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Mrs. Yancey talks about the new J.Dilla album called The Rebirth Of Detroit. The project will only feature music from Detroit artists who worked with the late producer/rapper.

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Today is J.Dilla’s 37th birthday and Brian “B.Kyle” Atkins’ documentary “Still Shining” is a tribute to his musical light that glows and will continue to radiate forever. Listen to Q-Tip, Phat Kat, Erykah Badu and others share their thoughts on Dilla’s life and legacy. Phat Kat wonders why Dilla never achieved the recognition deserving of this talent and we all know why. J.Dilla was a hip-hop purist and a dedicated artist. He was not an industry type person. I recall a story of when Q-Tip forced him to go to the Grammys and Dilla’s discomfort with the event. It has also been written that big name pop artists wanted his services but he turned down the offers because he could only make music that he could truly feel. The big-name producers and rappers who make those compromises will automatically have more open roads into mainstream recognition. But the truth is that many if not all of those big name producers were aware of Dilla’s mastery. The documentary is a sweet remembrance of a man who left a hole in music that he could only fill. I just wish that Atkins had proofread “Moni Love” and “Tanacious” before the final cut.

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Brian “B.Kyle” Atkins has put together a video project honoring the life of the late J.Dilla. The project will debut on February 7th 2011 on Dilla’s birthday at the J.DillaProject.com.

Detroit, MI. January 7th 2011: Ma Dukes and The J Dilla Foundation announce the winner of The International J Dilla Tribute Art Contest and open a call for artists to participate in a J Dilla Art Exhibit.

Ma Dukes and The J Dilla Foundation are proud to announce that the “So Far To Go” International J Dilla Tribute Art Contest has come to an end, but the movement continues. Artists and fans around the world were invited to come together and celebrate the life of legendary producer James Dewitt Yancey, also known as J Dilla, to raise awareness of The J Dilla Foundation through artistic expression. After three months, 141 artists entered original artwork inspired by J Dilla on www.art4dilla.com. Thousands of fans and supporters from 112 countries and territories participated, and the people have chosen a winner.

The top voted submission is entitled “J DILLA the SpeciaLIST” which was created by artist and designer Joseph “Joe Buck” Buckingham. Joe’s artwork, “J DILLA the SpeciaLIST” will be produced as a limited edition, Giclee print series, signed by Joe Buck and J Dilla’s mother, Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey. This signed, limited edition print, as well as special lithograph poster and t-shirt are exclusively available for sale at www.art4dilla.com. All proceeds will be donated to The J Dilla Foundation to help fund their ongoing programs.

Artist and designer, Joseph Buckingham was born in Germany, raised in Queens, New York, and is presently living in Long Island, New York. Joe describes his style of painting as “Pop Art, Fauvism, Primitivism and sometimes Abstract.” Over the past twenty years, his true passion has always been painting, even though he has worked on designing branding material and music packaging for a long list of clients such as Fubu, Baby Phat, Echo Red, George Clinton and De La Soul. Noted milestones include the artwork for De La Soul’s “Saturdays” and “De La Soul is Dead” albums. Joe was also part of the founding team that created Fader Magazine. He also Illustrated two of the first ever Hip Hop children’s books with Scholastic “Think Again” written by Doug E Fresh and “Hope” written by Shaggy

“Joe has always been more than an artist. joe Buck himself is “ART”. What we view as his amazing illustrations are his children!” “The poster feels like a blueprint into Jay Dee’s very soul. His watchful eye looking at me as i read and stand in awe over all of his work listed.The illustration Joe served goes beyond 2Dimensional” -Pos / De La Soul

“A remarkable illustration worth more than its one thousand woven words. You witness Dilla’s private conversation to Joe transcribed for educational public domain.” “Fine art from a fine artist. Joe is a master. This should be used as Dilla 101 for years to come”- Damu The Fudgemunk / Redefinition Records

The contest may have come to an end, but the movement continues. The J Dilla Foundation, along with La Famiglia, 323 East and 5e Gallery are proud to announce that they will be hosting a group exhibit, showcasing artwork from around the world inspired by J Dilla. The exhibition will be held at 5e Gallery in Detroit, MI (USA) and will open to the public in May of 2011.

There is an open call for submissions from artists around the world. All mediums of artwork are welcomed. Artists interested in presenting original artwork inspired by J Dilla for consideration for this special tribute art exhibition can submit images of artwork and general information via email. Artists should include detailed information about their artwork and interest. To submit your art work for consideration, send an email to ArtShow@art4dilla.com with: artist name, an image of the work you would like to submit, size, medium, and your location. More details regarding the exhibit will be released at a later date.

The “So Far To Go” International J Dilla Tribute Art Contest was organized by La Famiglia & 323East on the behalf of The J Dilla Foundation. Supporting sponsors include; Jakprints, 5e Gallery, Crewest Gallery,>RX Fresh, Ironlak, Fatbeats, Bombing Science, Fusicology and Ohm Creative Group.

Official Contest Site: http://www.art4dilla.com

Order Prints, Posters and Shirts: http://www.art4dilla.com

For more information about The J Dilla Foundation go to: http://www.jdillafoundation.org