Happy Birthday: Bob Marley & J-Dilla

This weekend is what i'm considering to be an iconic weekend because of two legends in the world of music. Both of whom did their own brand of music that stretched far past the borders from where they originated to audiences that spanned the globe. Both are pioneers who also influenced many, and their music is still enjoyed by the masses considering they are no longer here in physical form. Both will always be in our hearts, minds, and we will continue to pay tribute by listening to their music.

Bob Marley

Robert Nesta "Bob" Marley (February 6, 1945 – May 11, 1981) was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician. He was the lead singer, songwriter and guitarist for the ska, rocksteady and reggae bands The Wailers (1964–1974) and Bob Marley & The Wailers (1974–1981). Marley remains the most widely known and revered performer of Reggae music, and is credited for helping spread both Jamaican music and the Rastafari movement to a worldwide audience.

Marley's best known hits include "I Shot the Sheriff", "No Woman, No Cry", "Could You Be Loved", "Stir It Up", "Jamming", "Redemption Song", "One Love" and, together with The Wailers, "Three Little Birds", as well as the posthumous releases "Buffalo Soldier" and "Iron Lion Zion". The compilation album, Legend (1984), released three years after his death, is Reggae's best-selling album, being 10 times Platinum (Diamond) in the U.S., and selling 20 million copies worldwide.

For more info on his life and legacy, log on to BobMarley.com



J-Dilla/Jay Dee

J-Dilla/Jay Dee was born James Dewitt Yancey on February 7, 1974 in Detroit, Michigan and was a Grammy Award winning producer who helped change the face of Hip-Hop and Soul with his style of production. It was singer/songwriter/musician Amp Fiddler, also of Detroit, who introduced J-Dilla to the Akai MPC after being impressed by what he accomplished with limited production tools. A simple tape deck was the center of his studio.

J-Dilla has produced for the likes of Slum Village (founder, producer, MC), Erykah Badu, The Roots, Janet Jackson, Mos Def, Common, The Pharcyde, Dwele, Bilal, D'Angelo, Busta Rhymes, Talib Kweli, Maxwell, Vivian Green, and the list goes on. He has several of his own studio albums to his production and MC credit. His final album titled "DONUTS" was being worked on while he was in his final days. On February 10, 2006, J-Dilla passed away from complications of Lupus.

J-Dilla.com
JDillaFoundation.org