Rapper-producer Jay Dee left after the group's first national album, 2000's Fantastic, Vol. 2 (Barak) and rhymer Elzhi was added to the mix for 2002's Trinity (Past, Present And Future) (Barak/Capitol). Now, with the release of Slum Village's new album, the stunningly impressive Detroit Deli (Barak/Capitol), the group consists of just T3 and Elzhi. Throughout the changes, Slum Village's musical mission has remained constant: to deliver soul-stirring sonics that represent Detroit to the fullest. That vision is fully realized on Detroit Deli. Throughout the sensational 15-cut collection, T3 and Elzhi give listeners an intimate look at life in The D, from where they shop, hang with friends and eat to the type of cars they drive (check "Zoom") and what clothes they wear.
Slum Village represents the Midwest's funk heritage on the inspirational "Do You," which was produced by Jay Dee, and teams with Chicago's Kanye West on lead single "Selfish," a sly, piano-driven song where T3, Elzhi and West rap about their desire to have a monopoly with women. They then team with Ol' Dirty Bastard on the riotous "Dirty" about having to battle for a woman and deliver a Player's Hand Guide of sorts on the sensuous "Count The Ways," Both produced by B.R. Gunna.
Even though Slum Village excels at making this type of lighthearted music, they show on Detroit Deli that they also hit hard with more serious subject matter. On the moving, guitar-driven "Keep Holding On," they rap about people not losing faith in their lives, while on the stirring "Old Girl/Shining Star," T3 and Elzhi send a open letter of hope and support to single mothers working hard to survive.
"The inspiration came from my boy's niece who has a gang of kids and is out here struggling," Elzhi says. "She's stringing her kids around on the bus, just to get by. By me just looking at that, I'm like, 'I need to write a song because I know she's not the only one going through it.' Slum Village has never touched on ladies like that and everybody is calling girls hoes and Bs, dissing these ladies, so we wanted to touch the ladies in a different way."
The group also takes a different route on "Reunion." Jay Dee joins T3 and Elzhi on the insightful cut, which offers three different takes on the group's status. "It's like you're going through three state of minds at one time kind of in reverse," T3 says. "What we're trying to say is that we wish we were together, we might be together and then we're not together at all. We're trying to give you all the aspects of how people are coming at us, the type of stuff we're dealing with and kind of give you a glimpse of the stuff we're dealing with in the group."
Indeed, songs such as "Keep Holding On," "Old Girl/Shining Star" and "The Reunion" signal Slum Village's evolution; they mark the first time the group has let listeners in on their personal feelings. "I don't think people really know us and we never really touched on our emotions like that," T3 says. "We wanted to bring some realness, besides just the soul music. Elzhi, as a guy that saw Slum Village on the outside, he brought it to my attention that we never touched on serious topics and that we should try to touch on them more. I was with that and I have a lot to say, so why not?"
Detroit Deli also stands as Slum Village's most musically rich album to date. B.R. Gunna producers Black Milk and Young RJ, both 20 years old, handled the majority of the beats, while Kanye West produced "Selfish," Jay Dee handled "Do You" and T3 along with young RJ produced "Closer" and "Count The Ways." The beats are as divergent as the album's subject matter, ranging from soulful to futuristic, but they always remain powerful and innovative.
The same can be said for Slum Village's storied career. After releasing Fan-tas-tic Vol. 1 independently, Slum Village became one of hip-hop's hottest groups. While working on Fantastic vol. 2, they were joined in the studio by such luminaries as D'Angelo, Busta Rhymes, Kurupt, Pete Rock, and A Tribe Called Quest's Q-Tip, among others. The resulting album became an underground classic and Slum Village was seen as the second coming of the Native Tongues (A Tribe Called Quest, Jungle Brothers, De La Soul) by member Q-Tip, as well as fans and journalists alike.
Jay Dee left the group after Fantastic, vol. 2 in order to work on his solo career, but Slum Village pressed on, releasing in 2002 the Dirty District mixtape and later that year its third album and first with new member Elzhi, Trinity. Many fans looked at rapper-producer Jay Dee as the group's backbone, but Trinity proved that Slum Village could provide without its sonic architect, as that album's single "Tainted" became the group's biggest hit.
"We've always stuck to our guns," T3 says. "We've never tried to change to get commercial success. We always just did what we did and when you do what you do, eventually somebody's going to have to give you your respect for having the courage to do what you do."
Now back where they started, Slum Village yet again thrills and delights fans and gains yet a larger audience hungry for the smoking beats under the hot lyrical talent of T3 and Elzhi. Slum has begun to bring more of their personal feelings to their music, allowing the listeners and fans to touch more on the emotions and realness and touched on more serious topics. Prequel to a Classic features previously unreleased joints and jams from Slum Village with production by B.R. Gunna, J Dilla and Kareem Riggins. The mixtape gives listeners the best of some of their material since Fantastic Vol. 1.
