The Detroit Pistons announced today a retail collaboration with Royce 5’9” celebrating the life and legacy of Detroit-born producer, songwriter, and rapper, J. Dilla, and his impact in music and culture.

The announcement takes place on what would have been Dilla’s 50th birthday, almost 18 years after he tragically passed away from complications from a combination of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and lupus.

“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 capsule will be available for purchase on March 13 on Pistons313Shop.com.