The Whirlie Post is the Grimsley student newspaper, dedicated to providing relevant news and impactful stories for the Grimsley community. Current Headlines Discover what's happening at Grimsley! Whirlie Girls Go To Flag Football State Playoffs In its second year, the girls flag football team continues Grimsley’s athletic excellence. Meet Your Teacher: Ms. Phillips Despite not having a permanent classroom, Kelly Phillips has settled into life as a Grimsley teacher. Hea dlines Check out other articles from The Whirlie Post Read Here Fact or Fiction? The Whirlie Post wants to hear from you! What stories, rumors, or little-known facts about our school would you like us to investigate? For example, is someone really buried in the auditorium? Tell us what you'd like to know, and we'll try to find out the truth! Tell us the story here Well, I heard... Our Vision Dedicated to creating a community in conversation with itself at Grimsley High School Learn More Letters to the Editor We welcome your respectful thoughts and opinions about the issues and topics discussed in these articles. We may publish your letter in an upcoming publication. First Name Last Name Email Subject Leave us a message... Submit Thanks for submitting!

Current Headlines Discover what's happening at Grimsley! Whirlie Girls Go To Flag Football State Playoffs In its second year, the girls flag football team continues Grimsley’s athletic excellence. Meet Your Teacher: Ms. Phillips Despite not having a permanent classroom, Kelly Phillips has settled into life as a Grimsley teacher. Fact or Fiction? The Whirlie Post wants to hear from you! What stories, rumors, or little-known facts about our school would you like us to investigate? For example, is someone really buried in the auditorium? Tell us what you'd like to know, and we'll try to find out the truth! Tell us the story here Well, I heard... Previous Headlines Catch up on what you might have missed at Grimsley! Connecting with Community at Grimsley There are so many different opportunities outside of the classroom at Grimsley High School. Mr. Post Named Teacher of the Year The beloved IB English and Philosophy teacher is held in high regard by both teachers and students. Brooks Buddies Club Reborn Under Grimsley Student Club provides high schoolers with opportunities to work with Brooks Global students and teachers. Meet Your Librarian: Ms. Kiss Tiffany Kiss is new to the Grimsley Media Center this year. Ace the Second Semester: Study Tips for Success How to finish this school year off strong Musical Traditions at Grimsley: Open Mic Night Grimsely’s Modern Band stars in a night filled with Grimsley’s musical talent. Meet Nurse Stockton Keria Stockon is not just Grimsley’s school nurse, but a public health professional. Stress : How Does It Affect You Physically? Learn how stress affects your physical health, and ways to combat it. Renovations of Grimsley To Begin This Summer Bathrooms in Main, Vocational, and Old Science will be renovated. Seeing the Light When There’s No End In Sight Tips on how to combat burnout during the 3rd Quarter Opinion: Renovation Revolution We believe upgrades could transform Grimsley High School Cher Ami Club L'Amitié Internationale at Grimsley is building international relationships through pen pal letters. From Purple Whirlwinds to Navy Whirlies: The History of GHS Even before being named Grimsley, GHS has long been one of the premier high schools in North Carolina. Tight Knit: Grimsley Needlework Club Started by Two Sophomores Club founders want to spread the joy and fun of needlework. Meet Your Teacher: Ms. Ostrander Jessie Ostrander knows that math isn’t for everyone, and she’s ok with that. Meet Your Teacher: Ms. Brockett Jennifer Brockett, a new art teacher, loves the diversity at Grimsley. Mental health or Work: Do you have to choose? Time management can help you have a healthy balance of both.

