hip hop

Detroit hip hop legend J Dilla's record collection goes up for auction

Michigan Radio Newsroom — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 18:22:27 +0000

A portion of the record collection belonging to Detroit artist J Dilla (James Yancey) is now for sale.

Since his death in 2006, the seminal hip-hop producer’s record collection had lain dormant in a storage unit maintained by his mother.

Now Dilla’s mother, Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey, is selling records from the collection through weekly Ebay auctions.

Stateside: Hip hop church uses music, religion and dance as a tool for gang prevention

Emily Fox — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 17:07:57 +0000

West Michigan is known as the bible belt of the state. There are countless churches in the area but there is only one hip-hop church. It’s called the EDGE Urban Fellowship. It’s fusing religion, music and dance as a gang prevention tool for youth in Grand Rapids, a city home to nearly 60 organized gangs.

"Detroit's Child" - J Dilla's legacy grows

Mark Brush — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 17:16:25 +0000

Every once in a while you stumble upon a story that passed you by. Here's one I missed from Paul Farber, a former arts intern here at Michigan Radio.

J Dilla's beat goes on

Michigan Radio Newsroom — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 20:44:48 +0000

J Dilla was one of Detroit's most prolific and respected hip hop producers. He died in 2006, but his music still inspires his fans around the world. And now his Mom is using his name to support music education in his hometown.