J. Dilla Documentary Released to Commemorate Birthday

In celebration of legendary producer J. Dilla's 37th birthday today, a documentary has been released about the revered former A Tribe Called Quest and Slum Village producer. The 39-minute film, entitled 'Still Shining,' covers the life of the gifted Detroit producer and rapper, who died of lupus on Feb. 10, 2006, just days after turning 32.

Produced by Brian "B. Kyle" Atkins for Gifted Films Inc., in conjunction with OkayPlayer.com, the film features commentary by Dilla's mother, Maureen "Ma Dukes" Yancey and fellow producer and hip-hop legend Pete Rock.

"It was a great experience being around him," Pete Rock said. "We gave each other a lot of inspiration, I would call him on the phone what time it was. If I had a beat going that was crazy, I was letting him hear it. And he would do the same thing."

'Still Shining,' which began production on the day of Dilla's funeral, also features rare concert footage, and commentary from Dilla collaborators like Common, Q-Tip, Erykah Badu, Busta Rhymes, Questlove and more.

"I'm very happy to have this opportunity to thank his fans," said Ma Dukes. "I am happy as can be for the support he has been given, [it] lets me know that he work was not in vain and all of the work he has will live forever."