Latest news with #JDilla
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Shinola ends its ride: The Detroit brand quietly retires its bicycle collection
Detroit-based Shinola has stopped manufacturing and selling bicycles, which were once a core part of the brand's offerings. The last of the stock sold out in March 2025, a Shinola representative confirmed, and there aren't plans to restock at this time. "Shinola bikes have been a part of our brand DNA for years, and helped us make our mark in the design space," Shinola said in an emailed statement. "At this time, Shinola is committed to doubling down on our watch assortment," the company said, pointing to its recent partnership with the J Dilla estate to create limited-edition watches. When Shinola was founded in 2011 in Detroit, bicycles, which retailed for as much as $3,000, were one of the brand's core products, along with watches and leather goods. Later, it expanded with other products such as headphones and opened a hotel in downtown Detroit in 2019. Nike announces new price hikes: See what other retailers have done since Trump tariffs Four years ago during the pandemic, a Shinola executive told the Detroit Free Press that the company saw an uptick in sales in bicycles, and that Shinola was refocusing on core products as it looked ahead to the brand's next decade. The brand also continues to expand its hospitality footprint with the announcement of a second Shinola Hotel in downtown Indianapolis. However, Shinola said it isn't closing the door on bikes completely. "Whilst we might not have Shinola bikes currently, it doesn't mean they might not be back in the future, as there are a lot of exciting developments to come in 2025 and beyond," Shinola said in the statement. Contact Adrienne Roberts: amroberts@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit's Shinola stops making bikes as it refocuses on watches Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Detroit-based Shinola no longer making bicycles, once a core part of its identity
Detroit-based Shinola has stopped manufacturing and selling bicycles, which were once a core part of the brand's offerings. The last of the stock sold out in March 2025, a Shinola representative confirmed, and there aren't plans to restock at this time. "Shinola bikes have been a part of our brand DNA for years, and helped us make our mark in the design space," Shinola said in an emailed statement. "At this time, Shinola is committed to doubling down on our watch assortment," the company said, pointing to its recent partnership with the J Dilla estate to create limited-edition watches. When Shinola was founded in 2011 in Detroit, bicycles, which retailed for as much as $3,000, were one of the brand's core products, along with watches and leather goods. Later, it expanded with other products such as headphones and opened a hotel in downtown Detroit in 2019. Four years ago during the pandemic, a Shinola executive told the Detroit Free Press that the company saw an uptick in sales in bicycles, and that Shinola was refocusing on core products as it looked ahead to the brand's next decade. More on Shinola: 10 years in, Shinola begins to find its footing again after pandemic, with new CEO More on Shinola: Detroit watchmaker Shinola, 'SNL' cast members team up to create custom 'SNL 50' watches The brand also continues to expand its hospitality footprint with the announcement of a second Shinola Hotel in downtown Indianapolis. However, Shinola said it isn't closing the door on bikes completely. "Whilst we might not have Shinola bikes currently, it doesn't mean they might not be back in the future, as there are a lot of exciting developments to come in 2025 and beyond," Shinola said in the statement. Contact Adrienne Roberts: amroberts@ This story was updated to add a video. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit's Shinola stops making bikes as it refocuses on watches Sign in to access your portfolio
Axios
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Detroit music icon Amp Fiddler remembered with street sign
Joseph Anthony "Amp" Fiddler, a revered Detroit icon who collaborated with Prince, Parliament Funkadelic and others, now has a street named after him. The big picture: The city is commemorating the legacy of Fiddler, a musician and producer across jazz, funk, soul, rock and hip-hop who mentored local legend J Dilla. He died in 2023 from cancer at age 65. The latest: Detroit unveiled Amp Fiddler Avenue on Friday at 7 Mile and Revere Ave. in Conant Gardens, where Fiddler grew up and began his career. May 16, the musician's birthday, is now Amp Fiddler Day. The alternatingly somber and joyful celebration starred musicians who knew Fiddler, government officials including U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, academics and Fiddler's