Previous Headlines: 2024-2025 Catch up on what you might have missed at Grimsley! Connecting with Community at Grimsley There are so many different opportunities outside of the classroom at Grimsley High School. Mr. Post Named Teacher of the Year The beloved IB English and Philosophy teacher is held in high regard by both teachers and students. Brooks Buddies Club Reborn Under Grimsley Student Club provides high schoolers with opportunities to work with Brooks Global students and teachers. Meet Your Librarian: Ms. Kiss Tiffany Kiss is new to the Grimsley Media Center this year. Ace the Second Semester: Study Tips for Success How to finish this school year off strong Musical Traditions at Grimsley: Open Mic Night Grimsely’s Modern Band stars in a night filled with Grimsley’s musical talent. Meet Nurse Stockton Keria Stockon is not just Grimsley’s school nurse, but a public health professional. Stress : How Does It Affect You Physically? Learn how stress affects your physical health, and ways to combat it. Renovations of Grimsley To Begin This Summer Bathrooms in Main, Vocational, and Old Science will be renovated. Seeing the Light When There’s No End In Sight Tips on how to combat burnout during the 3rd Quarter Opinion: Renovation Revolution We believe upgrades could transform Grimsley High School Cher Ami Club L'Amitié Internationale at Grimsley is building international relationships through pen pal letters. From Purple Whirlwinds to Navy Whirlies: The History of GHS Even before being named Grimsley, GHS has long been one of the premier high schools in North Carolina. Tight Knit: Grimsley Needlework Club Started by Two Sophomores Club founders want to spread the joy and fun of needlework. Meet Your Teacher: Ms. Ostrander Jessie Ostrander knows that math isn’t for everyone, and she’s ok with that. Meet Your Teacher: Ms. Brockett Jennifer Brockett, a new art teacher, loves the diversity at Grimsley. Mental health or Work: Do you have to choose? Time management can help you have a healthy balance of both. Check Out Current Articles from The Whirlie Post Read Here

Previous Headlines: 2023-2024 Catch up on what you might have missed at Grimsley! Beloved Teacher Makes Musical Magic at Grimsley Marshall “MJ” Johnson celebrates his 20th anniversary leading vocal music at Grimsley. Grimsley Bathrooms to Be Renovated This Summer. Indoor cosmetic renovations, as well as bathrooms and AC will be addressed during summer renovations. Ramadan: My Perspective as a Grimsley Student What does this holy month mean to Muslims and what is the purpose of fasting? Film By Grimsley Student Wins State Competition Golden Dawn director and Grimsley senior Alexander Carpenter aspires to be a successful filmmaker. Donuts: A Perspective A look at producer J Dilla and his unmatched legacy. Athlete Spotlight: Drew Mascia This Grimsley runner is not only an outstanding athlete, but also a hard worker! Giving Back to Grimsley Grimsley Goods finds ways to create a better Grimsley. Student Council Brings Back T.W.I.R.P. Dance Despite challenges, the Student Council hopes the dance will become a spring staple. Three Grimsley Poets Voted Finalists Poems by Nasir Crawford, Rainey Thompson, and Zai’ere Watson were selected in the GCS poetry competition. A Tribute to Molly Rotunda The Grimsley community mourns the loss of a beloved alumna. Objection Your Honor! Grimsley's Mock Trial Club prepares students for the future. Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Potts and Ms. Williams Meet two first-year teachers at Grimsley! Anxiety Is Real I struggle with anxiety in high school. Do you? “Overwhelmed” Grimsley Senior Charlotte Williams overcomes her anxiety. The Whirlie Cafe Exceptional students serve up coffee and gain valuable experience. Seminar Class Cooks Up A Storm GHS Seminar Class finds its sweet spot with a weekly baking competition. Swann Middle to Be Shut Down, Renovated Major changes to Swann Middle School bring mixed reactions from students and teachers. Athlete Spotlight Swimmer Ellie Hunt speeds her way through the water to a successful season. Catch the Beat: Praises for Legendary Chillhop Artists Nujabes and Shing02 engineer the chill sounds of Lo-Fi Hip-Hop. Whirlie Trends Make Friends and Fun Fads in music and school essentials fuel self-expression, giving students a place to belong. What Happened to the School Newspaper? Join us as we dive into the history of the High Life. Check Out Current Articles from The Whirlie Post Read Here

Mental health or Work: Do you have to choose? Time management can help you have a healthy balance of both. By Vishruth Bhargava December 17, 2024 High school is tough, and many students find themselves stressing and sacrificing their mental health in the name of good grades. In fact, some students report that when they feel overworked and decide to take it easy on the schoolwork and studying, their grade starts to drop, which makes them stress even more. All this seems to be a vicious cycle, so what can stop it? Time is key to a better balance. One student says that because of the amount of time they spend on school work and studying, they are unable to really pursue hobbies and interests that make them happy, thus ruining their mood. Because of this common occurrence, time management is one way to improve your mental health while still getting your work done, and there are some methods to manage your time well that I find work well. Set a to-do list to picture how much you have to do for the day and how long you have to finish it. I recently started to use this method and it has worked wonders for me, especially if you are one to overestimate