In observance of Dilla Day around the world, Universal Grammar is proud to present its annual dedication to the late great J Dilla with a night of live performances and DJ sets. Special guests will be the younger brother of J Dilla who goes by the name of Illa J. And, performing an opening set dedicated to the collective known as the Soulquarians will the band Cosmic Roots with guest vocalist Joy. Plus guests DJ playing tribute to not only J Dilla and the Soulquarians, but the Native Tongue collective as well. Additional programming support is provided by Bay Beat Summit and Ladies First DJ Club. Come vibe with us and celebrate.

From deep musical origins in Detroit, rapper/singer/songwriter Illa J has been slowly navigating his way through the oft-turbulent waters of hip-hop since the tender age of 13, when the young John Yancey aka Illa J wrote his first rhyme alongside his brother, the late great J Dilla. After his brother’s passing in ‘06, he began teaching himself piano, bass and taking vocal lessons while finding himself touring the world and recording a slew of Dilla-related projects, notably being an active member of Slum Village until 2014.

His first solo album, ’08s Yancey Boys and the Frank Nitt 2013 collaborative album Sunset BLVD were both released on the seminal label Delicious Vinyl. Feeling the need for a change creatively as well as geographically, in 2012 John moved to the future music hotbed that is Montreal ultimately making the connection with Canadian producers Nick Wisdom & AstroLogical aka Potatohead People, whose acclaimed Bastard Jazz debut album Big Luxury in Spring 2015 featured Illa J on two hit singles. The success of their initial collaborations inspired the team to dive into the studio and embark on Illa J’s new self-titled solo album, and present an entirely fresh sound of his own.

Representing the IE, Chino Hills, CA, Xz.Avier of the Cosmic Roots is a soul connoisseur that specializes in soul, hip-hop and R&B while inspired by funk and soul legends such as Parliament/Funkadelic, D’Angelo and Marvin Gaye. He's a singer, songwriter, producer, and DJ while also continuing to play piano which he learned at the age of 3. Xz.Avier is the co-founder of presenting partner Black On Both Sides.

JOY, hailing from San Jose, CA, is a 23-year-old jazz school dropout-turned rhinestone rebel looks to bring a unique style of synth-heavy, hip-hop influenced pop music to the world. JOY is co-founder of presenting partner Black On Both Sides.