Dilla Day @ XM

February 25, 2008 by Svetlana  Send to a Friend

all photos: Joel Didriksen
all words: Chris Burns

I have been highly familiar with the amazing work and dance music projects that the Red Bull Music Academy has been pushing for the past ten years, so it was an easy decision to take up an exclusive invitation to attend RBMA’s “Dilla Day” at XM studios this past Thursday. Hosted by DJs from XM’s The Rhyme (Ch. 65), this intimate celebration of the life of hip hop producer/supergenius J Dilla (aka Jay Dee) featured the forum of legends Pete Rock, Talib Kweli and Dilla’s mother Maureen Yancey. A handpicked crowd of 60 local producers, musicians and hip-hop connoisseurs squeezed in to the small studio to hear the trio speak candidly about their stories and personal relationships with the late producer and the current direction of hip-hop in relation to Dilla’s legacy.

Tale after tale was rattled off relating Dilla’s eccentricities and audience members were able to propel these conversations forward with their own inputs and thoughts with some very well thought out questions. A serious focus was also placed on the ailing state of health care coverage in this country (especially for musicians) and the philanthropic efforts that Ms. Yancey has put forth to keep her son’s memory alive. Although the vibe of the forum was at points detracted by a bit of hero worshiping from the audience for the icons on stage, the event was an inspiring experience that allowed me to understand a bit more about where Dilla’s masterpieces drew their inspiration and creativity. Following these conversation, host Grap Luva and the seven-piece The Players band joined up with local rappers who to present live renditions of Dilla’s various productions.

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