BUFFALO, N.Y. — Last summer, Spectrum News 1 reported on DJ shay, an iconic music producer from Buffalo who died of COVID-19. His loss will always be felt throughout the community and now, those who knew him are honoring his legacy.  

This August, a basketball tournament will be held with 50 teams. DJ Shay’s son says it's a great way to remember him because of the love they both shared for the sport.

DJ Shay, whose real name is Demetrius Robinson, left a big mark on the music scene in Western New York, helping to develop some pretty big names from Buffalo.  

“Benny the Butcher, West Side Gunn and Conway the Machine," said friend Rob Cornelius. "He raised them in music.”

He worked with Griselda Records and formed his own record label, Buff City Records. But he’s been working in the music scene since the ’90s.  

Artists he’s worked with went on to sign with the labels of other big names, like Jay Z. Those close to him, like his son Dominic Robinson, along with Cornelius, want to make sure his legacy lives on.  

“I feel like Shay was my brother," said Cornelius. "I feel like he need to be remembered in a proper way and the best way for me to remember him to me is the basketball tournament.”

Friends and family are holding the memorial basketball tournament on Saturday, August 14. Conway the Machine, who worked with DJ Shay, donated $7,500 through his foundation, Conway Cares. The winner will take home the cash prize.    

“I hope the whole city come out, enjoy themselves, just celebrate him the way I celebrate him every day,” said Cornelius.

They’re holding a basketball tournament because he loved to watch the game with his son, Dominic.

“We bonded during basketball, we watch games, sit in the living room, watch games together,” Dominic said.

Dominic says he’s still grieving the loss of his father, but he hopes this is one way to remember him.

“I've been going through nursing school, working, it’s definitely been a tough ride," said Dominic. "Come together, have a good time. Putting together a basketball tournament considering I love basketball, Rob loves basketball and my dad loved basketball.”

Both men hope to make this a yearly event to remember their father, friend and a person whose impact in Buffalo will be forever felt.  

“Tell my dad I love him and gonna keep his legacy going,” Dominic said.

Registration for teams is still open. Call 716-247-1817 to sign up or register in person at Doris Records, 286 East Ferry Street in Buffalo.

The tournament begins at 8 a.m. and they also have other DJs, a pop-up shop and a kid zone. They hope the whole community comes out.