Soul Sessions Is Hosting a J Dilla Tribute at Fringe Bar Featuring a Night of Live Hip-Hop, Jazz, and R&B Covers
Soul Sessions is back with another must-see live music experience—this time paying tribute to one of the most influential producers in music history. Soul Sessions Presents: Tribute – J Dilla takes over Fringe Bar (140 N Christopher Columbus Blvd.) on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, for an intimate, vibey night dedicated to the legendary Detroit beatmaker.
Hosted by Jay the Gentleman and featuring Luke Carlos & Co., the evening blends live jazz instrumentation with hip-hop and R&B sensibilities, reimagining J Dilla’s timeless sound through the lens of local musicians who deeply respect his legacy. Doors open at 7:00 PM, with the first set kicking off at 8:00 PM.
This month’s tribute is especially meaningful. February marks both J Dilla’s birth and passing, and 2026 also celebrates the 20-year anniversary of Donuts—the iconic album that cemented his influence across generations of artists and producers.
“Last month’s tribute to neo-soul was such an experience that we had to come back with a banger,” said Jay the Gentleman. “It made sense that our next live music experience would pay homage to J Dilla. It’s the 20-year anniversary of Donuts, he was born and passed in February—it just felt right to give him his flowers this month.”
Guests can expect a laid-back but electric atmosphere, filled with music lovers who appreciate live instrumentation, deep grooves, and thoughtful reinterpretations of classic material. The sound leans lo-fi and soulful, weaving jazz textures into hip-hop rhythms that honor Dilla’s unmistakable style—defined by off-kilter drums, rich basslines, and carefully curated samples.
Detroit native J Dilla (James Yancey) helped shape the sound of modern hip-hop and R&B, leaving his mark on artists including The Pharcyde, Common, The Roots, Erykah Badu, Slum Village, De La Soul, and A Tribe Called Quest, among many others. His influence continues to ripple through music today, making this tribute both timely and timeless. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
