2000's
2001
Release of the last CD Oscar Brown, Jr. was to record. We’re Live captures Brown and his daughter Maggie Brown in a live concert recording produced and released on her Mag Pie Records. This production features the debut vocal recording of OBJ’s youngest daughter, Africa Pace Brown. The Browns’ made jazz history at the Hot House for International Performance, featuring Oscar’s lyrics set to Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Thelonius Monk and Ellington.
2002
Revival of Oscar’s “miracle musical” GREAT NITTY GRITTY was staged at the request of then Chicago Mayor, Richard Daley. The Brown family provided training and professional performing arts experience for teens, with production support from the City’s Department of Cultural Affairs, and Afterschool Matters. OBJ spent the last 3 summers of his life working with the youth developing the casts of GNG.
2002
Oscar Brown, Jr. appears on Def Poetry, Season II, performing his poem: “I Apologize,” to a rousing standing ovation. Oscar was invited back several times, solidifying the newer hip-hop generation has some exposure and appreciation for the “Grandpap of Rap.”
2004
OBJ was among the distinguished guests, handpicked for the opening of Jazz At Lincoln Center’s Allen Room, in New York. Oscar performed one of his poems together with Sonja Sanchez.
2005
Oscar celebrates the release of Donnie Betts’ full-length, documentary film: “Music Is My Life, Politics My Mistress.” In February, 2005, Oscar Brown Jr. and family members attended the premier, which was sponsored by the Pan African Film Festival and screened at the Magic Johnson Theater Complex, in Los Angeles.
April 7, 2005, Oscar, Maggie, Africa and Koco Brunson all performed at what was to be his final public appearance at The Hideout. OBJ had a high temperature and was feeling poorly, and they decided if he felt no better the next morning they would go to the hospital. Oscar Brown, Jr. passed away on May 29, 2005 after a brief illness brought on by an MRSA infection resulting in an Osteomyelitis infection in his spine.