common_(entertainer)) and "[Runnin'](/source/Runnin'_(The_Pharcyde_song))" by [the Pharcyde](/source/The_Pharcyde).

In February 2007, a year after his death, Yancey posthumously received the [PLUG Awards](/source/PLUG_Awards) Artist of the Year as well as the award for Record Producer of the Year.[47] In Yancey's hometown of Detroit, [Detroit techno](/source/Detroit_techno) veteran [Carl Craig](/source/Carl_Craig) has fronted a movement to install a plaque in honor of Yancey in [Conant Gardens](/source/Conant_Gardens) (where the artist grew up and initiated his career). A resolution for the proposed plaque was passed by the Detroit Entertainment Commission in May 2010, and is currently awaiting approval by the [Detroit City Council](/source/Detroit_City_Council).[48]

### Posthumous controversies

Despite these accolades, there have been documented conflicts between his mother and the executor of his estate Arthur Erk regarding future Dilla releases. In an interview with *[LA Weekly](/source/LA_Weekly)*, Erk described how difficult it was for the estate to "protect his legacy" due to bootlegging and unofficial mixtapes.[49] He stressed how important it was for the estate to gather all possible income related to Yancey's name, as Yancey had to borrow money from the government due to mounting medical bills at the end of his life.[49]

A few weeks later, Yancey's mother, who appeared on such unofficial mixtapes as Busta Rhymes' *Dillagence*, gave her take on these issues. In addition to stating that Arthur Erk and Yancey's estate has chosen not to communicate with his family, she has said that he has barred anyone from use of Yancey's likeness or name.[50]

One of the things Dilla wanted me to do with his legacy was to use it to help others, people with illness, kids who were musically gifted but had little hope due to poverty. I wanted to use my contacts to help people out and it was squashed because we weren't in compliance with the state and there was nothing we could do about it. I'm Dilla's mother and I can't use Dilla's name or likeness, but I know that I still can honor him by doing his work.[50]

Mrs. Yancey mentioned that Erk was in fact Yancey's accountant and not his business manager in his lifetime, and that he fell into his position because she and Yancey were first and foremost concerned about his health and not with getting paperwork in order.[50] She also said that Yancey's friends in the hip-hop community, such as [Erykah Badu](/source/Erykah_Badu), [Busta Rhymes](/source/Busta_Rhymes), [Madlib](/source/Madlib), [Common](/source/Common_(rapper)), and [the Roots](/source/The_Roots), have contacted her personally for future projects with Yancey beats, but the estate has vetoed all future projects not contracted prior to Yancey's death.[50] She implied that Yancey would not support the estate's practices, such as their prosecution of bootleggers and file sharers.[50]

Due to Yancey's debt it took 15 plus years for his heirs to profit from his work. As of 2021, payment has been received.[50] Yancey's children are being supported by the social security their mothers have drawn.[50] Likewise, Mrs. Yancey is also still paying off Yancey's medical bills that she helped finance, leaving her also in tremendous debt. She still lives in the same Detroit ghetto, is still a daycare worker at Conant Gardens and also suffers from lupus, the same disease which killed Yancey.[50] To help pay the cost of medication and keep her household afloat, Delicious Vinyl donated all proceeds of *Jay Dee – The Delicious Vinyl Years* to Mrs. Yancey in 2007. In 2008, Giant Peach created a donation PayPal account for her and RenSoul.com released a charity mixtape.[51]

According to his mother, the family lost their old home in Detroit due to her taking care of Yancey in his final days.[52] The mother of one of Yancey's children, Monica Whitlow, broke her silence on the issue of the estate and his legacy:

It pisses me off, everything that's going on with this estate. It's ridiculous 'cause it's been three years, and my baby has not seen anything from this estate.[52]

On January 24, 2010, an announcement was made on j-dilla.com, regarding the Yancey Estate and the Yancey family.

