Slum Village is a group from Detroit, Michigan, currently consisting of T3 and Young RJ. Originally formed as a trio with the late J Dilla and Baatin, their debut album is Fan-Tas-Tic Vol. 1. Fan-Tas-Tic Vol.1 was pirated in the summer of 1997 and has been revised and reimagined on Fan-Tas-Tic Vol.1. 2 Just 3 years later. A year later, Dilla left the band to pursue a solo career, and was replaced by eLZhi, who signed with Capitol Records and produced his next two albums, Trinity (Past, Present and Future) and Detroit A Taste of Detroit. Following their self-titled full-length album, both Dilla and Baatin passed away, prompting RJ and even Dilla’s brother Illa J to join them on their final effort, Villa Manifesto. But what really ended up happening was that eLZhi left the band due to what he said was a falling out with Young RJ, and interestingly, Illa J followed suit after Evolution & Yes!. Nearly a decade later, T3 and RJ reunite for their ninth studio record.
Brittney Carter’s “Welcome” is an atmospheric opener with a hi-hat, courtesy of Young RJ, welcoming everyone to a name you’ve heard of but never had the courage to touch, and “All Live” takes off from there , with a snazzy butt tool that lets SV get the party started. Phat Kat’s “All Live 2” played on some pianos, talk about calling him Ronnie S. Truman because he bought all the pianos in the first place, until “To the Disco” took a more beautiful Rhythm Line, continues to kick it off and describes himself as a warlord.
Looking ahead, “Yeah Yeah,” co-produced with Karriem Riggins, brings back a bit of funk so the duo can talk about being fundamental and have others line up for more disco on “Just Like You,” featuring Larry June The work influence was instrumental, so all 3 MCs told their significant others they wanted to be with them. The rhythmic title track boasts about another stellar performance from the Detroit Cats, but the following “Request” talks stylishly about giving them what they need.
Cordae’s mellow “So Superb” with Slum Village makes way for everyone to brag about their superiority, while “Keep Dreaming” with Fat Ray is a funky/boom bap crossover that tells everyone Open your mind and realize that you are still dreaming. Penultimate track “Factor” fondly talks about all the good times spent before “Since 92” closes the album, with Robert Glasper’s kick drum, snare and piano serving as a reminder that they’ve put it down More than thirty years.
Considering it’s been a full 8 years since we last listened to a full version of “Ghetto Village” together, I guess when they teased us with the single they even performed it at halftime of a Detroit Pistons game last season, even though they didn’t anyway Perform at your best. Needless to say: it’s like they never had a break. They seem happy to be back in the lab, maintaining their signature sound, occasionally joined by a few of their friends in D and co-signing some new blood.
Score: 7/10