T3 has said in a recent interview that slum village has reunited with Baatin and has added Illa J(J Dilla's Brother) to bring a Dilla effect. He is quoted "Slum Village is totally not that at all,β T3 adds. βIβm incorporating Baatin, and Iβm putting Illa J inβnot to take Dillaβs place, but just to have that essence of Dilla on this new project. Iβm pulling together all the producers that weβve used beforeβBlack Milk, Wajeed , Kareem Riggins, Pete Rock and all the people who have been down with SV from day one.β
J Dilla died on February 10, 2006 after being diagnosed with TTP and Lupus.
Baatin died on July 31, 2009.
www.slumvillage.com
Fall In Love
Slum Village Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To fall in love
With the things you do
Don't sell yourself
To fall in love
With those things you do
Niggas trying to grip up my mic like it's a dick
Run around the corner to pick up the new shit
Toss this in the deck so niggas can catch rep
I'm the motherfucker gripping the mic like it's a joke
Niggas fall in love with the music like its a ho
Put down your mic you lost your whole goal
You take it to seriously like it's a gamble
Fuck this rap shit I listen to classical
In the studio loop as usual
Lovin' my lyrical
Fuck bitches that you would know
I'm out of this cause you wanna be below
Ya'll niggas in love with the S
Ya'll niggas in love with the S
To fall in love
With the things you do
Don't sell yourself
To fall in love
With those things you do
Yeah, JD man I see sometimes
I sit and wonder when I think about these written rhymes
How'd I get to the point constantly taking all my time?
Time I could of been spending gettin' cash, gettin' mine
Hoping one day it comes around
One day when I'm
The nigga gettin' money, gettin' cash, gettin' signed
Getting the fuck out the ghetto, cause I'm tired of crime
But it's a crime that I feel this fucking waste of time
But sometimes I feel like this shit here is a waste of time
Yours and mine
To these niggas out here trying to rhyme
Your reason for it better sure 'nough be genuine
I do it because it gives me a sort of peace-of-mind
And for the love
Yourself, yourself
To fall in love
With the things you do
Don't sell yourself
To fall in love
With those things you do
Yo, one-two
Word up, ah one-two, SV, word up, word up, alright
Uh,uh,uh and to my nigga Jay-Dee uh, uh my nigga T-3 uh, oh
That nigga Batian uh, uh, that's my crew
Yo, uh, oh this going out to my nigga Bust-a
And all my other motherfu-cka
What up to all you trying to bust, us
Trying to get down with us, cause we know you just mad as hell
Yo I'll give em the mic, eh! So niggas don't know that I am
T-3 on the mic
I do what I do what I like, to get down right tonight
(cause?) Cause I get down tonight, yo
Niggas try and put up a fight, wit us, yo alright
Some freestyle shit
"Fall In Love" by Slum Village is a song that expresses the unbridled love and passion that the artists have for their music. The lyrics of the song talk about the different ways in which people relate to music, as either a mere commodity that can be sold or as an art that's worth falling in love with. The song describes how some people fall in love with music as if it's a prostitute they're paying for their services, while others take it seriously like a game of chance.
The first verse talks about how people are drawn to the artist's music, comparing it to sex. Fans are portrayed as people who are so invested in the music that they would try to grip the microphone like it's a penis. The artist seems to disdain this attitude and chastises people who take things too seriously. He says that he enjoys classical music instead of rap and that his lyrical ability sets him apart from other rappers.
The second verse then pivots to talk about why the artist personally makes music. The artist expresses frustration with the state of his career and wonders if his dedication to music is worth the sacrifice. However, he ultimately decides that he makes music because it gives him peace of mind, and that if others make music, it should be for genuine reasons, not just for fame or riches.
Overall, the song is a message to fellow musicians and fans that music should be made for the love of the craft and not for external gains. The Slum Village is reminding us that music is much more than just a product, it is an art that deserves to be revered.