The family of late music producer James "J Dilla" Yancey is extremely pleased to announce the appointment of West Coast probate attorney Alex Borden as an administrator of Yancey's estate, and also to announce the establishment of the official J Dilla Foundation. The developments mark a new chapter in preserving and enhancing the legacy of the legendary artist and secure a means of future prosperity for his mother, Maureen "Ma Dukes" Yancey, daughters Ja'Mya Yancey and Ty-Monae Whitlow, and brother, John "Illa J" Yancey.[53]

### Memorial items

In mid-2012, [Montpellier, France](/source/Montpellier%2C_France), dedicated a small street "Allée Jay Dee".[54]

In 2014, Maureen Yancey donated Yancey's custom-made [Minimoog Voyager](/source/Minimoog_Voyager) synthesizer and [Akai MPC3000](/source/Akai_MPC3000) to the [Smithsonian](/source/Smithsonian)'s [National Museum of African American History and Culture](/source/National_Museum_of_African_American_History_and_Culture). They are part of the "Musical Crossroads" exhibit.[55][56][57][58]

A Yancey-inspired donut shop opened in [Detroit](/source/Detroit) on May 3, 2016, to a great reception.[59] Created by Yancey's uncle Herman Hayes to honor his nephew's legacy, it sold out of donuts three times on its first day.

### Book

The book *[Dilla Time](/source/Dilla_Time)* by Dan Charnas about Yancey's life, work and influence premiered at #4 on the *New York Times* bestseller list in February 2022.[60]

## Discography

Main articles: [J Dilla discography](/source/J_Dilla_discography) and [production discography](/source/J_Dilla_production_discography)

See also: [Slum Village § Discography](/source/Slum_Village#Discography)

Studio albums 2001: Welcome 2 Detroit 2003: Champion Sound (with Madlib as Jaylib) 2006: Donuts Posthumously released studio albums 2006: The Shining 2007: Jay Love Japan 2009: Jay Stay Paid 2016: The Diary Extended plays 2002: Vol. 1: Unreleased 2003: Vol. 2: Vintage 2003: Ruff Draft (2003 release) Compilations 2007: Jay Deelicious: The Delicious Vinyl Years 2009: Dillanthology 1: Dilla's Productions for Various Artists 2009: Dillanthology 2: Dilla's Remixes for Various Artists 2009: Dillanthology 3: Dilla's Productions 2013: Lost Tapes, Reels + More 2015: Jay Dee a.k.a. J Dilla 'The King of Beats' (Box Set) 2015: Dillatronic 2016: Jay Dee a.k.a. J Dilla 'The King of Beats', Vol. 2: Lost Scrolls 2016: Jay Dee's Ma Dukes Collection 2017: J Dilla's Delights, Vol. 1 2017: J Dilla's Delights, Vol. 2 Posthumously released work 2006: Donuts EP: J. Rocc's Picks (EP) 2006: The Shining 2007: Ruff Draft (Reissue) 2007: Jay Love Japan 2008: Sniperlite (with MF Doom and Ghostface Killah as Dilla Ghost Doom) 2009: Jay Stay Paid 2010: Donut Shop (EP) 2012: Dillatroit (EP) 2012: Rebirth of Detroit 2013: The Lost Scrolls, Vol. 1 (EP) 2013: Diamonds & Ice (EP) 2014: Give Them What They Want (EP) 2016: The Diary 2016: Back to the Crib (Mixtape) 2017: Motor City

