James DeWitt Yancey aka J Dilla was perhaps unknown to mainstream audiences but his work and life continues to resonate in popular music today. In Dilla Time author Dan Charnas juxtaposes J Dilla against the wider history of Black American music.

J Dilla  died of a rare blood disease at the young age of 32 without a single pop hit to his name. But since his death, Dilla has been deified as a musical genius and revered by jazz musicians and rap icons alike from Robert Glasper to Kendrick Lamar; memorialized in symphonies and taught at universities.

Dan Charnas shares Dilla Time with host Wan and discusses what happens when human and machine times are synthesized into something new.

About this event’s guests:
Dan Charnas
Wan

This event is part of TPL's Black History series.

Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks’ notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email accessibleservices@tpl.ca

Dan Charnas: Dilla Time