Slum Village is an American hip hop group from Detroit, Michigan. The group was formerly composed of the rappers Baatin (1974–2009), T3, and rapper / producer J Dilla (1974–2006). J Dilla left in 2001 to pursue a solo career with MCA Records. Elzhi joined in his absence, after which Baatin also left due to health complications.
Andwele Gardner, known professionally as Dwele, is an American R&B singer, rapper, songwriter and record producer from Detroit, Michigan. He is best known for his guest appearance on Kanye West's 2007 single "Flashing Lights" as well as his often-uncredited performance on West's 2010 single "Power", both of which peaked within the top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100. Gardner's 2003 debut single, "Find a Way" narrowly entered the chart and led his debut studio album, Subject (2003), released by Virgin Records.
Karriem Riggins is an American jazz drummer, record producer, DJ and songwriter from Detroit, Michigan. He met Chicago rapper Common and fellow Detroit musician J Dilla both in 1996, and served as an extensive contributor for releases by both artists. He produced for Common's 1997 album One Day It'll All Make Sense, did so on much of his further projects, and formed the musical trio August Greene with the rapper alongside fellow jazz instrumentalist Robert Glasper in 2018. Furthermore, he formed the Jahari Massamba Unit with Madlib in 2020, and has also worked with prominent music industry artists including Paul McCartney, Kanye West, Denzel Curry, Earl Sweatshirt, and Norah Jones, among others.
Welcome 2 Detroit is the debut studio album by American hip hop recording artist J Dilla, released on February 26, 2001. The album followed his group Slum Village's critically acclaimed Fantastic, Vol. 2, and kicked off BBE's "Beat Generation" series.
Fan-Tas-Tic , is the unofficial debut studio album by American hip hop group Slum Village. It comprises songs from their demo album, which was recorded in 1996 and 1997, but not officially released until 8 years later. It was nonetheless leaked onto the underground circuit and caused "quite a stir" in 1997. The whole album was produced by J Dilla. Many of the songs would later be revamped or re-conceived for their follow up album, Fantastic, Vol. 2 in 2000.
Slum Village is the fifth studio album by American hip hop group Slum Village. It was released on October 25, 2005 via Barak Records. Recording sessions took place at R.J. Rice Studios in Southfield, Michigan. Production was handled by B.R. Gunna, MoSS and T3. It features guest appearances from Black Milk, Dwele, J Isaac, Melanie Rutherford, Phat Kat and Que D.
Jason Powers, better known by his stage name Elzhi, is an American rapper from Detroit, Michigan. He is a former member of Slum Village and now records as a solo artist. In his youth, he made numerous visits to the Hip-Hop shop in Detroit, taking advantage of open-mic nights hosted by fellow Detroit rapper Proof.
Trinity is the third studio album by American hip hop group Slum Village. It was released on August 13, 2002 via Capitol Records. Recording sessions took place at RJ Rice Studios in Farmington Hills, Studio A in Dearborn Heights, and The Studio in Philadelphia. Production was handled by T3, Waajeed, J Dilla, Karriem Riggins, Young RJ, Black Milk, Ess Man, Hi-Tek and Scott Storch.
Ronald Christopher Watts, better known by his stage name Phat Kat, is a rapper from Detroit, Michigan, best known as a favorite collaborator of the late J Dilla.
Curtis Eugene Cross, better known by his stage name Black Milk, is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer.
Big Herk is an American rapper from Detroit, Michigan.
Popular Demand is the second solo album by Black Milk, a rapper and hip hop producer from Detroit, Michigan. It was released on March 13, 2007, which may be a reference to Detroit's area code, 313. The album features guest appearances from numerous Detroit-based artists, including Slum Village's current members T3 and Elzhi and former member Baatin as well as many of Slum Village's close affiliates, most notably Guilty Simpson, Phat Kat, Que D, and One Be Lo. As of July 3, 2009, Popular Demand has sold 10,679 units according to Soundscan.
"The People" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Common, released as the second single from his seventh studio album Finding Forever. The song made its first appearance on fellow American rapper Kanye West's Can't Tell Me Nothing mixtape. The song features production by West and contains background vocals provided by soul singer Dwele. The original version of the song had Common singing the hook by himself, but this was later replaced with Dwele singing the hook. It contains samples of "We Almost Lost Detroit" by Gil Scott-Heron as well as vocal samples of "Long Red" by Mountain. This action was part of West's intention to pay tribute to J Dilla through the production style expressed within the album.
...Sketches of a Man is the third studio album by American musician Dwele. It was released on June 24, 2008 via Koch Records. Recording sessions took place at the Loft in Detroit, at Durt Factory in Norfolk, at 916 Studios in Universal City, and at the Chop Shop in Brooklyn. Production was mainly handled by Dwele himself, in addition to G-1, Mr. Lee, Nottz and Joe Archie. It features guest appearances from J. Tait, Lloyd Dwayne and Slum Village.
The following is a list of productions by American hip-hop producer/rapper Black Milk.
Villa Manifesto is the sixth studio album by Detroit hip hop group Slum Village. It was released on July 27, 2010, via E1 Records.
Villa Manifesto EP is an EP by Detroit hip hop group Slum Village, released on December 15, 2009 under Barak Records. The EP leads up to their full-length studio album, Villa Manifesto (2010). The EP was preceded by two singles – "Cloud 9" featuring Marsha Ambrosius, and "Dope Man."
Evolution is the seventh studio album by American hip hop trio Slum Village. It was released on June 25, 2013, via Ne'Astra Music and Traffic Entertainment Group. Recording sessions took place at RJ Rice Studios in Southfield, Michigan. Production was handled by Young RJ, Focus..., Earlly Macmillion and T3. It features guest appearances from Big Pooh, Focus..., Vice Verse, Blu, Earlly Macmillion, Havoc, J. Ivy, Joe Scudda, Joteka and DJ Jazzy Jeff.
John Derek Yancey, better known by his stage name Illa J, is an American rapper, singer, producer and songwriter from Detroit, Michigan who has released two albums on Delicious Vinyl Records. He is the younger brother of the late hip hop producer, and rapper J Dilla, and a former member of hip hop group Slum Village. He also released a collaborative album as Yancey Boys along with Frank Nitt. Illa J's second solo album ILLA J came out via the Brooklyn based record label, Bastard Jazz.
Yes! is the eighth studio album by studio album by American hip hop group Slum Village. It was released on June 16, 2015, via Yancey Media and Ne'Astra Music Group. Recording sessions took place at RJ Rice Studios in Farmington Hills. Production was handled by members Jay Dee and Young RJ. It features guest appearances from Bilal, BJ the Chicago Kid, De La Soul, Jon Connor, J. Ivy and Phife Dawg.
