Waajeed Curated an Exhibit of Previously Unseen J Dilla Photos in San Francisco

Source: Waajeed/Family Affair

A Day In The Life of John Doe is on display until March 23rd

Waajeed is the man and lens behind a new exhibit in San Francisco that showcases early photos of the late J Dilla.

Gathered from years of friendship, A Day In The Life of John Doe -- named after Dilla's first production moniker -- offers rare glimpses of the pioneer at work between 1997 and 1999, just before cementing his household name.

READ: J Dilla's Influence & Legacy Lives On in the World of Lo-Fi Hip-Hop

The exhibit, hosted by San Francisco's Family Affair gallery through March 23rd, also features a video series created by Waajeed, featuring excavated samples and words of gratitude from peers and subsequent generations of producers. In one of the clips (see below,) Jeedo details record shopping with his friend and mentor of 17 years, and the voicemails they'd leave each other with new constructions from the lab. The space will host performances from its curator, along with Moodymann and Carl Craig in the weeks ahead.

LISTEN: Disciples of Dilla: Modern Classics Haunted by The Late Production Pioneer 

A Day In The Life of John Doe is the second showcase of Dilla's impact to be featured in a gallery or museum, following The Smithsonian's installation of his MPC 3000 and Minimoog synthesizer at The National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC.