“ill beats, boastful raps… gritty and soulful music” – Pitchfork
With Room3 & Kevin Gamble
Kaleidoscopic jazz fusion collective Room3 joins Slum Village as backing band for the evening. Here, the live band element adds depth and color to the group’s iconic sound.
Slum Village is not just a music group, but a close-knit brotherhood tied together by friendship and their shared musical passions. They emerged in the early 1990s from the dynamic streets of Conant Gardens in Detroit. There, led by T3, Baatin, and the iconic J Dilla, the group quickly became a cornerstone in Detroit’s hip-hop scene.
J Dilla’s enduring influence continued to shape the group. For example, his protégé, Grammy-nominated producer Young RJ, stepped in as a rapper in 2009. Also, through T3 and Young RJ’s stewardship, Slum Village has continued to innovate. There, 2002’s Trinity and standout track “Tainted” are revered among hip-hop fans. Additionally, 2004’s standout album Detroit Deli featured the popular single “Selfish” with Kanye West and John Legend.
T3 and Young RJ have been instrumental in preserving and expanding the group’s legacy. Their involvement led to later albums like Villa Manifesto and YES, which includes posthumous productions by Dilla. Today, Slum Village remains a celebrated name in the world of Detroit hip-hop. With over a decade of collaboration, T3 and Young RJ stay true to the group’s founding ethos while introducing new vitality and a contagious zest.
Their recent works include singles “Request,” “Factor,” “So Superb,” and the acclaimed 2024 album F.U.N. This album features artists like Cordae, Larry June, Elijah Fox, and Eric Roberson. It highlights their continued commitment to breaking new ground and thrilling audiences globally. Here, explore their musical journey and experience the sounds that have established them as hip-hop royalty.
Recommended for fans of J Dilla, Eric Roberson, Dwele and Talib Kweli.
