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File #: 250731    Version: 0 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: IN COUNCIL - FINAL PASSAGE
File created: 9/11/2025 In control: CITY COUNCIL
On agenda: Final action:
Title: Renaming the 2300 block of Snyder Ave "James Darrell Robinson Jr. Way" in honor of James "Lil Darrell" Robinson Jr., recognizing his contributions to Yesha Ministries and his community through his musical genius and artistic talents.
Sponsors: Council President Johnson, Councilmember Gilmore Richardson, Councilmember Phillips, Councilmember Gauthier, Councilmember Landau, Councilmember Lozada, Councilmember Young, Councilmember Brooks, Councilmember O'Rourke, Councilmember Bass
Indexes: STREET RENAMING
Attachments: 1. Resolution No. 25073100
Title
Renaming the 2300 block of Snyder Ave "James Darrell Robinson Jr. Way" in honor of James "Lil Darrell" Robinson Jr., recognizing his contributions to Yesha Ministries and his community through his musical genius and artistic talents.

Body
WHEREAS, From a young age, James Darrell Robinson Jr. displayed an exceptional sense of rhythm and a natural talent for music. He attended Girard Academic Music Program and the Settlement Music School, where he developed his drumming skills; and

WHEREAS, During his senior year of high school, he began performing with Jazmine Sullivan and became a regular perform at the legendary "Black Lily" sessions, where The Roots hosted jam nights every Tuesday. On one such night, Darrell performed with the house band, opening the door to countless opportunities in the music world; and

WHEREAS, Shortly after high school, Darrell landed his first professional gig with Jaguar Wright, marking the official beginning of his dream career. He went on to perform with legendary artists such as Pharrell Williams, N.E.R.D., The Roots, Jill Scott, LL Cool J, J. Cole, Snoop Dogg, Common, Queen Latifah, Eric Roberson, Lenny Kravitz, Floetry, and many others; and

WHEREAS, Pharrell Williams once enthusiastically declared, "Darrell is one of the best, if not the best, drummers in the world"; and

WHEREAS, Darrell's significant contributions to music were formally recognized when he received a Grammy certificate for his work on Pharrell's "Happy" live performance; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his drumming, Darrell was a talented music producer. In 2004, he co-produced Jill Scott's hit single "Golden," along with other standout tracks like "When I Wake Up" and "Light of the Sun." His production credits also include work with The Roots ("Long Time," "Take It There," "Game Theory"), Kindred the Family Soul ("Contentment," "Surrender to Love"), Marsha Ambrosius ("I Want to Stay," "Do It Like That," "With You"), and Cris Cab ("Good Girls"), and many m...

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