(Photo: Royce Da 5’9 for J Dilla x Pistons. Credit: Detroit Pistons Photo)
The Detroit Pistons are honoring the life and legacy of Detroit-born hip-hop icon J. Dilla with a special merchandise collection. The announcement coincides with what would have been Dilla’s 50th birthday.
Dilla, widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop producers ever, left an undeniable mark on music. The Pistons felt a responsibility to celebrate the Detroit native, especially following the recent 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
“While Dilla’s genius is revered by many, countless others haven’t been introduced to his incredible legacy,” said Bilal Saeed, the Pistons’ VP of Brand & Marketing Strategy. “We wanted to tell his story creatively and showcase Detroit’s ongoing impact on music globally.”
The Pistons partnered with Dilla’s longtime friend Frank Nitt, who connected them with Dilla’s estate and family. Ja’Mya Yancey, one of Dilla’s daughters, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration.
“This is fantastic,” Yancey said. “We’re thrilled to finally have this opportunity to celebrate Dad through a major project. It’s a fun and exciting way to honor his legacy while respecting his estate.”
Dilla’s other daughter, Ty’Monae Whitlow, echoed her sister’s sentiments. “This collaboration between the Pistons and the estate means so much,” Whitlow said. “Detroit’s love for Dad and our family is truly heartwarming. I’m excited to see the entire collection.”
Detroit rapper Royce 5’9″, played a key role in designing the collection, serving as its art director. Royce and Dilla collaborated on several tracks before Dilla’s passing. This project represents a way for Royce to continue Dilla’s legacy and complete their unfinished work.
“Dilla’s influence is a treasure to be safeguarded,” Royce said. “It’s a privilege to curate his likeness for this exclusive merchandise line. This campaign is significant not just for me, but for Detroit and the entire hip-hop community.”
Each piece in the collection will pay tribute to J. Dilla, his unique style, and his groundbreaking work. Look for product details and images leading up to March 13th, also known as 313 Day. The capsule collection launches that day, coinciding with the Pistons’ game against the Toronto Raptors at Little Caesars Arena.
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