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Orchestral Interpretations of J Dilla + Kenny Keys"](https://www.timeout.com/chicago/music/orchestral-interpretations-of-j-dilla-kenny-keys). *[Time Out](/source/Time_Out_(company))*. June 13, 2019. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210129224324/https://www.timeout.com/chicago/music/orchestral-interpretations-of-j-dilla-kenny-keys) from the original on January 29, 2021. Retrieved January 23, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Cochrane, Naima (March 26, 2020). ["2000: A Soul Odyssey"](https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/neo-soul-2000-dangelo-erykah-badu-9343438/). *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Retrieved January 23, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Coplan, Chris (April 5, 2013). ["J Dilla's electronic phase documented in new compilation, Lost Tapes, Reels + More"](https://consequence.net/2013/04/j-dillas-electronic-phase-documented-in-new-compilation-lost-tapes-reels-more/). *[Consequence of Sound](/source/Consequence_of_Sound)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211102152130/https://consequence.net/2013/04/j-dillas-electronic-phase-documented-in-new-compilation-lost-tapes-reels-more/) from the original on November 2, 2021. Retrieved January 23, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Beaubien, Sam (October 17, 2019). ["Sam's Jams: How J Dilla, Detroit Hip-Hop Pioneer, Changed Modern Music"](https://wdet.org/posts/2019/10/17/88749-sams-jams-how-j-dilla-detroit-hip-hop-pioneer-changed-modern-music/). *[WDET](/source/WDET)*. Retrieved January 23, 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ALLMUSIC_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ALLMUSIC_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-ALLMUSIC_5-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-ALLMUSIC_5-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-ALLMUSIC_5-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-ALLMUSIC_5-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-ALLMUSIC_5-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-ALLMUSIC_5-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-ALLMUSIC_5-8) ["Jay Dee | Music Biography, Credits and Discography"](http://www.allmusic.com/artist/jay-dee-mn0000809513). AllMusic. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230205061423/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/jay-dee-mn0000809513) from the original on February 5, 2023. Retrieved February 5, 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["J Dilla | Music Biography, Credits and Discography"](http://www.allmusic.com/artist/j-dilla-mn0000428126). AllMusic. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230212230938/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/j-dilla-mn0000428126) from the original on February 12, 2023. Retrieved February 5, 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Fonseca, Anthony J.; Goldsmith, Melissa Ursula Dawn, eds. (2018). "J He brought revolutionary techniques to the producing world. Reinventing techniques for sampling". *Hip Hop Around the World: An Encyclopedia*. [ABC-CLIO](/source/ABC-CLIO). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-313-35759-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-313-35759-6).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** 333sound (February 11, 2016). ["Listening Party: J Dilla's Donuts"](https://333sound.com/listening-party-j-dillas-donuts/). *Short books about albums*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240521221632/https://333sound.com/listening-party-j-dillas-donuts/) from the original on May 21, 2024. Retrieved September 21, 2025.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_numeric_names:_authors_list))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** [Charnas, Dan](/source/Dan_Charnas) (January 23, 2022). ["How J Dilla Reinvented Rhythm"](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/charnas-dilla-time-1286599/). *[Rolling Stone](/source/Rolling_Stone)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220415112721/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/charnas-dilla-time-1286599/) from the original on April 15, 2022. Retrieved April 15, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Rubin, Mike (October 10, 2013). ["The 411 On The 313: A Brief History of Detroit Hip-Hop"](https://www.complex.com/music/2013/10/history-of-detroit-rap/). Complex. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220824125120/https://www.complex.com/music/2013/10/history-of-detroit-rap/) from the original on August 24, 2022. Retrieved August 24, 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-theguardian-macinnes_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-theguardian-macinnes_11-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-theguardian-macinnes_11-2) MacInnes, Paul (June 12, 2011). ["J Dilla dies"](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/jun/13/j-dilla). *The Guardian*. Retrieved July 10, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Coombe, Doug. ["Let it roll"](http://www.metrotimes.com/editorial/story.asp?id=9544). Metro Times. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110811054930/http://www2.metrotimes.com/editorial/story.asp?id=9544) from the original on August 11, 2011. Retrieved February 5, 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** At 5:10, mentioned by Ma Dukes. Fuse (March 20, 2013), [*J Dilla | Crate Diggers*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XL3ENrZwjmw&t=310), [archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250123084915/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XL3ENrZwjmw&t=310) from the original on January 23, 2025, retrieved February 26, 2019

