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Ma Dukes Announces New J Dilla Album, ‘The Rebirth Of Detroit’

Written by Tyler Hakes. Published: Tuesday, April 5, 2011.

Ma Dukes Announces New J Dilla Album, 'The Rebirth Of Detroit' The mother of the late Jay Dee speaks on his forthcoming posthumous release.

In a recent video interview with Maureen Yancey, known as Ma Dukes, she revealed many details about ‘The Rebirth of Detroit, the upcoming, second posthumous release from her son, J Dilla.

“It’s a heading process for the city, for the individuals,” explained Yancey, “And they’re going to bring back the love and the passion for the music and all that hip hop has to offer.” She continued, extrapolating on the importance that the album will hold. “I think it’s time to educate people as to what hip hop offers,” she said, “Because people have it twisted.”

“Hip hop is a culture, it’s not a passing fancy. It’s thriving. It’s growing — in a wonderful way, it has a positive message for people and a learning experience for people of all ages,” Ma Dukes said in the interview.

The album will reflect not only the state of hip hop as a culture, but also speaks to the rebirth of J Dilla’s hometown of Detroit.”It’s a rebirth of some of the things that I hoped for, some of the energies and excitement of being a Detroiter,” Yancey, a Detroit native herself, explains.

Ma Dukes explained that all of the artists who will be involved in The Rebirth of Detroit project were close friends of Jay Dee’s as well as Detroit residents. She called the album, “a tribute from the heart and soul of these people.”

She didn’t divulge any specific details as to who would be featured on the projects, or a specific release date. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Watch the full interview with Ma Dukes below.