Studio equipment owned by J Dilla is headed to the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. The late producer's mother, Maureen "Ma Dukes" Yancey, made the announcement last week at the 9th annual DC Loves Dilla event.

According to a press release, Dilla's custom-made Minamoog Voyager synthesizer, used to create his distinctive beats, and a very rare Akai MIDI Production Center 3000 Limited Edition, will be enshrined in the Museum of African American History and Culture.

“I feel it’s necessary to raise the level of art appreciation in the hip-hop sector and honor my son James Dewitt Yancey, one of the most influential individuals in the history of hip-hop,” said Yancey who donated the equipment to the museum.

Dilla's instruments are part of a curated exhibit titled “Musical Crossroads," which features instruments from several iconic artists that helped shaped the nation's history musically and politically.

“J Dilla’s body of work is a testament to creativity and innovation, the very elements on which hip-hop was founded,” added Timothy Anne Burnside, the museum's curator.

The exhibit is expected to be completed in late 2015.

In addition, organizers of the DC Loves Dilla event are also planning to present a live performance of "A Suite for Ma Dukes" at the Kennedy Center in 2015.

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