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["J Dilla's Mom on the New 'Dillatronic' Album and Why She Thought Her Son Was an Alien"](https://www.complex.com/music/2015/10/ma-dukes-interview-dillatronic-j-dilla). *Complex.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230601223633/https://www.complex.com/music/2015/10/ma-dukes-interview-dillatronic-j-dilla) from the original on June 1, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Biography"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200630054837/http://www.j-dilla.com/biography/). *J-dilla.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.j-dilla.com/biography) on June 30, 2020. Retrieved February 5, 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["J Dilla's Net Worth"](https://bossnetworth.com/j-dilla-jay-dee-net-worth/). April 3, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["J Dilla, The Lost Interview \[circa 2004\] - Page 3 of 3 – XXL"](http://www.xxlmag.com/features/2010/02/j-dilla-the-lost-interview-circa-2004/3/). *Xxlmag.com*. February 10, 2010. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20111201172611/http://www.xxlmag.com/features/2010/02/j-dilla-the-lost-interview-circa-2004/3/) from the original on December 1, 2011. Retrieved February 5, 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** Rocha, Del X.["J Dilla…The Legacy Lives...FLO1071.com"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170101021639/http://flo1071.com/j-dilla-the-legacy-lives/). May 12, 2016. Archived from the original on January 1, 2017. Retrieved December 30, 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-groove_19-0)** Haleem, Aadel. [Jay Dee Interview](http://www.grooveattack.de/distribution/artist_add.php3?artistid=85&interpret=Jay+Dee&title=Jay+Dee+Interview&label=)[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]. GrooveAttack.de. Accessed April 8, 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Kellman, Andy (n.d.). ["Bilal"](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/bilal-mn0000057280/biography). *[AllMusic](/source/AllMusic)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130729201159/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/bilal-mn0000057280/biography) from the original on July 29, 2013. Retrieved July 20, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** Bilal (June 16, 2010). ["A Long Convo With...BILAL"](https://www.vibe.com/2010/06/long-convo-withbilal). *[Vibe](/source/Vibe_(magazine))* (Interview). Interviewed by Civil Writes. Retrieved July 20, 2020.{{[cite interview](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_interview)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** J Dilla, *Ruff Draft* (2007), liner notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-autogenerated1_23-0)** Liner notes by Ronnie Reese, *Ruff Draft* (2007)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-auto_24-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-auto_24-1) *Detroit Free Press*, February 23, 2006

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** [Washington, Glynn](/source/Glynn_Washington) (February 13, 2017). "Finding the Beats". In Biewen, John; Dilworth, Alexa (eds.). [*Reality Radio, Second Edition: Telling True Stories in Sound*](http://northcarolina.universitypressscholarship.com/view/10.5149/northcarolina/9781469633138.001.0001/upso-9781469633138) (2 ed.). University of North Carolina Press. p. 150. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.5149/northcarolina/9781469633138.001.0001](https://doi.org/10.5149%2Fnorthcarolina%2F9781469633138.001.0001). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-4696-3313-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-4696-3313-8). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210912214245/https://northcarolina.universitypressscholarship.com/view/10.5149/northcarolina/9781469633138.001.0001/upso-9781469633138) from the original on September 12, 2021. Retrieved September 12, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** Sanneh, Kelefa (February 14, 2006). ["James Yancey, 32, Producer Known for Soulful Hip-Hop – Obituary (Obit); Biography – NYTimes.com"](https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D05EEDA123EF937A25751C0A9609C8B63&scp=8&sq=J.%20Dilla&st=cse). *[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131101034016/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D05EEDA123EF937A25751C0A9609C8B63&scp=8&sq=J.%20Dilla&st=cse) from the original on November 1, 2013. Retrieved February 5, 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** ["US hip-hop producer dies aged 32"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4706602.stm). BBC News. February 12, 2006. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210710113403/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4706602.stm) from the original on July 10, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** Mar, Alex (February 13, 2006). ["J Dilla Dead at Thirty-two"](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/j-dilla-dead-at-thirty-two-90005/). *[Rolling Stone](/source/Rolling_Stone)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210710113402/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/j-dilla-dead-at-thirty-two-90005/) from the original on July 10, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** ["Hip-Hop Producer, Rapper Jay Dee AKA J Dilla"](https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5205096). *NPR.org*. NPR. February 14, 2006. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210625083422/https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5205096) from the original on June 25, 2021. Retrieved February 5, 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** ["Here's Where L.A. Rap Legends Are Buried"](https://www.laweekly.com/heres-where-l-a-rap-legends-are-buried/). *L.A. Weekly*. November 18, 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** [Charnas, Dan](/source/Dan_Charnas) (2022). *Dilla Time: The Life and Afterlife of J Dilla, the Hip-Hop Producer Who Reinvented Rhythm*. [Swift Press](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Swift_Press&action=edit&redlink=1). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-80075-174-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-80075-174-3).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** Helfet, Gabriela (September 9, 2020). ["Drunk drummer-style grooves"](https://www.attackmagazine.com/technique/beat-dissected/drunk-drummer-style-grooves/). *Attack Magazine*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220124003352/https://www.attackmagazine.com/technique/beat-dissected/drunk-drummer-style-grooves/) from the original on January 24, 2022. Retrieved January 24, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** ["Interview: Slum Village – Sound of Boston – Boston Music Blog"](http://soundofboston.com/interview-slum-village/). Sound of Boston. March 9, 2015. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160201152218/http://soundofboston.com/interview-slum-village/) from the original on February 1, 2016. Retrieved November 30, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** *Detroit Free Press*, June 29, 2006

