Story and Photos by Marika N. Johnson
On Sunday, May 24, music enthusiasts arrived at Birmingham’s Woodrow Hall to pay homage to one of the nation’s most prolific hip-hop producers, James Dewitt Yancey, better known as J Dilla. Known for his unique and innovative ear, J Dilla produced many chart-topping hits before his passing in 2006 — working with artists such as Erykah Badu, Common and The Roots. He also formed the influential group Slum Village and was a key member of the music collective Soulquarians.
“We didn’t want just a party,” said Shawheed Tawheed, organizer and co-founder of the James D. Yancey Foundation Birmingham Chapter. “We also wanted to do something for the youth and also to have representatives from the Lupus Foundation of America present to bring awareness to this deadly disease.” J Dilla died from complications due to Lupus.
“Knowledge, Rhythm and Understanding (KRU), myself and DJ Supreme work in the community throughout the year, but it is extra special when we come together on this day in the name of J Dilla,” Tawheed said. “We invited kids to create art and learn the elements of hip-hop through breakdancing, DJing and beat-making in the afternoon.”
That evening, fellow co-founders DJ Suaze, DJ Supreme, DJ FX and DJ Modernaire showcased their talents by mixing Dilla beats on the turntables and providing the vibe for the night.
J Dilla’s mother, Maureen Yancey, who sanctioned the Birmingham group as an official chapter of the J Dilla Foundation thanks to efforts by co-founder Denard Jones, also attended the event. Other special guests included MC Phat Kat, Dilla’s longtime collaborator and member of 1st Down, the group they formed together that became Detroit’s first rap group signed to a major label; rapper Guilty Simpson, also from Detroit; and DJ Phoenixx Starr from Atlanta. Canvas artists MJ and NadiaSkye from MNJ Studios also painted live during the event.
The evening concluded with Maureen Yancey and Phat Kat receiving proclamations from the city, bringing the celebration to an emotional close. The recognition served as a reminder of J Dilla’s lasting influence on hip hop culture and the way his music continues to connect generations of artists and fans across the country. It was also a full-circle moment for both honorees, who reflected on their family ties to Alabama while being celebrated in Birmingham for helping preserve and share Dilla’s legacy with a new generation.
