So it’s the beginning of September in Boston and you know what that means….. move in day. Personally my favorite time of year, mostly cause I can look out the window and pity all the people moving heavy ass shit while I sit back, twist one up and watch Shogun Assassins. But when a near and dear friend called and asked for my assistance I couldn’t say no (plus I wanted to score some brownie points.) So for the past few days I have been in the giving mood. And all yall should be as well………

As all of you know, the one and only Jay Dee passed away earlier this year from a rare blood disorder. Jay Dee was one of the most soulful producers in the game and everyone who came into contact with him has been truly affected by his death.

Jay’s mama, Maureen Yancey, set up the J Dilla Foundation in May of 2006. The purpose of this foundation is to keep the soul and values that J Dilla weaved into every beat he created. The foundation has various events and benefit shows. A show in Detroit benefited a mentoring program that was in danger of closing and it featured chi-towns most soulful MC, the one and only, Common Sense.

There are two blazing products on the foundations home site. First, a rare 32 track compilation Dilla CD featuring contributions from many of the artist Jay had touched over the years. This CD was made my DJ Dummy for Mrs. Yancey and she is passing it along to y’all. Also, there is a beautiful J Dilla memorial poster made up of over 300 images. All proceeds go to benefit the J Dilla foundation.

I shouldn’t have to say this but if you haven’t picked up Dilla’s finally release, The Shining, cop that ASAP, cause its straight fire.

Jay Dee’s death has truly touched me more than many of the other rappers deaths I have experienced. Biggie and Pac knew it was coming. Violence and crime were a main thread in many of their tracks. Easy-E (though dieing of AIDS) was no saint. But Dilla had a heart of gold and took the ugly side of something and was able to make it beautiful.

So buy the CD and poster and do not be afraid to donate time or money. It’s karma baby, what goes around comes around kid.

We all miss you J Dilla……..

MaimZ