![\"\"](\"http:\/\/illsocietymag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/Boombox-6th-Annual-Celebration-of-J-DILLA-8.jpg\" "\\"Boombox")
<\/a><\/center><\/p>\nFor those individuals who participate in the knowledge of what\u2019s up, February marks a momentous month in the year. Aside from the celebration of Black History Month, February is also the time to pay tribute to the legacy of J Dilla<\/strong>; the underground Hip-Hop producer whose genius of timeless music is still felt even years after his death. If you\u2019ve ever nodded your head in appreciation to tracks by A Tribe Called Quest<\/strong>, Common<\/strong>, Janet Jackson<\/strong>, or the Pharcyde<\/strong>, chances are you also came across the soulful production of James Yancey<\/strong>, commonly known by his stage name, J Dilla<\/strong>. Most likely to be your favorite producer\u2019s favorite producer, J Dilla<\/strong> is known as a musical pioneer of Hip-Hop, which is why it\u2019s no surprise that many individuals and artists willingly admit \u201cJ Dilla changed my life.\u201d I can easily co-sign to that truth because upon hearing my first Dilla<\/strong> tracks, \u201cSo Far to Go,\u201d<\/strong><\/em> and \u201cTime: Donuts of the Heart\u201d<\/strong><\/em> I knew its heavy rhythm and percussion’s was unlike anything I had ever heard. It was like falling in love with Hip-Hop all over again, but this time in a different language: Dilla<\/strong>-style.<\/p>\n From Detroit to Downtown, LA Hip-Hop enthusiasts are paying respect and celebrating the legacy of J Dilla<\/strong> in February, the month of his birthday. This past Saturday on February 2nd, Grand Star Jazz Club in DTLA was the place to be for the 6th Annual Celebration of The Life & Music of Detroit\u2019s Finest… J Dilla<\/strong>. The night included special guests Oh No<\/strong> of Stones Throw, Exile<\/strong> of Dirty Science, Dibia$e<\/strong>, Knxwledge<\/strong> and guest host MED<\/strong>. Resident deejays Inka One<\/strong> and Ben Diggin<\/strong> also paid tribute to Detroit\u2019s finest by the rotation of classic Dilla<\/strong> tracks.<\/p>\n Upon arrival, I made my way to the illuminated dance floor, grateful that cute ladies get to bypass the line. The beautiful LA crowd slowly poured inside as the night progressed. A portion of all proceeds from the evening benefited the J Dilla Foundation<\/strong>, an organization committed to help fund inner-city music programs and provide scholarships to students attending schools that have progressive music curricula. Peep the goodness at jdillafoundation.org<\/a>: an admirable example that even in his absence, Dilla\u2019s<\/strong> still making a shining impact.<\/p>\n The best part of a Dilla<\/strong> party though, lies in the music selection. Ben Diggin<\/strong> and Analog<\/strong> for example, didn\u2019t disappoint. Aside from paying homage to Dilla<\/strong> through several of his classic productions, a variety of Golden Era Hip-Hop graced the airwaves\u2014in other words, the melodic flows were in constant rotation and twas crackin\u2019.<\/p>\n Peeking through the stack of vinyl they had on deck, J Dilla\u2019s<\/strong> \u201cThe Shining\u201d<\/strong> caught my eye and the classic track \u201cWon\u2019t Do\u201d<\/em><\/strong> received much love from the crowd. I made a special request for one of my personal favorite Dilla tracks, \u201cCrushin,\u201d<\/strong><\/em> which Ben Diggin<\/strong>\u2019 chose to play to cap the night. <\/p>\n But of course, what\u2019s great music without an opportunity to bless the dance floor with some moves? B-boys and B-girls made their presence known with rhythmic body rocking, isolations and head spinning tricks that received several head nods\/jealousy\/cheers of appreciation by the crowd. In conclusion, IllSociety Magazine<\/strong> had a great evening and J Dilla<\/strong> fans know how to party.<\/p>\n Rest in beats to one of the greatest to have changed the game of hip-hop: how inspiring it is to know that Dilla\u2019s<\/strong> radiance still shines through his music.<\/p>\n -Elainne Dizon<\/a><\/center><\/p>\n<\/a><\/center><\/p>\n<\/a><\/center><\/p>\n<\/a><\/center><\/p>\n<\/a><\/center><\/p>\n
\nAll photos taken by Elainne Dizon<\/p>\n<\/a><\/center><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n