@officialmadukes @T3sv @AmpFiddler @JDilla_Fndn @joeyBADASS @icansoarorg
On April 17th in Detroit, with Ma Dukes and T3 of Slum Village in attendance, we donated $10,000 worth of music production equipment to where J Dilla formerly attended High School: Pershing. This was the fruition of a collaborative capsule that we embarked on back in 2013 with the J Dilla foundation and Joey Bada$$ where 100% of profits were to be used to purchase music production equipment for their respective High Schoolsl. The capsule collection consisted of a 45 record that unearthed a previously unreleased J Dilla beat and paired it with the young burgoing Brooklyn MC as well as 2 t-shirts and a crewneck. Patrick Liberty said “it brought tears to my eyes watching the proceeding at Pershing High School and realizing we had helped conceptualize such a powerful project.” There was a palpable excitement in the auditorium that day with the principal, Shirley Brown, announcing they would create a studio with the donated instruments and dub it “The J Dilla Studio.” Ma Dukes spoke about J Dilla’s legacy and about him attending Pershing High School. There were also live performances from close friends and former group members of J Dilla to inspire the students. Performances were from Phat Kat, DJ Los, Amp Fiddler, T3 of Slum Village, Nick Speed, Brandon Williams, Supa Emcee and the Pershing High School Band. Akomplice’s Patrick Liberty spoke on the big screen via Skype about how when he was in High School he saved all of his money buying tidbits of studio equipment and how now all of the students at Pershing would have full access to a professional grade studio. He also spoke about the focus and determination it takes to succeed. Lastly, he hoped the next Joey Bada$$ or J Dilla would come out of Pershing and that this donation would help this person develop their gift. Thanks to everyone who contributed to making this effort happen by purchasing the capsule collection. J Dilla’s music was a gift to the world and through this collaboration he continues to give the gift of music. Check out more of the photos from the ceremony after the jump.