The Smithsonian has announced that two of Detroit producer J Dilla’s production tools (custom-built Minimoog Voyager and Limited Edition Akai MIDI Production Center 3000) will be put on display within the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Dilla’s equipment will be placed among memorabilia from artists such as: Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Chuck Berry and others who helped pave the way for African American musicians. The announcement was made during the annual “DC Loves Dilla” concert, which celebrates the late producer with tribute performances in Washington D.C.
The “Musical Crossroads” exhibit, which looks to “explore how popular music helped shaped the nation’s history and culture,” will feature Dilla’s equipment when the new museum section opens in 2016. The digital instruments were donated by his mother Maureen Yancey (aka “Ma Dukes”), and will become a part of the 11 inaugural collections to be included in its grand opening.
Detroit’s J Dilla (James Yancey) died in 2006 following a battle with the blood disease thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and lupus. He is known as one of hip hop’s most influential producers of all time, having released more than 15 albums including collaborations with artists, such as: De La Soul, The Pharcyde, The Roots, A Tribe Called Quest, Common, Madlib, Pete Rock, Hi-Tek and Kanye West.
Recently, J Dilla’s mother announced the release of a special box set, deemed “King of Beats: Volume One.” The collection includes four vinyl records, an unreleased cassette tape and a floppy drive made specifically to use with an E-Mu Systems SP-1200 drum machine and sampler, which also happens to be the theme of the box set’s package design.
Watch the announcement at “DC Loves Dilla” 2014 below: