Event Info
An annual tribute to the life and legacy of a Detroit music legend.
What began as a small gathering of friends to honor their musical hero in 2006, has grown into a cornerstone of New York City’s hip-hop community. Now in its 20th year, Donuts Are Forever (DAF) continues to celebrate James “J Dilla” Yancey’s unparalleled influence on beat-making culture, while serving as a vital fundraiser for the next generation of creators.
We are honored to announce the return of legendary musician Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson as our DAF headliner, with DJ Tara of Rare Form also blessing the stage. Stay tuned—the full heavy-hitter lineup is coming soon!
Building Beats proudly serves as the official non-profit partner of DAF, transforming the energy of the dance floor into life-changing opportunities for young creatives. To celebrate 20 years of DAF, we’re raising $20,000 to turn creative passion into professional careers. Your investment directly funds:
- Year-long Creative Fellowships for long-term youth mentorship.
- DJ agency expansion and increasing student earnings to $50K annually.
- A sanctuary for innovation and our permanent home for collaboration.
- The Business of Art, which provides a blueprint and financial education for economic success.
Don’t just witness the future—fund it. Whether it’s $20 or $2,000, your gift ensures underserved creatives have the opportunity to grow and lead the music industry. Help us hit our goal before we hit the dance floor. Visit buildingbeats.org/donuts-are-forever to donate!
Presented in partnership with BRIC.