It’s a shame how we only celebrate lives after they’re no more. (Not knocking anybody who’s paying tributes to hip-hop’s fallen soldiers, because I’m guilty of it as well.)
That said, Jay Dee deserves as much adulation, even in death, as Big, Pac, and others who died violently.

Celebrate Dilla’s death anniversary by declaring war on lupus, the health condition that claimed his life.

Lupus is one of the most prevalent, unpredictable and potentially fatal diseases in the country. It affects over 2 million Americans, mostly women. Lupus is a leading cause of stroke, kidney and premature cardiovascular disease in young women. It’s three times more likely to occur in black women than in white women. And, it’s very difficult to diagnose.

Stay informed. Test yourself. Get involved.

Enough of the depressing stuff, and onto the donuts. Some noteworthy tributes for you to check out:

• J Dilla Mix (via: the Beastie Boys message board)
• Time: Donuts of the Heart
• Donuts Are Forever
• J Dilla: Still Dunking Donuts
• Dilla Speaks
• HHNLive Remembers Dilla

Image by Hurricane Ivan for The Rap Up