Dilla's Delights

01 / The story of this place

Make time for these

James Dewitt Yancey, the influential hip-hop producer known as J Dilla, died from complications of lupus in 2006, just days after releasing his instrumental masterpiece 'Donuts.' A decade later, his uncle Herman Hayes, who had worked for years at a Michigan donut chain and remembered how much Dilla loved donuts, opened Dilla's Delights on May 3, 2016, in a small storefront at John R and Centre streets downtown, an address chosen partly to honor the old Paradise Valley entertainment district that once stood nearby. The all-organic donut shop, run with business partner Mike Vanover, sold treats named for Dilla's songs and albums, with proceeds supporting his daughters and family. Rising costs and other pressures forced the shop to close permanently in 2020, though the family has said it hopes to reopen somewhere new.

1. Opened May 3, 2016, by J Dilla's uncle Herman Hayes
2. Named for and inspired by Dilla's final album, 'Donuts'
3. Located at John R and Centre streets, near the old Paradise Valley district
4. Proceeds supported J Dilla's daughters and family
5. Closed permanently in 2020