
UNDERGROUND MUSIC
ACADEMY


DETROIT BASED MUSIC ACADEMY
KNOW THE PAST.
CHANGE THE FUTURE.


LIGHTWORKS: A WEEKEND OF CONVERSATIONS SURROUNDING THE WORKS OF J DILLA
Join Underground Music Academy for Lightworks, a weekend dedicated to the genius of Detroit’s own J Dilla, one of the most influential and innovative producers in music history.
Through a series of lectures and conversations we’ll dive deep into Dilla’s groundbreaking sound, dissect his musical sensibility, and explore the ways his work continues to impact and shape modern music.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to his catalog, Lightworks is an opportunity to learn and celebrate the lasting impact of Dilla’s artistry.

A WEEKEND OF UMA W3RKSHOPS
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH
LIGHTWORKS: A WEEKEND OF CONVERSATIONS SURROUNDING THE WORKS OF J DILLA


DETROIT, DILLA & DRUM MACHINES
AN AFTERNOON WITH DAN CHARNAS

AUTHENTICITY & HISTORY
AN AFTERNOON WITH WAAJEED & HOUSE SHOES

LIGHTWORKS: A WEEKEND OF CONVERSATIONS SURROUNDING THE WORKS OF J DILLA


DETROIT, DILLA & DRUM MACHINES
Saturday, September 13th | 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Doors close by 12:45 PM
Underground Music Academy Headquarters
2990 East Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202
Lightworks kicks off with an immersive w3rkshop led by renowned music historian Dan Charnas, titled Detroit, Dilla, and Drum Machines. Explore the musical culture of Detroit and the profound influence it had on J Dilla's groundbreaking sound. Charnas will guide attendees through the evolution of drum machines and reveal how Dilla transformed these tools into the heartbeat of some of hip-hop's most iconic beats. This w3rkshop offers a unique opportunity to understand the technical and cultural elements that made Dilla a trailblazer in music production.
Bonus: If you have the book Dilla Time, feel free to bring it to the w3rkshop for a deeper dive into the rhythms and techniques discussed.
Whether you're an aspiring producer or a fan of Dilla's work, this session will offer valuable insights into the tools, techniques, and artistry that shaped the sound of a generation.
AUTHENTICITY & HISTORY
Sunday, September 14th | 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Doors close by 12:45 PM
Underground Music Academy Headquarters
2990 East Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202
On the second day of Lightworks, dive into the essence of authenticity in hip-hop with Authenticity & History, a w3rkshop led by House Shoes. Known for his leadership in the underground scene, House Shoes became one of the first to premiere unreleased cuts from J Dilla and Slum Village, gaining a reputation for his unwavering authenticity. This conversation will examine how House Shoes' commitment to staying true to the culture impacted his career, as well as how Dilla’s legacy has shaped the evolution of hip-hop production.
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to honor authenticity in their own creative work and relationships, drawing from House Shoes’ journey and insights into the larger context of hip-hop's rich history.




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ADDRESS
2990 East Grand Blvd 2nd Floor
Detroit, MI 48202



