Jay Dee

Jay Dee, born James Dewitt Yancey in Detroit, Michigan, in 1974, was a visionary music producer and rapper known for his game-changing contributions to hip-hop. Emerging in the mid-1990s, Jay Dee—later known as J Dilla—quickly distinguished himself through his innovative sampling techniques, soulful beats, and off-kilter rhythms. As a founding member of the influential collective Slum Village, Jay Dee’s production work helped define the sound of Detroit’s underground hip-hop scene and garnered the attention of major artists and producers worldwide.

He collaborated with acclaimed acts such as A Tribe Called Quest, Common, Erykah Badu, The Pharcyde, and De La Soul, infusing each project with his unmistakable blend of intricate drum patterns and warm, jazz-inflected melodies. His solo projects, most notably "Donuts," released just days before his untimely passing in 2006, are regarded as seminal works that pushed the boundaries of hip-hop production. Revered for his humility, work ethic, and boundary-pushing artistry, Jay Dee’s legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and producers, solidifying his status as one of the most influential figures in modern music history.