1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** ["J Dilla | Yancey Boys Instrumentals | Stones Throw Records"](https://web.archive.org/web/20180626135555/http://www.stonesthrow.com/store/album/jdilla/yancey-boys-instrumentals). *Stonesthrow.com*. Archived from [the original](http://stonesthrow.com/store/album/jdilla/yancey-boys-instrumentals) on June 26, 2018. Retrieved February 5, 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-36)** ["New J. Dilla album, 'Rebirth of Detroit,' scheduled for Memorial Day 2012 release"](http://www.mlive.com/music/index.ssf/2012/01/new_j_dilla_album_rebirth_of_d.html). *MLive.com*. January 4, 2012. Retrieved February 5, 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-37)** ["J Dilla's Lost Long Album, "The Diary", Getting Release"](http://www.ballerstatus.com/2016/02/18/j-dillas-lost-long-album-the-diary-getting-release/). *BallerStatus.com*. February 18, 2016.[*[dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-38)** Elijah C. Watson (February 26, 2020). ["Black Sheep's Dres Announces New J Dilla Collab Album 'No Words'"](https://www.okayplayer.com/news/j-dilla-dres-collab-album-no-words-2020.htm). *Okayplayer.com*. Retrieved March 8, 2020.[*[dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-39)** ["J Dilla Welcome 2 Detroit 20th Anniversary Box Set Announced"](https://pitchfork.com/news/j-dilla-welcome-2-detroit-20th-anniversary-box-set-announced/). *[Pitchfork](/source/Pitchfork_(website))*. November 2, 2020. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201115183354/https://pitchfork.com/news/j-dilla-welcome-2-detroit-20th-anniversary-box-set-announced/) from the original on November 15, 2020. Retrieved November 12, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-40)** ["J Dilla's Foundation Says They Agreed to a Deal With Kano's Stem Player"](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/j-dillas-releasing-catalog-stem-player-1234707050/). *[Rolling Stone](/source/Rolling_Stone)*. March 31, 2023. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230608094156/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/j-dillas-releasing-catalog-stem-player-1234707050/) from the original on June 8, 2023. Retrieved April 12, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-41)** ["OneTwoOneTwo interview J Dilla's uncle"](http://www.onetwoonetwo.com/j-dillas-family-members-talk-about-lupus-charity/). *OneTwoOneTwo.com*. July 25, 2007. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151222161136/http://www.onetwoonetwo.com/j-dillas-family-members-talk-about-lupus-charity/) from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved February 9, 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-42)** Crawford, Byron (March 27, 2008). ["Leave J Dilla's corpse alone – XXL"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090316174906/http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=20587). *Xxlmag.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=20587) on March 16, 2009. Retrieved February 5, 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-43)** Brennan, Matt (March 26, 2020). [*Kick It: A Social History of the Drum Kit*](https://oxford.universitypressscholarship.com/view/10.1093/oso/9780190683863.001.0001/oso-9780190683863) (1 ed.). [Oxford University Press](/source/Oxford_University_Press). pp. 301–302. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1093/oso/9780190683863.001.0001](https://doi.org/10.1093%2Foso%2F9780190683863.001.0001). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-19-068386-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-19-068386-3). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210912181414/https://oxford.universitypressscholarship.com/view/10.1093/oso/9780190683863.001.0001/oso-9780190683863) from the original on September 12, 2021. Retrieved September 12, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-44)** Kruse, Adam J. (2016). ["Featherless Dinosaurs and the Hip-Hop Simulacrum: Reconsidering Hip-Hop's Appropriateness for the Music Classroom"](https://www.jstor.org/stable/24755676). *Music Educators Journal*. **102** (4): 13–21. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1177/0027432116638904](https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0027432116638904). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0027-4321](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0027-4321). [JSTOR](/source/JSTOR_(identifier)) [24755676](https://www.jstor.org/stable/24755676). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [147952067](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:147952067). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210913212316/https://www.jstor.org/stable/24755676) from the original on September 13, 2021. Retrieved September 13, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-45)** ["THE RETURN OF DAVE CHAPPELLE AND A LOOK BACK AT HIS BLOCK PARTY"](https://web.archive.org/web/20220524093605/https://bonuscut.com/2014/06/11/the-return-of-dave-chappelle-and-a-look-back-at-his-block-party). Bonus Cut. July 11, 2014. Archived from [the original](https://bonuscut.com/2014/06/11/the-return-of-dave-chappelle-and-a-look-back-at-his-block-party) on May 24, 2022. Retrieved March 24, 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-02_Pool_Party_46-0)** ["O2 – Pool Party"](http://www.tvadmusic.co.uk/2010/05/o2-pool-party/). TV Ad Music. May 15, 2010. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110308012525/http://www.tvadmusic.co.uk/2010/05/o2-pool-party/) from the original on March 8, 2011. Retrieved February 20, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-47)** ["Band Of Horses, J Dilla Reap PLUG Awards"](http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1055072/band-of-horses-j-dilla-reap-plug-awards). Billboard. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160201152218/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1055072/band-of-horses-j-dilla-reap-plug-awards) from the original on February 1, 2016. Retrieved February 5, 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-J_Dilla_Plaque_Proposed_to_Stand_in_Conant_Gardens_48-0)** ["J. Dilla Plaque Proposed To Stand In Conant Gardens"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110131095941/http://theloopdetroit.com/2010/05/j-dilla-plaque-proposed-to-stand-in-conant-gardens/). The Loop Detroit. May 30, 2010. Archived from [the original](http://theloopdetroit.com/2010/05/j-dilla-plaque-proposed-to-stand-in-conant-gardens/) on January 31, 2011. Retrieved February 20, 2011.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Who's_Biting_J_Dilla's_Beats?_49-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Who's_Biting_J_Dilla's_Beats?_49-1) Weiss, Jeff (June 18, 2008). ["Who's Biting J Dilla's Beats? | Music | Los Angeles | Los Angeles News and Events"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190413160136/https://www.laweekly.com/music/whos-biting-j-dillas-beats-2154002). LA Weekly. Archived from [the original](http://www.laweekly.com/2008-06-19/music/who-39-s-biting-j-dilla-39-s-beats/1) on April 13, 2019. Retrieved February 5, 2014.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-blogs.laweekly.com_50-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-blogs.laweekly.com_50-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-blogs.laweekly.com_50-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-blogs.laweekly.com_50-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-blogs.laweekly.com_50-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-blogs.laweekly.com_50-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-blogs.laweekly.com_50-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-blogs.laweekly.com_50-7) Weiss, Jeff (July 24, 2008). ["An Interview with J Dilla's Mother, Ms. Maureen Yancey"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190413160141/https://www.laweekly.com/music/an-interview-with-j-dillas-mother-ms-maureen-yancey-2401135). L.A. Weekly. Archived from [the original](http://www.laweekly.com/westcoastsound/2008/07/24/an-interview-with-j-dillas-mother-ms-maureen-yancey) on April 13, 2019. Retrieved November 30, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-51)** ["Renaissance Soul Detroit v5.0 – www.rensoul.com"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090218220431/http://rensoul.com/madukes.php). February 18, 2009. Archived from [the original](http://rensoul.com/madukes.php) on February 18, 2009.