how much work you have. Limit distraction during work. Excessive distractions during work are usually not mentally rewarding and they just extend the amount of time you need to get work done. If working time extends then the amount of downtime you have shrinks, therefore diminishing your mood and mental health. I did this a lot and found myself with little time to do the things I wanted, until I realized that my phone was a big issue to my productivity. Try not to procrastinate. Procrastination is a big problem with me and, reportedly, with many of my peers. Procrastination is logically redundant because you have to do that work eventually anyway, so why wait? The human brain prioritizes happiness now over more lasting happiness later, according to Solvingprocrastination.com. This is why many people, including myself, procrastinate a lot. Despite this human nature, I recently cut back on procrastination due to something I realized that was dragging my mood. When a person procrastinates, the fun they have in the moment is ruined by the looming feeling that they have work to do, and they feel bad the whole day, but if they do work first and then play, they feel accomplishment after finishing their work, and they can enjoy their hobbies without that looming feeling of unfinished work dragging them down. Increasing productivity when working is an important part of having more downtime, but what you do with downtime is equally as important to maximizing your mental state and your mood. Stressful activities and dangerous activities can lower your mental state even further which is why it is important to choose activities that are soothing, fun, or exciting. Some things that Psychology Today recommends that can calm you down are: Taking a hot bath or shower Painting or coloring Listening to your favorite song Play a game you enjoy like Monopoly or UNO Or doing any other things that bring you joy Like all things in life, balance is key when dealing with improving your mental health. Finding the right balance for yourself can be the difference between a happy high school experience and burnout, so find a balance to maximize academic success and the happiness in your everyday life. Please speak to your counselor if you have any more issues with your mental health or if you have any more questions. Continue reading "Overwhelmed": Grimsley Senior Charlotte Williams overcomes her anxiety.

Team Captain Alaya Mesa (#4) has learned a lot from playing flag football. Photo curtesy of Alaya Mesa. Whirlie Girls Go To Flag Football State Playoffs In its second year, the girls flag football team continues Grimsley’s athletic excellence. By Juliet Fisher January 23, 2026 Grimsley had two football teams in the running for a state championship this year. There was a boys' varsity football team that won the state championship. And in only its second year, the Grimsley girls' flag football team made it to the state playoffs. The Whirlie flag football team finished the fall 2025 regular season with a 10-2 record after shutting out seven opponents, including Page and Northwest, and winning the conference. Grimsley only started a flag football team in the fall of 2024 as part of a larger initiative by Guilford County Schools to offer a more inclusive and safer alternative to football. This is the first year flag football had a state championship in North Carolina, and the team was excited to participate. They defeated Enloe in the first playoff round before falling to Southern Durham in the second round in late November. Coach Mike Kennedy has been coaching the team for both years. “I love coaching these girls,” he said. “They have so much courage, trying a new sport. Many of them didn't know anything about flag football before this team.” Flag football is the fastest-growing American sport. According to NFL Operations, the number of girls ages 8-17 playing flag football increased by 63% between 2019 and 2023. Flag football gained major recognition when it was added to the 2028 Olympics, which will be held in Los Angeles. Last fall, the Grimsley team practiced every Monday through Thursday for 1 ½ hours. A typical practice began with some stretching. After stretching, the team came together to review some defensive and offensive techniques. At the end of practice, the team faced each other in a scrimmage. One of this year's team captains is Grimsley senior Alaya Mesa. This is Mesa's second year on the flag football team. Flag football has impacted her life in ways she never expected. “Being a team captain teaches you patience and helps you learn how to take accountability,” Mesa said. “Being a captain teaches you to lead with your heart and helps you become a better person.” Mesa leads with the same discipline, focus, and strategy she carries from her athletic ability. “As a captain, I really look forward to the team's energy,” she said. “It makes it easy to appreciate and connect with the team because their energy is so contagious and uplifting.” Grimsley junior Stella Lanier returned for a second year on the team. “My friends and I wanted to try it last year when it first started,” Lanier said. “I fell in love with the sport.” Lanier also plays soccer. “Playing soccer, there is a lot more pressure. Because flag football is such a new sport, we are all still learning together. It's fun.” “I am so proud of my team,” Coach Mike said. “I always remind them to play together as a unit. It takes everyone on the team to win.” Lanier reports the same. “Coming together as not only a team, but as a family and working together is one of the most important things I will take away from this team.”

