On Saturday, February 14th, Valentine’s Day, North Carolina native Rapsoy electrified the stage at this year’s Dilla Day LA celebration. Held at Don Quijote in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, the annual tribute brought together hip-hop heads, legendary performers, and devoted fans to honor the life and legacy of the late, great J Dilla.
Rapsoy, representing the East Coast with undeniable presence and lyrical precision, delivered a powerful set pulled straight from their catalog. From start to finish, the performance commanded the room, blending raw lyricism with soulful production in a way that paid homage to Dilla’s influence while maintaining Rapsoy’s distinct voice. The crowd responded with high energy, creating a shared moment that reflected the spirit of unity Dilla’s music continues to inspire.
The night was further amplified by a special appearance from Michigan emcee One Be Lo of Binary Star. Known for his intricate wordplay and underground acclaim, One Be Lo treated the audience to selections from his catalog along with a dynamic DJ set. His performance added another layer of authenticity to the celebration, bridging generations of hip-hop rooted in substance and artistry.
Dilla Day LA featured an impressive lineup of artists who set the tone throughout the evening. Performers included M.E.D., Psycho Les, Daru Jones, SDNTRACK, Big Boo, Luman, J x Honey, Stylus, and Rock Samson, with the event hosted by June. Each artist contributed to a night that felt less like a concert and more like a communal tribute—an extension of Dilla’s musical family tree.
This year marked the 20th anniversary of J Dilla’s passing, a milestone that carries deep emotional weight within the culture. Widely regarded as one of hip-hop’s most innovative producers, Dilla reshaped the sound of modern music through his signature drum patterns, soulful chops, and fearless creativity. Two decades later, his influence remains embedded in the DNA of hip-hop, R&B, neo-soul, and beyond.
A heartfelt highlight of the evening was the appearance of Ma Dukes, Dilla’s mother, who continues to be a pillar in preserving her son’s legacy. Her presence brought a sense of reverence and gratitude to the room as she embraced the audience and thanked supporters for keeping Dilla’s spirit alive. The love shown in return was a testament to how deeply Dilla’s artistry—and humanity—still resonates.
Dilla Day LA once again proved that while legends may pass on, their impact never fades. Through performances like Rapsoy’s, appearances from respected artists, and the continued support of the hip-hop community, J Dilla’s legacy lives on—not just in memory, but in sound, spirit, and celebration.
