Happy Birthday, Dilla

Today would've been the 35th birthday of one of the greatest Hip Hop producers of our generation, James Dewitt Yancy. If you know anything at all about his legacy beyond being a master beatmaker, you probably know about the mess that his estate has been in following his death. Vibe magazine recently published an article about the trouble that his mother and family have had attempting to straighten things out. Artist and clothing designer Parra has collaborated with Stones Throw Records (label home of Dilla for his swansong Donuts) for a t-shirt, with its proceeds going to Dilla's mother, as she's currently battling the same disease that took her son's life.

Click the shirt for more info on it, and where to go cop it either online or at a shop near you. Below, I've included some of my favorite joints that Dilla's touched us with since his passing. Bump these, and any of your other favorite Dilla gems to honor him today.


Busta Rhymes feat. Q-Tip - Can't Hold The Torch


J-Dilla feat. Blu - Sun On My Face



Q-Tip - Move