Ms. Kelly Phillips in one of her classrooms. Photo by Briella Buterbaugh Meet Your Teacher: Ms. Phillips Despite not having a permanent classroom, Kelly Phillips has settled into life as a Grimsley teacher. By Briella Buterbaugh January 23, 2026 We give a warm welcome to many new teachers this year, one of whom is Ms. Kelly Phillips. Ms. Phillips teaches Honors Biology and Earth and Environmental Science. Her favorite thing to teach about is cells, saying “...all the things it can do are interesting.” Even though she teaches in the New Science building, it may be challenging to find her around the building. Ms. Phillips does not have a classroom, and spends her days moving around to different teachers' classrooms. “It’s been a little bit of a challenge, but now that I’ve kind of got into the rhythm and know what to expect, just like anything, it's gotten better,” Ms. Phillips said. Originally Ms. Phillips had no intention of being in the education field. She was offered a teaching job after graduating college and took it, starting at Alan J. Middle teaching Social Studies and Science. In addition to her teaching certification, Ms. Phillips has an early childhood development and psychology degree, as well as an academically gifted certification. “I like learning,” Ms. Phillips said, “and I feel like I keep pushing myself to learn new things.” She’s made a great impact on her students this year. Lily Wildman, a biology honors student, said, “I look forward to Ms. Phillips' class every day, she is truly one of the most kind, fun, and patient teachers I have ever had.” Ms. Phillips gives good tips and advice to students. “Don’t be afraid to take chances, don’t be afraid to make a mistake, and know that’s how we learn. Don’t put pressure on yourselves and understand we do encounter those problems; it's what prepares us for future situations.”

Sophemores Vivian Peña and Waad Hamad practice crocheting. Photo provided by the Needlework Club. Tight Knit: Grimsley Needlework Club Started by Two Sophomores Club founders want to spread the joy and fun of needlework. By Mila Pucilowski December 17, 2024 With so many clubs at Grimsley, it's hard to pick which ones to pursue. There are clubs dedicated to almost anything from arts to cooking to philosophy. There's something for everyone! With so many differing interests and hobbies, new clubs are popping up every year, like the Grimsley Needlework Club! Sophomores Claire Slate and Faith Chenail founded the club this year. Slate was first taught knitting in third grade by her longtime best friend, freshman Samantha Balkind. She eventually took up crocheting during the pandemic. Chenail also was taught how to crochet by a friend in 7th grade and has been doing it ever since. Being taught by their friends inspired them to want to teach others as well, and so the club was started. After lots of struggle to find a sponsor, Mr. Bretan, the Hebrew and AP Human Geography teacher at Grimsley, agreed to be their advisor. By the end of September, they were finally able to hold their first meeting. “I remember feeling super anxious seeing everyone who showed up for the first meeting”, Slate said. “I was already nervous but there were a lot more people than we expected, but it also made me excited seeing how many people were interested”. For their very first meeting, almost the whole classroom was full. There were students who have been crocheting or knitting for years and ones who were completely clueless about both. The club is inclusive for any experience level. Even for those just starting out, it's a great place to be around friends who can help them learn. Experienced needleworkers can come and pass on their knowledge to others, or just relax with their friends and work on their current projects. The first meeting went over the basics of crocheting with the material they provided for the club members. By the end of the meeting all nervous feelings were gone, and Slate was looking forward to the next meeting. “There was a good energy, which made me excited,” she said. In the meetings since, they have been making progress teaching everyone the basics. In the future, the club leaders want to serve the community. “We eventually hope to work towards making things to donate to hospitals, ideally small gifts and warm things to give to patients,” Chenail said. Where: Room 102, Mr. Bretan When: Every Monday, 4:30-5:30 pm Insta: ghs.needleworkclub Remind code: @grimsleyne or text @grimsleyne to 81010

