J Dilla tribute @ Espy

J Dilla is one of the most influential producers in hip hop. He's also one of the genre's most tragic figures. Born with a rare blood disease, James D. Yancey passed away on February 10 2006 (aged 32), just as his career was starting to take off. The Genius Of J Dilla pays tribute to his legacy with a free show and special appearance from Detroit's DJ Houseshoes.

While Dilla was a prolific and influential producer during his 15 year career (working with acts like Common, A Tribe Called Quest, Busta Rhymes and his former group, Slum Village), he was also an underground secret. That has changed since his death. Four years on, Dilla's music has reached an international audience and his legacy looms over the industry. Basically, he had a unique ear and helped plot a new sonic template for the music. Or, to put it another way, he's often described as “your favourite producers favourite producer”.

A selection of local, national and international DJs will be playing classic Dilla tracks and production work at the Espy, amongst them DJ Houseshoes (Detroit), M-Phazes, DJ Ransom and Sheriff Rosco.

The Genius Of J Dilla takes place at the Espy Thursday February 11. While there's no cover-charge donations to the J Dilla foundation are encouraged.