Slum Village is one of those groups that just won’t quit regardless of any endeavor they are challenged with. Ever since starting in the 90′s and finally getting recognition in the early 2000′s, they have had to deal with record company issues as well as internal turmoil such as the deaths of founding members J Dilla and Baatin. It’s no question they paved the way for the Detroit underground hip-hop scene, which still flourishes today with artists like Guilty Simpson, Black Milk, Illa J, Frank ‘N’ Dank and more.

On July 27, 2010 Slum Village dropped their latest album “Villa Manifesto” which features new songs with appearances from the fallen soldiers Dilla and Baatin. I’m ashamed to say that I did not get into Slum Village until two to three years ago and have since become one of my favorite hip-hop groups. Their music resonates with soul, intelligent lyrics and incredible production.  Since I had to go backwards and study their back catalog, I was excited to hear new material was being released this year. Come with me as we explore their newest project…

1. Bare Witness feat. DJ Babu – This song exemplifies why SV is still heavy hitting in the game of hip hop. Blaring horns set up the lyrical shower that rains down upon your eardrums. Super maestro Khrysis prospers with audio bliss. All the while DJ Babu is in the background cutting and slicing making it official.

2. Lock It Down – J Dilla can do no wrong. The man is music. The song is heavy on the effects giving it multi-layers of texture. This is a certified head nodder and keeps the flow of the album going smoothly.

3. Scheming feat. J Dilla, Posdnuos, Phife – Man, there are just some beats that move your soul. Detroit producer Young RJ make an elegant yet gritty sound. Just look at who’s featured; song is full of talent. The song closes with one of the illest poems I’ve heard in a while. It is spoken by Vice Verse. This song stays on repeat.

4. Earl Finn – Young RJ gets really creative with this one. From what I’m hearing he is using a kazoo for the main melody. This is one of those tracks that you have to listen to a couple of times to enjoy it. It changes the natural flow of the album for me.

5. Faster - This is one of the 1^st singles off the album. The song is driven by R&B components.  SV has done the softer side before and the formula still works. Pump up the volume ladies.

6. 2000 Beyond feat. J Dilla – Young RJ is a beast on the boards! As you listen to this your body convulses and becomes a slave to the beat. I pressed repeat a couple times before going on to the next track. The J Dilla chorus is A+.

7. Dance feat. AB - This uptempo little number was produced by Dane West. This is what they should be playing in the club. Females will wanna get their sexy on when they hear this song. Get with that special someone and just dance to this.

8. Dont Fight The Feeling feat. Dwele/ *Daylight* – The album so far has had a good balance of hip-hop and R&B. Producer Mr. Porter and Dwele make soulful sounds together for SV to lay those smooth lyrics upon your yearning ears. Dedicate this one to someone you care about. The instrumental “Daylight” follows right after and it gets you clapping and moving.Turn it up! Props to T3 for producing this great piece.

9. Um Um feat. Keyes - Percussion driven melody gives for a very tribal feel to this track. The chorus is addicting and it’ll get stuck in your head well after you’ve finished listening to it. Keyes did a good job with the catchy hook.

10. The Set Up – For this one SV gets the help of beat extraordinaire Hi-Tek. The song is filled with various sounds and effects giving it a very vibrant atmosphere. This one will stay on repeat a couple times.

11. The Reunion PT 2 – That empty snare drum goes perfectly with the haunted house melody. Illa J graces the mic and pays homage to the original trio. Every MC on this track kills it. It’s a stand out song.

12. Where Do We Go From Here feat. Little Brother – Young RJ on the boards. Slum Village and Little Brother on the mic. What more needs to be said? The only problem with the song is that it is too short. It leaves you wanting a couple more verses from each lyrical poet.

13. We’ll Show You feat. AB – Even in death J Dilla continues to make our bodies and minds move. His production is flawless on this. His brother Illa J lays down a big F-U to the haters in his verse. AB gives it that final touch of soul. The J Dilla interview at the end is great. Strong way to end the album.

After everything that SV has been through, they continue to put out great music. All of the artists associated with SV and the Detroit hip hop scene need to be discovered and heard. Get this album and go do your homework. For more info please visit www.slumvillage.com.

Here’s the video for “Faster”

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgTqRVRw_s4