On this day in 2006, the hip-hop world suffered an irreplaceable loss as James Dewitt Yancey—better known as J Dilla—passed away at the age of 32. The visionary Detroit producer lost his battle with ...

On a special episode of Hard Knock Radio, I had the honor of sitting down with Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey, the mother of legendary producer James “J Dilla” Yancey, in celebration of J Dilla Day. With ...

This label’s 86-year run has been one of the most storied in jazz — and it’s still going. Hear tracks by Wayne Shorter, Sonny ...

This week on Liner Notes, we’re journeying into the soulful, seductive and spellbinding world of D’Angelo’s magnum opus, ...

Apart from the tough drums and bass, I love the monk-like chanting ... THEO PARRISH – “Paradise Architects” Along with J Dilla, Moodymann and Omar S (all Detroit residents), Theo Parrish ...

Stankonia itself was also a grammy winner for best rap album and still stands up as one of the greatest of all time. From the ...

Mike Azzolino, drums/percussion and backup vocals ... York at a time when hip-hop and R&B greats like D’Angelo and J Dilla were starting to make a significant imprint on younger jazz players ...

Reflecting on a transformative residency program, the jazz vocalist now nominated for her first Grammy Award says her album Journey in Black reflects "the expansiveness of the Black experience." ...

He came here and dared to challenge all of that," said urban historian Shermann "Dilla" Thomas ... how honorable this is for me. MLK was a drum major for peace," Huggins said.

There will be several performances, including Ayodele Drum & Dance and spoken word ... The keynote speaker will be Shermann “Dilla” Thomas, a lifelong resident of Chicago’s South Side ...

In lesser hands, the ping-ponging drum track and space-age synths of “Let’s” could have spiraled out of control, but one of J Dilla’s best beats gives the vocals ample room to move.