Mr. Post Named Teacher of the Year The beloved IB English and Philosophy teacher is held in high regard by both teachers and students. By Ashley Crowell March 14, 2025 You can learn a lot about teachers by their classrooms, and Mr. Evan Post’s room has a lot to say. Full of posters of philosophers, art from students and even a stuffed platypus, his room reflects the varied interests of its occupant. For International Baccalaureate students in English and Philosophy classes, the thoughtful debates, complex books and philosophical concepts Mr. Post teaches make his room come alive. Mr. Post is a loved and respected figure on the Grimsley campus and has earned the admiration of not only his students, but also his colleagues. “He’s literally like a professor,” said Ms. Sarah Lord, an Advanced Placement US History teacher at Grimsley. “He’s extremely knowledgeable, patient, he’s very understanding, and he provides support to all of us as teachers and students. He’s what you strive to be.” His colleagues showed their respect for him by naming him the Teacher of the Year for Grimsley. “It’s nice to get the feeling that my colleagues think a lot of what I’m doing or think I’m doing a good job, particularly given that I think we’ve got so many good teachers here,” Mr. Post said. “Their esteem means a lot to me for that reason.” Mr. Post chuckles as he muses that perhaps when his students return for a 50th high school reunion, they will hobble over to a plaque in the main building, see his name and reminisce. “I do like the idea that, as I’m looking ahead towards retiring sometime in the not too distant future, I’m gonna become one of the ghosts of Grimsley,” he said. But for those who know him, he will be remembered for more than just a few awards. Mr. Ben Barnard coordinates the IB and AP programs at Grimsley and is a friend of Mr. Post. They have taught together for nearly 20 years now. “He works harder than any other teacher I know,” he said. “He’s really good at giving feedback to his students. He really takes their learning to write as his goal. He’s really developed the craft,” said Mr. Barnard, who teaches IB Theory of Knowledge. “I think he really cares about his students, he cares about his colleagues, and he cares very much about what he does.” Noah Levine, a senior in the IB Program at Grimsley, has benefited from Mr. Post’s teaching for two years in English and Philosophy. “Mr. Post is an inspirational teacher and mentor who is generous with his knowledge and his time,” Levine said. “I consider myself fortunate to have had Mr. Post.” Mr. Post engages with his students in his philosophy class, encourages them to ask questions and raise objections, and takes their thoughts seriously. Nikhil Nataraju, a junior in the IB Program who is also in IB English and Philosophy, often participates in the class discussions. “I would describe him as a teacher who strives to make a positive impact on a child’s education,” Nataraju said. Mr. Post has been a teacher for 31 years, and he has been teaching at Grimsley close to 20 years. And while he said recognition is nice, it’s not why he does what he does. “I like learning,” Mr. Post said. “I like to think my students learn, but the thing that motivates me is my own learning. By being in the classroom I’m putting myself in a position of having to keep learning, because I teach very bright students who ask interesting questions, and I’m always trying to be better at helping them understand.” Mr. Post has taught several different classes at Grimsley, including creative writing, and different levels of English including AP. But for the past few years he has been teaching IB English SL and IB Philosophy. In addition, he supports student-led clubs by acting as an advisor for The Whirlie Post and the Philosophy Club. “I love the things that I teach,” Mr. Post said. “I love the books that I teach in my English classes, the ideas that I teach in my philosophy class, the arguments that I teach them and philosophers. These things are nourishing to me. I really enjoy that.”

