J Dilla‘s legacy continues to live on as he is set to be honored with his own day in Detroit.
During a city council meeting on Tuesday (February 4) attended by the late producer’s family, it was announced that Dilla’s birthday, February 7, will hereby be known as “J Dilla Day” in the Motor City.
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It represents the first official municipal acknowledgement of the work and legacy of Dilla, who died in 2006 aged 32 after suffering from the rare blood disease TTP (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura).
Dilla’s daughter Ja’Mya Yancey expressed her gratitude for the prestigious honor during the council meeting.
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“Words cannot describe how grateful we are for this declaration,” she said. “For years, he has been celebrated for the entire month of February all over the city, country and the world.
“My sister [Ty-Monae Whitlow] and I continue to try to uplift and honor his name and legacy, and this is such a monumental step to help us continue on the work he left behind.”
The proclamation highlights Dilla’s masterful work as a producer that “transcended genre and influenced not only Hip Hop and electronic artists but also pop, soul, classical and jazz musicians.”
Photo Credit: Joylette Hunter
A J Dilla street sign is going up on Nevada and Charest Thursday. Joylette Hunter, a spokesperson for the James Dewitt Yancey Estate, came to Detroit city council today with J Dilla’s daughters, Ja’Mya Yancey and Ty-Monae Whitlow. pic.twitter.com/6zEVeaii7I
— Sam Robinson (@samueljrob) February 4, 2025
A street sign commemorating J Dilla’s legacy is also set to be unveiled on Thursday (February 6) on the corner of Nevada and Charest, near his family home in the Conant Gardens neighborhood where he recorded many of his greatest songs.
The producer’s hometown basketball team, the Detroit Pistons, are also paying tribute by hosting a private ceremony on Friday evening, with Dilla’s two daughters expected to be in attendance.
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While the music that Dilla created during his lifetime continues to be celebrated, previously unheard material may soon be on the way.
At the aforementioned city council meeting, Joylette Hunter, spokesperson for the James Dewitt Yancey Estate, was asked by council member Coleman Young II if fans like himself can ever expect to hear unreleased music from his vault.
“We do have some new stuff developed at the estate. Someone gave me some music that was found of his. We were in L.A. just a few weeks ago having a meeting,” Hunter replied, according to local journalist Sam Robinson.
It was confirmed last year that J Dilla would be one of five historical figures from Detroit to be bestowed the honor of a street name alongside his mentor and fellow producer Amp Fiddler, former Detroit Piston Earl Cureton, civil rights leader Horace Sheffield Jr. and murdered local man Vincent Chin.
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“Everyone here that was recommended is notable, is honorable, has done great things for our city, and we appreciate that this is very difficult for us to only select five,” said City Council President Mary Sheffield, per Detroit News.
