Donuts are forever
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Donuts are forever *
Donuts Are Forever is New York City’s annual tribute to a Detroit hip-hop and soul legend, celebrated since 2006. Presented by Building Beats in partnership with Rare Form, the event brings together DJs, producers, artists, and community for an unforgettable day of DJ battles, performances, and youth showcases.
More than a celebration, Donuts Are Forever is a music education fundraiser supporting Building Beats—spotlighting emerging talent while connecting young creatives to college, career, and workforce pathways in music and creative technology.
Donuts Are Forever™ is a licensed U.S. trademark of Rare Form Promotions LLC.
Upcoming events
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Upcoming events *
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Donuts, we invite you to an immersive album listening experience, featuring a spin of the iconic vinyl itself powered by Karlala Sound System, a large-scale custom nightclub-grade audio setup.
Following the listening session, writer and cultural worker Timmhotep Aku will lead a discussion with producers Laron and J Words, Dan Charnas, author of Dilla Time, and Oscar-award winning producer and director Joseph Patel, delving into J Dilla's impact on producing and beatmaker culture and discussing the upcoming J Dilla documentary they are co-producing with Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson.
Champion Sounds: A Prelude to Donuts Are Forever 20 is an opportunity to celebrate Donuts and J Dilla among community in an intimate setting in advance of the annual Donuts Are Forever fundraiser on April 18, 2026.
Champion Sounds: A Prelude to Donuts Are Forever 20 is the first Stoop Share of the 2026 season. BRIC’s Stoop Share is a community engagement initiative that provides nonprofit organizations and artists in Brooklyn and New York City with access to BRIC’s unique venue. Designed especially for those without regular access to public programming spaces, Stoop Share offers a platform for visual artists, performers, media makers, and the nonprofits that support them to amplify their voices and share their diverse visions.
Ticket proceeds go directly to supporting Building Beats.
* Save the date - Donuts are Forever 20 - 4/18/2026 *
Past DJs & Hosts
DAF1 (2007) • DJ Soul, Akalepse, DJ Brainchild, DJ Scratch, Saucey, Bill Sharp, hosted by Pharaohe Monch
DAF2 (2008) • House Shoes, hosted by Phonte
DAF3 (2009) • Waajeed, Ge-ology, Sucio Smash, Parler
DAF4 (2010) • ?uestlove, DJ Lowkey, DJ Tara
DAF5 (2011) • Rich Medina, DJ Spinna, OP!, Sam Champ, DJ Chela
DAF6 (2012) • Prince Paul, Neil Armstrong, Getlive!, ill Digitz, Brina Payne, hosted by Tanya Morgan
DAF7 (2013) • Just Blaze, Shawn Dub, DJ Stylus, DJ, Center, hosted by Fresh Daily
DAF8 (2014) • Jazzy Jeff, Good Reverend Dr, DJ Prince (Wifi OG), Still Life, 6th Sense, hosted by Torae
DAF9 (2015) • Applejac, Tap.10, Raichous, P.U.D.G.E., MICK, hosted by Jarobi
DAF10 (2016) • Illa J, Daru Jones, Boogie Blind, Evil Dee, Eclipse, Run P, Dstrukt, hosted by Skyzoo
DAF11 (2017) • J.Period, Meka, Soko, Miranda Maxwell, hosted by Tanya Morgan
DAF12 (2018) • The Whooligan, Donwill, Twelve 45, Nyah, Khalil, hosted by Mike Baker
DAF13 (2019) • Stro Elliot, DJ Perly, Kool Flash, Niara Sterling, Rimarkable, hosted by P.U.D.G.E.
DAF14 (2020) • Pete Rock, Hasan Insane, Nina Sol, Jadalareign, DJ Tara, hosted by Fyütch
DAF15 (2021) • Andre Power, Cosmo Baker, The Boom Bap Kids, Dibia$e, Lefto, Linafornia, Monalisa, Quinnette, Reborn, Spiñorita, hosted by P.U.D.G.E. & Synthefire
DAF16 (2022) • Dwele, Lisa Vazquez, MilkyShake, Rogue, King Most, ClockworkDJ, Kutcorners, Morse Code, hosted by Donwill & DJ Tara
DAF17 (2023) • Dez Andrés, Matthew Law, DJ Shinobi Shaw, DJ Maiya, Goodbrotherlyzm, hosted by Charlie Smarts
DAF18 (2024) • Cosmo Baker, DJ Perly, Red Corvette, LUV, DokBrass, DJ Kayla, DJ Shinobi Shaw, Brown Jewel, D3signer Dr3ams and DJ Sir Isaac, hosted by DJ Synchro
DAF19 (2025) • DJ Reborn • Classicnewwave • Brown Jewel • DJ OWell • DJ Pr3tty P
DAF20 (2026) • COMING SOON! Save the date for April 18th, Brooklyn, NY!
