DETROIT – This weekend, a free event is honoring the life of the late J. Dilla, a Detroit native who went on to be an influential hip-hop rapper and producer who died in 2006 due to complications from lupus.
J. Dilla worked with big names like Janet Jackson, Eminem, Slum Village, Common and Erykah Badu and got his start here in Detroit.
The goal of this event is to show children that they can get their start here, too.
“We’re trying to create new Dillas as we go on,” said Barry Yett, who goes by DJ Butter.
DJ Butter organized Metro Detroit J. Dilla celebrations for more than 10 years.
“J. Dilla is like the continuation of Motown; he was soulful jazz, hip-hop, hard-core hip-hop, soft-core hip-hop neo-soul, he did it all,” said DJ Butter. “He’s like our Quincy Jones here in a youthful way.”
J. Dilla, born James Yancey in Detroit, would have turned 50 this month.
The month is so significant that family and friends chose it as the month for Dilla Family Day.
The free event features roller skating, workshops on filmmaking, podcasting, social media, mental health, and music production.
“Just to put the creativeness in kids,” DJ Butter said. “I think the kids are just bored on the phone nowadays, so we’re just trying to change things.”
Ron Johnson, better known as DJ Jungle 313, is the executive director of Spin Inc., a nonprofit that teaches children about music production. He believes there are children who can be just as great as J. Dilla.
“Detroit is very talented, but these children need access to the equipment,” said DJ Jungle 313.
During Dilla Family Day, children can work with turntables and get exposed to new possibilities.
“Anything dealing with music and technology, I think, would be a big plus for the children because they can take different skill sets from it,” DJ Jungle 313 Said.
The free event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at Alkebu-Lan Village, 7701 Harper Avenue, Detroit, MI.
Click here for more information, as Spin Inc. also has workshops and classes throughout the year.