“James Yancey, a.k.a J Dilla is your favorite rapper's favorite rapper AND producer” ~Kayenecha Daugherty
The DMV came together in DC for a great cause to raise funds in honor of J Dilla’s foundation, The Yancey Fund. Also to raise awareness for Lupus, which took J Dilla’s life in 2006.
The event included top acts in the DMV: Alison Carney, Wes Felton, E major, Diamond District, and Maimouna Yousef-- to name a few. Backed by house band Jon Laine & The Players, the artists took the opportunity to share their stories about J Dilla, and his influence on their musical careers.
Keeping with our personal mission to bring the music to the masses-check out Alison Carney performing ‘Kiss Me On My Neck’ by Erykah Badu Prod. By J Dilla.
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There was TONS of action at this event! Not only were we celebrating the life of a musical pioneer, we were casting the spotlight on immigration reform, with a special discussion led by Hip Hop activist Reverend Lennox Yearwood, president of the Hip Hop Caucus --located in Washington D.C. The Hip Hop Caucus is a nonprofit organization that engages youth in politics and community centered projects.
Gypsy Soul had the honor of meeting Rev. Yearwood backstage, and we spoke briefly about his work with the Hip Hop Caucus, and his work with P. Diddy for the 2004 ‘Vote or Die’ campaign. He also facilitated a 2008 voter registration campaign with T.I and Keyshia Cole.
Rev. Yearwood is no stranger to controversy. He is an open critic of U.S involvement overseas. Having served in the military as an officer in the Air Force, he states: “Serving in the military has definitely propelled my interest in politics and government, and I can't stress the urgency for our community to become more involved in the issues.” He openly protests these issues and even describes a time where he was confronted by the law as a result.
As a native of Louisiana, and being heavily involved in the Hurricane Katrina effort, I expressed my eagerness for his involvement with the catastrophe that is the BP Oil Spill...*but* I digress.
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“I consider myself an American-African.”~Kenny Allen
After spending nearly 5 years overseas in Ethiopia, singer-songwriter and producer Kenny Allen better known as K'Alyn made his way home to Washington D.C to celebrate the life of J Dilla. With such a humble presence, it's no wonder why many consider K'Alyn to be somewhat of a musical ambassador between America and Ethiopia. He created his own niche by following his destiny and formed a production company- East African Recording Company based in Ethiopia. He continues to be inspired by different cultures and shares his experiences in his album The 251. Gypsy Soul caught up with him backstage:
What inspired your move to Ethiopia?
I was invited to go there for about 6 months to perform, and when I got there it seemed like a very conducive environment for creativity and peace of mind, that was the catch phrase of the whole experience.
I found that people respected what I was doing, which isn't always the case in your own home town. When you walk down the street everyone tells you 'you're great, music is great' then when it comes to shows, it's hard to get people unified to continue supporting. I went there and started a record company. Im also working on an arts and culture center there. It’s a place where you can grow and find yourself.
Could you describe your sound and some of your influences
A singer songwriter whose grown up on classic soul, Rock, but having this experience has opened me up to African pop.
What do you have coming up?
I have a record that I did while in Ethiopia called The 251, which is the Ethiopian international code, and it's basically a story about my experience there. It’s the story of journey in Ethiopia. I'm currently here in DC recording some songs. I'm going to Germany and I'm recording a bunch of sessions in different parts of the world, sort of like a puzzle. My aim is to make world music, from an African American perspective and to bridge the gap.
Here's K'Alyn performing at the Dilla Tribute.
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At the end of the night, Talib Kweli took the stage. Though I'm sure that his appearance was the main draw for this event…it hurts my soul to say that his performance was slightly disappointing. Kweli was gracious and obviously excited to perform, but he had difficulty remembering lyrics and was visibly worn out from being on tour. He still gave the crowd lots of energy and shared stories of his recording sessions with Dilla and Slum Village.
Here is Kweli performing ‘History’ from Mos Def’s Album The Estatic
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