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J Dilla is being honored with his own day and a street named after him in Detroit.
On Thursday, February 6, the estate of the late producer and rapper, born James Dewitt Yancey, was in attendance to witness the debut of "J Dilla Street." The street sign was revealed at the corner of Nevada and Charest Street, which is right across the street from the home Dilla grew up in on the east side of Detroit. J Dilla's family, including his daughters, Ja'Mya Yancey and Ty'Monae Whitlow, was there to witness the prolific artist's latest accomplishment.
The street sign was revealed one day ahead the late musician's official day in Detroit, which falls on his birthday. The city council declared February 7 "J Dilla Day" during a meeting held on Tuesday. Although his legacy has been celebrated in February through festivals and other events around the country, this is the first time Dilla's hometown has honored his contributions to Hip-Hop and the music industry overall. The revered beatmaker, who got his start as a member of iconic rap group Slum Village, passed away in 2006 at 32 after he suffered from a rare blood disease called TTP (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura).
“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 first-ever "J Dilla Day" is happening ahead of Dilla Day L.A. on February 8. The annual concert is hosted by Dilla's mother Maureen "Ma Dukes" Yancey and the James Dewitt Yancey Estate. This year's performers include Slum Village, Guilty Simpson and more. The proceeds from the event will go towards the victims of the Eaton wildfires.