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Sneak Peek: J Dilla Ensemble Rehearsal

Hello, I’m Liz Burg, one of Berklee’s newest staff members. Earlier this week, I caught up with Berklee’s J Dilla Ensemble as they rehearse for their upcoming performances at the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. Yes, you read that correctly; in a matter of days, Berklee’s own J Dilla Ensemble is taking center stage at what promises to be one of the largest cultural gatherings of the hip-hop community (last year’s festival drew over 8000 people!).


The 2010 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival is paying particular attention to the legacy the iconic producer/composer J Dilla left behind when he died of lupus in 2006. Because the festival aims to add an entertaining and educational voice to the world of hip-hop, Berklee’s J Dilla Ensemble is participating in panel discussions about J Dilla (July 6) and in performances that showcase his music (July 10).

The J Dilla Ensemble is the only group in the world that studies and performs the hip-hop mastermind’s catalogue for academic credit. Berklee faculty member Brian “Raydar” Ellis, a talented MC, producer and DJ in his own right, created the ensemble in 2008 and masterfully leads the group through the work of the genius behind musical legends like A Tribe Called Quest, Erykah Badu, Common, Busta Rhymes and many, many more.

If you’re in the Brooklyn area, check out bkhiphopfestival.com for ticket information!

July 6 – Brooklyn Historical Society (128 Pierrepont St., Brooklyn, NY)

4:00-4:30 p.m.: Stussy J Dilla Documentary

4:30-5:45: Panel Session 1

5:45-6:15: J Dilla Ensemble Performs

6:15-7:30: Panel Session 2

7:30-7:45: J Dilla Ensemble Performs

7:45-8:00: Closing Remarks

July 10: Brooklyn Bridge Park & Tobacco Warehouse (26 New Dock Street, Brooklyn, NY)

12:00 p.m.: Performances begin

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2 Comments

  1. Good Luck yall

    Come check out a tribute to real Hip Hop.

    http://reverbnation.com/SIQisHIPHOP

    THA HIjAQ Volume 1

  2. yo you guys are dope. keybord man… are you for hire? cuz yee yall kats is dope. holla at me if u feelin me

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