James Yancey, more well-known by his names Jay Dee and J Dilla, passed away Friday, February 10 at the age of 32. Yancey died in Los Angeles just days after his 32nd birthday and the release of his latest album, Donuts (Stones Throw). Yancey began having health problems after reportedly spending days at a time in his studio without eating, and also suffered from the autoimmune disease, lupus. Yancey talked about his kidney problems with XXL last year: "I had a ruptured kidney and was malnourished from not eating the right kind of food. It was real simple, but it ended with me being in the hospital." Donuts was partially recorded in the hospital while he recovered from kidney problems a year ago. Yancey, a Detroit native, worked as a member of A Tribe Called Quest's production team before handling tracks for artists like Common, Busta Rhymes, and D'Angelo, as well as for his own trio, Slum Village. He was a well-respected producer who was admired by other producers like Pharrell Williams, who told a magazine that his favorite producer was Yancey, "though you might not have heard of him." A prolific and tireless worker, Yancey had already completed his next album, The Shining, for release this April, and was close to completing a third to be released this year as well. Speaking with Urb magazine about his demanding work schedule and his health, Yancey said, "Sometimes that fixation can be a good thing and sometimes it can be bad. There'd be days when I wouldn't eat at all because I'd be in the basement working all day. This is definitely my second chance, my wakeup call. I still love the music, but I wouldn't put it first in my life. It's family first, and then everything else." His funeral will be held February 14, in Los Angeles. www.stonesthrow.com
