J Dilla aka James Yancey, Jay Dee 1974-2006 Stones Throw began working with J Dilla in the early days of his solo career in the early 2000s. He would soon collaborate with Madlib in the group Jaylib, and eventually releasing the solo album Donuts on Stones Throw in 2006, which has come to be regarded as one of his signature works. J Dilla passed away on the morning of February 10th, 2006 at the age of 32. He had suffered for over three years with an incurable blood disease, and had also been diagnosed with lupus. He left behind a body of work which will be loved and rediscovered for years to come.