Slum Village is an esteemed hip-hop group hailing from Detroit, Michigan, with a musical legacy that has deeply influenced the neo-soul and underground hip-hop movements. The group was originally formed in the early 1990s by three childhood friends: the revered producer James Dewitt Yancey, known as J Dilla, alongside rappers T3 (R.L. Altman III) and Baatin (Titus Glover). Slum Village carved a niche for themselves with their debut album, "Fantastic, Vol. 1," initially circulated only on cassette in 1997, which earned them critical acclaim and a devoted following. Subsequently, their official 2000 release, "Fantastic, Vol. 2," solidified their status with its innovative sound that showcased Dilla's soul-infused beats and the group's laid-back lyrical style.

Over the years, Slum Village has seen its lineup evolve due to personal and tragic events, including the untimely passing of founding members J Dilla in 2006 and Baatin in 2009. Despite these losses, T3 kept the spirit and legacy of Slum Village alive, collaborating with artists like Elzhi and Illa J, and continuing to release music that pays homage to their original sound while still pushing creative boundaries. Their discography boasts a series of albums and instrumental projects that demonstrate their versatility and influence in hip-hop. Albums like "Villa Manifesto," the group's self-titled "Slum Village," and a wealth of instrumental projects underscore their knack for crafting timeless music. With their recent releases such as "Fantastic 2020, Vol. 1" and "Fantastic 2020, Vol. 2," Slum Village has continued to honor their roots while leaving an indelible mark on the hip-hop genre.

Genres

Alternative Hip Hop

Detroit Hip Hop

Hardcore Hip Hop

Hip Hop

Related Artists

A Tribe Called Quest

De La Soul

Madlib

J Dilla

MF DOOM

The Roots

Common

Little Brother

Black Star

Kendrick Lamar

The Foreign Exchange

Nujabes

Latest Release

ME ME ME

Earlly Mac•

Slum Village•

DeJ Loaf

Single - Released May 31, 2024