From Purple Whirlwinds to Navy Whirlies: The History of GHS Even before being named Grimsley, GHS has long been one of the premier high schools in North Carolina. By Georgette Beaumont December 17, 2024 In 1899, Grimsley–then called Greensboro High School–opened its doors for the first time as a separate entity from the elementary school. Today, it stands as one of the oldest high schools in the state, carrying over a century of history and pride. Greensboro High School was originally housed in the former St. Agnes Church, which was located near the Greensboro Public Library on Church Street. The inaugural school year saw only a handful of students being instructed by four teachers in seven courses. However, news spread quickly about GHS and the church soon became overcrowded. In the fall of 1911, the school moved to a new building at the site of Weaver Academy and underwent a name change–this time to Greensboro Central High School. While at the Spring Street campus, GHS flourished. Students participated in a multitude of extracurricular activities–including a strong band and chorus program, sports such as horseback riding and football, clubs, newspaper, and an all-male cheer team. The mascot “The Purple Whirlwinds” was also adopted during this time. Despite the success of GHS, a shocking study done by Drs. G.D. Strayer and N.L. Englehardt of Columbia University in 1920 found that all the Greensboro city schools, GHS included, were physically substandard. Greensboro residents, albeit surprised by the findings, took on the challenge and initiated a school-building program. In 1927, following significant delays due to a lawsuit, the school board purchased a 129-acre property on Westover Terrace and began construction on a revamped Greensboro High School. In the fall of 1929, three decades after its opening, GHS, now known as Greensboro Senior High School, welcomed 1,300 students in grades 9 to 11 to the Westover Terrace campus. Unfortunately, the Great Depression loomed on the horizon and GHS was by no means exempt from its challenges. In 1933, the school’s art, music, drama, and vocational programs were all discontinued, as well as many clubs and services. Teachers were forced to resign in droves, and the school year was reduced to 8 months. However, the GHS community was strong, and emerged from the 1930s and 40s with a distinguished music program, of which the band was headed by the renowned Mr. Hazelman, a wide range of extracurricular clubs, and numerous state championships. The 1950s and 60s are considered to be GHS’s second golden age, during which both academics and student life thrived. The first AP class at Grimsley, European History, was introduced during the 1964-65 school year. The football team continued to thrive under Coach Jamieson, and traditions such as May Day were at their peak. Also during this era, the student body voted to change the school colors from purple and gold to the current navy and white, and the mascot name was changed to be the “Whirlwinds,” more commonly referred to as the “Whirlies.” In 1962, GHS experienced its most recent significant change: a name change. On January 16th, 1962, Principal A.P. Routh was called by the county school officials and told that due to the opening of additional high schools in Greensboro, GHS had to change its name. They warned Routh that if a new name was not selected in three hours, the school board would choose one for them. Routh and his staff, scrambling for an alternative that would allow the GHS moniker to remain, settled upon Grimsley Senior High School, named for Superintendent George A. Grimsley, whose idea it was to establish GHS in the first place. Grimsley has remained the school's name ever since, a reminder of GHS’s long history that continues into the modern day. Special thanks to Mr. Peter Byrd ‘74, Grimsley’s historian, for his assistance in the creation of this article.

Ellie (left) with twin sister Gracie Ellie preparing to dive during a relay Athlete Spotlight Swimmer Ellie Hunt speeds her way through the water to a successful season. By Katherine Medina Jan. 29, 2024 Thanks to our amazing athletes, sports are one activity everyone can enjoy here at Grimsley, whether through participating or watching games. It takes a lot of dedication to balance a sport on top of schoolwork, so the Whirlie Post regularly will recognize a special athlete for their commitment and accomplishments. Swimmer Ellie Hunt is an obvious choice, having absolutely killed it so far this season following the announcement of her commitment to attend the College of William and Mary and compete on their Division 1 swim team. Ellie is a senior here at Grimsley, and with one year left, we are excited to see all the great things she will achieve! Q&A: Q: What got you into swimming? How long have you been swimming? A: My parents signed me up for swimming when I was 4 and I just never stopped. Q: What are your plans for the future regarding swimming? Do you plan on swimming in college or professionally? A: I am committed to swim D1 at William and Mary in the fall next year and I can’t wait!! Q: What are your hobbies/interests outside of swimming? A: I love to read and I recently learned how to crochet. I also play Fortnite! Q: How has your season gone so far this year? A: My season has been pretty great and I’m super excited to see what I can accomplish by March. Q: What are some ways you balance the demands of being a student athlete? A: I try to stay hydrated and eat somewhat healthy so I am energized everyday. I also go to sleep fairly early because I have to wake up for 5 a.m. practice everyday. Q: What do you believe are your major achievements in your sport? A: Continuing to get better each year and never giving up hope even when I’m struggling to compete at my best. Q: What are your pre-game and post-game rituals/routines? A: I tend to eat muffins before swim meets and I’m pretty exhausted after, so I usually get food with my family and go straight to bed! Ellie has had a great swim season, leading the Grimsley Women to an undefeated record so far. She also has qualified in two individual events, the 100 yard freestyle event with a time of 54:47, and the 50 freestyle event with a time of 24:76, for the 4A Central Regional High School Swim Meet in early February at the Greensboro Aquatic Center. She has an amazing future ahead of her, and we wish her the best of luck finishing off her last season with us at Grimsley.

