In October 2023 I’m doing a 3 city tour called An Afternoon Of Dilla. The tour is in celebration of the late great Detroit based producer J Dilla, and is in support of the James Dewitt Yancey Foundation; which was setup in his name by his family to support community music projects and access to music technology for young people.
The events will take place in London, Manchester and Bristol. They are free to attend with donations on the day. Dilla’s music continues to inspire all generations and we don’t want money to be a barrier to accessing a celebration of his music.
An Afternoon Of Dilla will feature a range of different elements. In 2020 I released the only official UK based Jay Dee tribute to date entitled Dilla: The Timeless Tribute. In each city I’ll be talking about the creation of the album, which took 7 years to develop. In addition, Dr.Zach Diaz will be breaking down some of Dilla’s key tracks. Zach is (literally) a doctor of Dilla, and has an unparalleled knowledge of his production techniques.
Each city has a mix of line ups, with live performances, beatmakers and DJs who are inspired and influenced by Dilla. Monkey Shoulder are providing Dilla themed cocktails on the day, and Bristol based Stop Ya Beefin are supplying fresh donuts in honour of Dilla’s infamous album.
The graphics are created by the amazing Japanese based artist Nearski, who I previously collaborated with for my latest album Aspects. He’s designed the promotional graphics alongside the merch.
There will be exclusive Merch available on the day, and all money will be donated to the James Dewitt Yancey Foundation. This will include limited edition organic and hand printed t-shirts, made possible by Monkey Shoulder and printed by Shinobi Print in Bristol, alongside limited edition sticker packs including a die cut sticker featuring Nearski's design.
The tour is funded by the Brigstow Institute, University of Bristol and support from the Arts And Humanities Research Council. With thanks to Justin Williams for his continued support and encouragement.
The venues have been carefully chosen to represent Hip-Hop culture and spaces that are championing local artists.
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The line ups and venues are:
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London
cHip sHop Brixton
1-5pm
Micall Parknsun (live PA)
Pitch 92 (beat showcase)
DJ Shorty (DJ set)
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Bristol
Art Club w/ Hip Hop Coffee Shop
2-6pm
Blacksmith (Live PA)
Ile Flottante (beat showcase)
DJ Paloma (DJ set)
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Manchester
Low Four Studio w/ Ded Luvly
1-5pm
J.Chambers (Live PA)
Batfunk (beat showcase / Live PA)
Agent J (DJ set)
Ded Luvly DJs (DJ set)
+ an after party with Ded Luvly til late
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