wife, Tombi Stewart-Fiddler. What they're saying:"(Fiddler was) for many of us the very pulse of the block, the very pulse of Detroit," music media personality Chris Campbell said at the event. "Artists from all around the world came to his door. They left better, whether it was making beats, producing," Campbell said. "Amp gave you his time, he gave you his knowledge. But most of all, Amp gave you his love." Flashback: Fiddler started learning the piano as a kid and studied music in high school and college, said council member Scott Benson, a P-Funk fan who read a short biography of Fiddler's life during the event. Fiddler worked with greats, as well as conducting his own solo career — one speaker shouted out his song " Possibilities." He was known for his personal style, once landing a gig off the street because he was recognized for it, per the Metro Times. Mentoring was a quintessential part of his life, Benson said. Fiddler nurtured the careers of many local artists who went on to success, like Waajeed and Urban Art Orchestra's De'Sean Jones. Fiddler taught J Dilla how to use an MPC, a key piece of equipment in hip-hop and electronic music. And he made an introduction that helped launch J Dilla's career — to Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest. Zoom out: Dozens of streets spanning the city have been given secondary names to honor Detroiters.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shinola partners with rapper Big Sean to launch collection honoring hip-hop legend J Dilla
In the city of Detroit, it is now officially Dilla Time. Detroit-based luxury brand Shinola is releasing two limited-edition watches and a leather record bag designed in honor of Detroit-born producer, composer and rapper James Dewitt Yancey, best known as J Dilla. The late and legendary Dilla, whose musical legacy helped shape modern music, died in 2006 at age 32. To commemorate the launch, Shinola has partnered with Detroit native and multi-platinum superstar Big Sean to announce the release, bringing together the craftsmanship of an iconic Detroit brand with the true essence of Detroit culture. '(Dilla) was born with a gift, a natural rhythm about him,' Big Sean narrates in Shinola's promo video. 'They say he could match pitch-perfect harmony before he even learned how to speak. And for a kid from the East Side growing up in the '80s, music was like currency. It was a way to make sense of the world, to connect with people, and his craft connected us all. 'His greatness is clocked in the tiniest increments of time. That's why J Dilla is one of the greatest producers … of all time. He was a genius, hands down.' The release is the latest addition to Shinola's Great American series, honoring American icons who have shaped, influenced and changed American culture. In a thoughtful touch, each timepiece in this release also includes a journal entry penned by Dan Charnas, author of 2022 New York Times bestseller 'Dilla Time: The Life and Afterlife of J Dilla, the Hip-Hop Producer Who Reinvented Rhythm.' Dilla's daughter Ja'Mya Yancey told the Free Press she's 'in awe' of the product line. 'Honestly, I really didn't know what to expect,' she said. 'This is the first time that we've really ventured into something like this, as far as our collaborations. (Shinola) did an awesome job. They really had a unique take on presenting him and his likeness. I feel like they didn't go the generic way to put out a product – they took their time, and I really think that my father would most definitely approve and be honored.' Dilla's daughter, TyMonae Whitlow, said the experience has been an honor. 'It means the world to us that after 19 years, brands like Shinola want to pay homage and show respect … not only for his work but for his impact on the city of Detroit,' said Whitlow. 'This collection is very well thought out and showcases the complexity of his work and his dedication.' More on Shinola: Detroit watchmaker, 'SNL' cast members team up to create custom 'SNL 50' watches Phil Pirkovic, Director of Brand & Partnerships at Shinola, said he's 'thrilled' about partnering with Big Sean and the support of the J Dilla Estate. 'This collaboration came together organically, fueled by our shared love for the city of Detroit and the vibrant culture,' Pirkovic said. 'Big Sean's creative energy perfectly aligns with our vision of bringing this collection to life, and we're excited to share this special moment with our customers and J Dilla fans alike.' To learn more, customers can sign up for the waitlist at to be first to know when the collection goes live and becomes available for purchase. Contact Free Press arts and culture reporter Duante Beddingfield at dbeddingfield@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Shinola, Big Sean partner to launch J Dilla product line
