Celebrating Dilla Day with Roland
The exclusive collection celebrates the late Detroit musician’s 50th birthday.
Photo Courtesy of Max Borges Agency
J Dilla is the mastermind behind many timeless tracks. Along with his own music, the Detroit legend takes production credit for projects and tracks by The Roots, The Pharcyde, Busta Rhymes, De La Soul, Erykah Badu, MF DOOM, A Tribe Called Quest, Slum Village, and many more.
J Dilla was gone too soon. To commemorate his life, a top manufacturer of electronic music instruments, synthesizers, and technology, Roland, Roland Lifestyle, and Save the Music Foundation are helping Dilla celebrate Dilla Day. What would be his 50th birthday, the collaboration includes a limited-edition apparel collection to pay homage to the artist’s extensive musical achievements throughout his career — especially his 2006 album Donuts.
The collection also supports the James Dewitt Yancey Foundation and the J Dilla Music Technology Grant, where a portion of the proceeds from the partnership will go toward. These resources allow high school students to explore and create electronic music through Roland’s technology.
The collection reflects on J Dilla’s strong bond to his hometown, Detroit. On a hoodie, you’ll find the cover of his Donuts album with Roland’s logo on the sleeve. A t-shirt reads “J Dilla” and “Roland” on the front, and the back displays a photo of him with a halo displaying his real name (James Dewitt Yancey) and his Detroit zip code. There is also a classic hat with a J Dilla silhouette. Prices range from $40 to $100.
“Our family comes from a musical house where Roland machines helped us create so much music over the years,” said Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey, J Dilla’s mother. “This partnership feels right to me, as both my son and Roland have inspired and influenced many musicians. It is a great way to continue James’s legacy.”
You can purchase the limited-edition collection at rolandlifestyle.shop.
