Happy Birthday J Dilla

Today, February 7th, would be the 36th birthday of legendary record producer and composer J Dilla. Born James Dewitt Yance in Detroit, Michigan, Dilla first gained a reputation for composing beats used by popular rappers in the mid 1990's. Dilla's influence on hip-hop is undeniable; he has produced records for A Tribe Called Quest, Bust Rhymes, De La Soul, Q-Tip, Janet Jackson, The Roots, Common, Mos Def, Daft Punk, Talib Kweli and many more. In addition to making beats and producing, J started a notable performance/MC career in 2000. His final album, entitled Donuts- released 3 days before he died- has become one of hip-hops 'classic albums'. On February 10th, 2006, Dilla passed away from a complications related to a blood disease. He died peacefully in his Los Angles home. Yancey will always be remembered for his contributions to american music, and more specifically hip-hip and rap. RIP