DILLA FEST
FURTHER REINFORCING THE LEGACY OF HIP-HOP PIONEER J DILLA, DILLA FEST HONORS HIS LEGACY WITH STOPS AROUND THE COUNTRY.
HONORING THE MAN WHO BROUGHT US SLUM VILLAGE, THE PHARCYDE, SOULQUARIANS, AND MUCH MORE
James Dewitt Yancey (February 7, 1974 – February 10, 2006), better known by the stage names J Dilla and Jay Dee, was an American record producer and rapper. He emerged during the mid-1990s underground hip hop scene in Detroit, Michigan, as a member of the group Slum Village. He was also a member of the Soulquarians, a musical collective active during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The Pharcyde & Friends Live
Commemorating the 30th Anniversary of Labcabincalifornia
2025
Thirty years ago, when LA rap group The Pharcyde released their second album Labcabincalifornia, there was nobody like them on the west coast. Vibe said the album was “reminiscent of early-career Sly & the Family Stone, mid Stevie Wonder, and late Sun Ra.” The Source said the hit single “Runnin’” was “a truly beautiful hip-hop song where the distinct elastic flow of each MC weaves over a Spanish-flavored guitar loop and sax sample.” The album cemented the members of The Pharcyde’s collective legacy as some of hip-hop’s farthest-out thinkers, and it marked one of the first major appearances by a record producer calling himself Jay Dee, sometimes known as J Dilla. In just a few short years, he’d go on to become, as NPR put it, “one of the music industry’s most influential hip-hop artists.” For one night only, The Pharcyde, a full band, and some very special guests will get together to celebrate 30 years of Labcabincalifornia, as well as the always-expanding legacy of J Dilla.
DILLA FEST
2025
KRUSH Fridays x J Dilla Birthday Edition with DJ C-MINUS + Host Frank Nitt and a special guest TBA
@ Rockwell Lounge
Friday February 7, 2025
09:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Featuring resident THE KPL ALLSTAR DJs, Qwess Coast & Kiilu Grand
21+
Cover: FREE
Various Cover: FREE WITH RSVP
DILLA JAZZ
2024
Celebrate the legacy of J Dilla, one of hip-hop's most iconic producers, with an unforgettable night of live music at The Ford Theater. Dilla Jazz fuses the visionary beats of J Dilla with soulful jazz interpretations, bringing his artistry to life in a unique and immersive way. Featuring an all-star lineup of musicians and special guests, this event is a must-attend for music lovers and fans of timeless creativity. Experience the magic of J Dilla's work reimagined under the stars at one of Los Angeles' most beautiful outdoor venues.
SUMMERSTAGE
2024
Celebrating 50 Years of Dilla at SummerStage NYC, honoring the legacy of the legendary J Dilla. This special event celebrates 50 years of the iconic producer, beatmaker, and cultural trailblazer who transformed the sound of hip-hop and soul. Featuring live performances, DJ sets, and tributes from artists influenced by his groundbreaking work, this celebration will be a rhythmic journey through the timeless beats that shaped generations. Don’t miss this vibrant homage to the life and genius of J Dilla.
DILLA TIME
Dilla Time: The Life and Afterlife of J Dilla, the Hip-Hop Producer Who Reinvented Rhythm is a 2022 biography of hip hop producer J Dilla written by Dan Charnas. It chronicles the life of J Dilla until his death in 2006, as well as his posthumous influence on the music industry.
In conjunction with the special exhibition *Keith Haring: Art Is for Everybody*, The Broad celebrates hip hop's 50th anniversary with a dynamic concert featuring co-headliners Grandmaster Flash and Tierra Whack, alongside a tribute to J Dilla by DJs Monalisa and Wyldeflower, with a special appearance by Illa J. Highlighting hip hop's profound impact on art, culture, and society, the event reflects the genre's influence on Haring’s work, seen in his vibrant linework and connection to street culture. Grandmaster Flash’s groundbreaking innovations, Tierra Whack’s creative lyricism, and a heartfelt tribute to J Dilla underscore the lasting bond between hip hop and the visual arts.
2021
A celebration of the legendary producer J Dilla, Dilla Fest 2021 brought the soulful vibrations of hip-hop to life at Grand Performances in downtown Los Angeles. This cultural tribute featured live performances by iconic artists, electrifying DJ sets, and heartfelt tributes to Dilla's groundbreaking legacy. With an atmosphere full of creativity and unity, the event honored the timeless influence of one of music's most innovative producers.