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-The_Battle_for_J_Dilla's_Legacy_52-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-The_Battle_for_J_Dilla's_Legacy_52-1) ["The Battle for J Dilla's Legacy | Stones Throw Records"](http://www.stonesthrow.com/news/2009/01/the-battle-for-j-dilla-s-legacy). *Stonesthrow.com*. January 13, 2009. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151222115017/http://www.stonesthrow.com/news/2009/01/the-battle-for-j-dilla-s-legacy) from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved February 5, 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ANNOUNCING_REORGANIZED_J_DILLA_ESTATE_&_PLANS_FOR_J_DILLA_FOUNDATION_53-0)** ["The Family of J Dilla Announces Reorganized J Dilla Estate"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110123200803/http://j-dilla.com/2010/01/24/announcing-reorganized-j-dilla-estate/). *J-dilla.com*. January 24, 2010. Archived from [the original](http://j-dilla.com/2010/01/24/announcing-reorganized-j-dilla-estate/) on January 23, 2011. Retrieved February 5, 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-54)** ["Jay Dee Alley, Montpellier, France"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130618180746/http://www.j-dilla.com/2013/02/01/jay-dee-alley-montpellier-france/). *J-dilla.com*. February 1, 2013. Archived from [the original](http://www.j-dilla.com/2013/02/01/jay-dee-alley-montpellier-france/) on June 18, 2013. Retrieved February 5, 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-55)** ["J Dilla's equipment donated to the Smithsonian"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140727004311/http://www.j-dilla.com/2014/07/23/smithsonian/). *J-dilla.com*. July 23, 2014. Archived from [the original](http://www.j-dilla.com/2014/07/23/smithsonian/) on July 27, 2014. Retrieved November 30, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-56)** Kutner, Max (July 25, 2014). ["The Legacy of Hip-Hop Producer J Dilla Will Be Recognized Among the Collections at the Smithsonian"](http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/legacy-hip-hop-producer-j-dilla-will-be-recognized-among-collections-smithsonian-180952164/). *Smithsonian Magazine*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140730093859/http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/legacy-hip-hop-producer-j-dilla-will-be-recognized-among-collections-smithsonian-180952164/) from the original on July 30, 2014. Retrieved July 31, 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-57)** ["Minimoog Voyager synthesizer used by J Dilla"](https://nmaahc.si.edu/object/nmaahc_2014.139.2a). *National Museum of African American History & Culture*. Retrieved January 6, 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-58)** ["MIDI Production Center 3000 Limited Edition used by J Dilla"](https://nmaahc.si.edu/object/nmaahc_2014.139.1). *National Museum of African American History & Culture*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160918062013/https://nmaahc.si.edu/object/nmaahc_2014.139.1) from the original on September 18, 2016. Retrieved January 6, 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-59)** Schwartz, Danny (May 4, 2016). ["J Dilla shop opened"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230426110601/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/43720-j-dilla-inspired-donut-shop-dillas-delights-opens-in-detroit-news). *Hotnewhiphop.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/j-dilla-inspired-donut-shop-dillas-delights-opens-in-detroit-news.21440.html?/) on April 26, 2023. Retrieved May 4, 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-60)** ["Hardcover Nonfiction Books – Best Sellers – Books – The New York Times"](https://web.archive.org/web/20220210003151/https://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/hardcover-nonfiction/). *The New York Times*. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0362-4331](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0362-4331). Archived from [the original](https://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/hardcover-nonfiction/) on February 10, 2022. Retrieved February 10, 2022.

