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probably the iLLest DJ/ beats producer of our time. Hip Hop took a hard hit with this one. He did beats for the Roots, De la Soul, Dwele, Busta Rhymes, just to name a few. Very talented DJ. Rest in Peace J dilla!

here's an article i found on the matter:

{RIP Jay Dee AKA Jay Dilla



The Hip-Hop world suffered a huge loss with the passing of producer Jay-Dee AKA Jay-Dilla on Friday, 10th February, aged 32.
According to his manager, the former Slum Village man (real name James Yancey) died from complications caused by lupus, an immune system disease which he had been suffering from for the last three years. Back in 2004, the Detroit legend had revealed that his massive workload had led to severe kidney problems.
As a producer, Jay Dee was responsible for a catalogue of incredible music including: Janet Jackson?s, ?Got Til It?s Gone?, ?Find A Way? by Tribe Called Quest, ?Runnin? by Pharcyde, 'Vivrant Thing' by Q-Tip, as well as several top remixes for UK artists including: The Brand New Heavies, Nine Yards and LSK. He was also the main force behind Common?s legendary album, ?Like Water For Chocolate? and produced several records for Erykah Badu and D?Angelo. Alongside Ali Muhammad and Q-Tip he made up a third of the production trio, The Ummah.

In 2001 Dilla released a solo LP called Welcome To Detroit and early on in February 2006 he dropped a 45 minute instrumental album called ?Donuts?, through Stones Throw records. Another album, ?Welcome To Detroit, Vol. 2? will be released later on this year.

Questlove of the Roots left this amazing tribute to his good friend:

"I am devastated at the world's loss of a musical genius of Charlie Parker proportions. Too often we bestow the 'greatest' title upon those who have the attention of the press and the charts and radio. But if you were to secretly ask the most praised hip-hop producers, if given a top three, who they fear the most, Dilla's name would chart on everyone's list, hands down. I am fortunate to have known this man. He inspires me to perfect my craft in every way. Dilla was and will always be my hero."

Jay Dee will be sorely missed by the music community at large. Rest in peace Jay-Dee and thanks for all the great music.}

now somebody told me he was shot. anyone know if that's true or not?

crying

My buddy has a dilla poster above his bed. Everytime i look at it i frown but then think of his acomplishments and think it means more to smile then top sulk......

It affected me the most. To be honest, I never felt this much pain before. We weren't related but I felt close to him. His music spoke to me and he's the main reason why I make music in the first place! It's like this one cat said in the Dilla tribute (Roots "Game Theory"...Go cop that!)....He's happy he's not suffering anymore, but he wants to be selfish and say that he wishes Dilla was still here. There will never be another like him.

Nah Dilla wasn't shot... whoever told you that is on some BS. He was hospitalized and eventually died from loopis.