Maureen "Ma Dukes" Yancey is the mother of hip hop producer James "J Dilla" Yancey, who died in 2006 of a disease called Lupus. During his four years spent in the hospital he diligently worked on what he knew would be his last album, Donuts. He put his heart and soul into this album and three days after it was finished, he died leaving behind two daughters and an enormous hospital bill. Although his story is tragic, the repercussions of his death are immeasurable. Besides hospital bills, his mother is faced with legal issues regarding his beats as many people have been using them without permission. To make matters worse, she has been diagnosed with the same disease her son had and as she awaits her death, she asks people to pray for her and hopes that her granddaughters will be taken care of.

If you have ever enjoyed music by A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, The Pharcyde, or Common, you have enjoyed the music of J Dilla. He has humbly produced a myriad of records and has since then become a hero to many artists emerging today who are attempting to continue his legacy.

Buy a t-shirt and help out J Dilla's mother here.
You can also help by buying any of his albums here.
Read more about it here.