Dilla Break-A-Dawn Tonight!

In memory of the legendary James Dewitt Yancy (a.k.a. J Dilla) Red Square will play host to the 4th Annual Beat*Shot Spins for J-Dilla, which this year has been dubbed Dilla Break-A-Dawn.

Beat*Shot puts on this annual event in honor and tribute to the late producer, who passed away in 2006 after suffering with Lupus and TTP, a rare blood disease, at age 32. Both his birthday and the anniversary of his death are in the month of February, (February 7th and 10th respectably).

There’s arguably no such thing as an overdose of Dilla beats, but if you are unfamiliar with the work and influence of J Dilla, there is no better time than tonight to get acquainted. This evening welcomes the talent of local-and-afar musicians and artists who will be showcasing and paying homage to the sounds that helped shape a genre and a movement. This year’s event will feature performances by The Dilla Gents, JB, J-Live, Lo-fi Lobo, Mr. Complex, Midas, Nate Da Great, DJ Playground, Rawhead and DJ Trumastr (who also was featured at OUTPOST1 last month). In conjunction with First Friday, local artists will also have work on display and there also will be raffle prizes from Lark Tattoo and Albany Massage.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the JDilla Foundation, which was started by Dilla’s mother, Maureen Yancey. The mission of the Foundation is to help fund inner-city music programs, as well as provide scholarships to students to enable them to attend schools that have progressive music curricula. J Dilla wanted others to use his legacy to help others, specifically kids, who have talent but may have lacked an opportunity. The Foundation encourages the study of hip-hop, R&B, soul, classical, jazz and rock music to be studied and cultivated in an educational setting, as well as works to enhance and develop arts programs in urban communities. Diana Boardley of the JDilla Foundation will be in attendance, selling “The Official” JDilla Foundation merch as well.

Bonus: Mr. Complex’s new 12″ vinyl w/ digital USB will be exclusively available prior to the official release date on local label Sub-Bombin. You can check out a sneak peak here.

Tickets are available at the door. $10 for 21+ or $15 18+ ($5 to the venue). See the Facebook event for more info.