## Further reading

- [Dan Charnas](/source/Dan_Charnas) (2022). *[Dilla Time: The Life and Afterlife of J Dilla, the Hip-Hop Producer Who Reinvented Rhythm](/source/Dilla_Time%3A_The_Life_and_Afterlife_of_J_Dilla%2C_the_Hip-Hop_Producer_Who_Reinvented_Rhythm)*. MCD Publishers. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-374-13994-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-374-13994-0).

- Russonello, Giovanni (February 7, 2013). ["Why J Dilla May Be Jazz's Latest Great Innovator"](https://www.npr.org/sections/ablogsupreme/2013/02/07/171349007/why-j-dilla-may-be-jazzs-latest-great-innovator). *[NPR Music](/source/NPR_Music)*.

## External links

Wikiquote has quotations related to ***[J Dilla](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Special:Search/J_Dilla)***.

**Official sites**

- [J Dilla](https://jdillamerch.com/) – official site

- [J Dilla Foundation](https://jdillafoundation.org/)

**Resources**

- [J Dilla](https://www.discogs.com/artist/J+Dilla) / [Jaylib](https://www.discogs.com/artist/Jaylib) / [Slum Village](https://www.discogs.com/artist/Slum+Village) / [The Ummah](https://www.discogs.com/artist/Ummah,%20The) / [The Soulquarians](https://www.discogs.com/artist/Soulquarians%2C+The) / [1st Down](https://www.discogs.com/artist/1st+Down) discographies at [Discogs](/source/Discogs)

- [J Dilla](https://web.archive.org/web/20080701060909/http://www.stonesthrow.com/jdilla/discography.html) discography at [Stones Throw Records](/source/Stones_Throw_Records)

- [How J Dilla humanized his MPC3000](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SENzTt3ftiU) – Vox Earworm episode on YouTube, December 6, 2017

v t e J Dilla Albums Welcome 2 Detroit Donuts The Shining Ruff Draft (reissue) Jay Love Japan Jay Stay Paid The Diary Collaborative albums Fan-Tas-Tic (Vol. 1) Fantastic, Vol. 2 Best Kept Secret Champion Sound Extended plays Vol. 1: Unreleased Vol. 2: Vintage Ruff Draft (2003 release) Sniperlite Donut Shop Compilation albums Jay Deelicious: The Delicious Vinyl Years Dillatronic Singles "Climax" "Raise It Up" "Fuck the Police" "Pause" Related Discography Production discography 1st Down Slum Village Frank-N-Dank Illa J Phat Kat The Ummah Soulquarians Jaylib Yancey Boys Sunset Blvd. Pet Sounds: In the Key of Dee Love for Sale Dilla Time

v t e Slum Village T3 Young RJ J Dilla Baatin Elzhi Illa J Albums Fan-Tas-Tic (Vol. 1) Fantastic, Vol. 2 Trinity (Past, Present and Future) Detroit Deli (A Taste of Detroit) Slum Village Villa Manifesto Evolution Yes! EPs Best Kept Secret Villa Manifesto EP Singles "Tainted" "Selfish"

v t e Soulquarians Questlove Bilal Common D'Angelo Erykah Badu J Dilla James Poyser Yasiin Bey / Mos Def Pino Palladino Q-Tip Roy Hargrove Talib Kweli Albums Things Fall Apart (1999) Black on Both Sides (1999) Amplified (1999) Voodoo (2000) Like Water for Chocolate (2000) Fantastic, Vol. 2 (2000) Mama's Gun (2000) Welcome 2 Detroit (2001) 1st Born Second (2001) Quality (2002) Phrenology (2002) Electric Circus (2002) Love for Sale (2001–03; leaked 2006) See also Electric Lady Studios Native Tongues Neo soul The Philadelphia Experiment The Randy Watson Experience The Ummah

Authority control databases International ISNI VIAF 2 3 4 GND FAST WorldCat National United States France BnF data Japan Italy Czech Republic Norway 2 Catalonia Artists MusicBrainz People Deutsche Biographie Other IdRef Yale LUX

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [J Dilla](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J_Dilla) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J_Dilla?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.