Donuts: A Perspective A look at producer J Dilla and his unmatched legacy. By Jake Acosta April 4, 2024 Hip-Hop has had many era-defining sounds and legendary producers. They have introduced sounds and energies that many have since tried to mimic. Very few have been able to master every recent sonic advancement with flying colors; however, the exception showcases perhaps the most legendary producer of all time. James Dewit Yancey, known professionally as J Dilla, was born on February 7, 1974 in Detroit, Michigan. From a young age, Dilla was surrounded by a widespread variety of music, such as soul, bossa nova, jazz, and RnB. His parents also influenced his musical development, as his mother, Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey, was an opera singer, and his father, Beverely Yancey, was a jazz bassist. These surroundings would provide an early education for Dilla in musical composition. He began making beats at the age of two after receiving a turntable for Christmas, his mother said in an interview with To The Best Of Our Knowledge magazine. Across his many years within the music scene, Dilla produced for many legendary artists, such as MF DOOM, Erykah Badu, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, D’Angelo, The Pharcyde, Slum Village, The Roots, and many others. Throughout his career, his signature style of production can be easily spotted due to its otherworldly essence and charisma. No one did it like Dilla, which is why so many wanted to work with him. While still relatively young, Dilla developed several diseases that would require frequent hospitalizations. He struggled with a rare blood disease called TTC, and the auto-immune disorder lupus, which eventually took his life at the age of 32. Throughout his hospitalizations, Dilla continued to work making the music he loved and the beats that drove him. According to Kelley L. Carter of Detroit Free Press, Dilla told his doctor he was proud of the work, and all he wanted to do was to finish the album. The record he completed while on his hospital bed was Donuts (2006). In the December 2006 issue of The Fader , a magazine known for its intricate dives into music and the voices around it, J Dilla's mother Maureen Yancey spoke of watching her son's daily routine during the making of Donuts: I saw him all day, everyday. I would go there for breakfast, go back to Detroit to check on the daycare business I was running, and then back to his house for lunch and dinner. He was on a special diet and he was a funny eater anyway. He had to take 15 different medications, we would split them up between meals, and every other day we would binge on a brownie sundae from Big Boys. That was his treat. Dilla completed and released Donuts on his 32nd birthday, 4 days before his death, making it his last release during his lifetime. Donuts gained universal acclaim from critics and quickly became a cult classic for devoted hip-hop fans. Dilla wanted to complete this album before his inevitable end, and through his dedication, one of the most amazing and deep instrumental albums of all time was produced, proving his capability and exceeding limits among fellow instrumentalists. Donuts is credited as Dilla’s most personal and honest record ever, as the beats that were featured on the record were some of the most descriptive of his career. Some beats blended classical music with an intense grit and loopy feeling that some would find in underground hip-hop at the time. He even utilized some samples to speak to his audience, most notably his mother. The track Don’t Cry is not only one of J Dilla’s greatest individual works, but was also made as a personal message to his mother after his death. To this day many praise this meaningful track as one of the best in the world. Donuts is an album of explosions and restraint, of precisely crafted balances and absurd breakdowns, displaying Dilla’s ability to contort samples and yet seamlessly thread his ideas into one cohesive song. Dilla uses this album as a “thank you” to hip-hop for showing him and his craft the respect they rightfully deserve.