J Dilla Remembered With Grant Launched by MTV and Save the Music

In honor of the one and only J Dilla, MTV and the Save the Music Foundation are giving high school kids a chance to learn music production with the J Dilla Music Tech Grant.

Before passing away in 2006, Detroit-born Dilla worked with huge acts including A Tribe Called Quest, Common, Erykah Badu, De La Soul, Busta Rhymes and more. 

His impact on the culture and the industry can still be felt today. 

In a statement to The Associated Press, Grammy-winning musician and Save the Music ambassador, Robert Glasper said, “Dilla is the only hip-hop producer that literally changed the way musicians play music. You can always hear musicians trying to emulate him… Dilla was definitely a unique and influential voice in music and I’m glad and blessed to have known and rocked with him!”

To reflect how music is being made today, the new grant will teach students the fundamentals of electronic music creation, recording, and production, through innovative tech tools and curriculum. 

Developed in partnership with Pharrell Williams’ i am OTHER company and Arizona State University, the multi-year initiative, will benefit seven high schools in Philadelphia; Brooklyn, Los Angeles, New Orleans; Miami; and Newark, New Jersey. 

Rest in Power Dilla! For more info on the J Dilla Music Tech Grant, head to Billboard.com. And until next time, for Billboard News, it’s your girl Jordyn Rolling.