THE DETROIT PISTONS ARE DROPPING A J. DILLA CAPSULE COLLECTION

On what would have been James “J Dilla” Yancey’s 50th birthday, the Detroit Pistons announced a retail collaboration with Royce 5’9″ that celebrates the legendary producer’s impact in music and culture.

“Those familiar with Dilla’s musical genius understand his impact on hip-hop but there are still so many who aren’t familiar with his legacy,” said Bilal Saeed, VP of Brand & Marketing Strategy. “The Pistons wanted to tell his story in a creative way while also continuing to shed light on the city’s impact on music around the world.”

“Dilla’s enduring legacy is a treasure that must be safeguarded at any expense,” said Royce. “It is a great honor to be responsible for curating his likeness in this exclusive merchandise drop entrusted to me by his estate and the Pistons. This campaign holds major significance not just for myself, but also for the city of Detroit and the hip-hop community as a whole.”

The Pistons have been connected to Dilla’s friend Frank Nitty of Frank & Dank, who introduced the team to Dilla’s estate and his four heirs — his daughters Ja’Mya Yancey and Ty’Monae Whitlow, his brother John “Illa J” Yancey and his mother Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey.

“It has honestly been a long time coming,” Ja’Mya Yancey said. “I am just so glad that we were finally able to do something so major through the appropriate channels and highlight my dad in a way that was fun and exciting while respecting his estate at the same time.”

Each piece in the capsule will pay homage to J. Dilla, his work and his non-traditional style. Product images and details will be unveiled leading up to 313 Day when the capsule drops and the Pistons host the Toronto Raptors at Little Caesars Arena.

If you’re a fan of Dilla — and if you are reading this post, we’re certain that you are — be on the lookout for the capsule collection to be released on March 13 via the Pistons 313 Shop.