Line by Line Meaning
To fall in love
To develop a strong passion for something or someone
With the things you do
Being attracted to the actions taken by someone or something
Don't sell yourself
Don't compromise your values to gain attention or love
With those things you do
Don't disregard your own standards in the quest for love or passion
Ladies loving my music is like some sex shit
Women are so attracted to my music, it's like a sexual act
Niggas trying to grip up my mic like it's a dick
Men are so eager to use and claim my microphone as their own
Run around the corner to pick up the new shit
Fans go to great lengths to buy the latest release of my music
Toss this in the deck so niggas can catch rep
Play my music loud and proud so that people may take notice and give me respect
I'm the motherfucker gripping the mic like it's a joke
I am the one confidently holding and controlling the microphone
Niggas fall in love with the music like its a ho
People become enamored with the music as if it were a desirable woman
Put down your mic you lost your whole goal
If you lose sight of your original purpose and values, you may lose your talent and opportunities
You take it too seriously like it's a gamble
If you put too much weight and pressure on the success of your music, it becomes like a game of chance
Fuck this rap shit I listen to classical
I sometimes grow tired of rap music and instead turn to the classics
In the studio loop as usual
I am often found in the recording studio, doing what I do best
Lovin' my lyrical
I take pride in my ability to craft lyrics
Fuck bitches that you would know
I am not interested in the women you may be familiar with
I'm out of this cause you wanna be below
I am distancing myself from those who are not motivated to succeed
Ya'll niggas in love with the S
You are all enamored with the success and fame that comes with being a rapper
Yeah, JD man I see sometimes
I recognize that sometimes JD is in a precarious situation
I sit and wonder when I think about these written rhymes
When I contemplate my lyrics, it's often a thought-provoking experience
How'd I get to the point constantly taking all my time?
I often ponder how I have dedicated so much time to my craft
Time I could have been spending gettin' cash, gettin' mine
I realize that time spent cultivating my music career could have been spent making money and advancing other endeavors
Hoping one day it comes around
I am optimistic that my music career will finally break through
One day when I'm
At some point in the future when I am successful
The nigga gettin' money, gettin' cash, gettin' signed
The person who is making a lot of money and getting signed to music deals
Getting the fuck out the ghetto, cause I'm tired of crime
I want to escape from the violence and crime prevalent in my community
But it's a crime that I feel this fucking waste of time
I feel like dedicating so much time to music is misguided and unjust
But sometimes I feel like this shit here is a waste of time
Sometimes I question whether my music career is worthwhile
Yours and mine
This feeling of uncertainty and doubt is common among artists
To these niggas out here trying to rhyme
This feeling is not exclusive to me, other rappers grapple with the same concerns
Your reason for it better sure 'nough be genuine
If you're going to pursue rap music, it's important that your motivation is genuine and sincere
I do it because it gives me a sort of peace-of-mind
Despite the uncertainty and doubt, I continue to create music because it brings me tranquility and clarity of mind
And for the love
Ultimately, I create music because of my passion and love for the art form
Yo, one-two
I am acknowledging and beginning a new section of the song
Word up, ah one-two, SV, word up, word up, alright
I am summoning attention and calling out to Slum Village, creating a sense of unity and solidarity
Uh,uh,uh and to my nigga Jay-Dee uh, uh my nigga T-3 uh, oh
I am shouting out the members of Slum Village, Jay-Dee (J Dilla) and T-3
That nigga Batian uh, uh, that's my crew
I am acknowledging my crew member Batian
Yo, uh, oh this going out to my nigga Bust-a
I am sending a message to Bust-a, acknowledging his support and encouragement
And all my other motherfu-cka
I am including anyone who has been supportive of my music and career
What up to all you trying to bust, us
I am calling out the haters who are trying to bring down our success
Cause we know you just mad as hell
We are aware that you are simply angry and resentful towards our achievements
Yo I'll give em the mic, eh!
I am offering the microphone to someone else to prove their skills
So niggas don't know that I am T-3 on the mic
I am introducing myself, T-3, as the performer on the microphone
I do what I do what I like, to get down right tonight
I am performing my music the way I want, to create an impactful experience for my audience
(cause?) Cause I get down tonight, yo
I am going to put on an amazing performance tonight and leave the audience thoroughly impressed
Niggas try and put up a fight, wit us, yo alright
Others may try and resist our success or criticize us, but we won't be deterred and will continue to thrive
Some freestyle shit
This is some improvised and off-the-cuff rapping that showcases our raw talent and improvisational ability
Lyrics Β© BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MICHAEL BRUCE, GLEN BUXTON, NEAL A SMITH, DENNIS DUNAWAY, ALICE COOPER, JAMES YANCEY, RL ALTMAN, TITUS GLOVER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@joshuasachs9728
This song has been stuck in my head for like 20 years....
@leewright4868
Facts
@asweetmichelle
same.. and Iβm 20
@saucito9201
Fax, my brother used to bump this in the car back then reminds me of the good old days.
@dpounder101
I keep getting the Moody Good remix stuck in my head.
@tomashorvath6323
its just... dope. in my car forever.
@85elcamino714
"Don't sell yourself to fall in love"
Facts!!
@tyronegenkins4803
85elcamino714Β you're forgetting the
"With those things you do"
the song is about how they doubt that their music is worth putting all their time and energy in. But they realize that they continue to do it because it gives them "peace of mind" and because they love it.
I don't think it's a love song in the conventional sense.
@tyronegenkins4803
Tyrone GenkinsΒ Another example of this type of thing I can think of is De La Soul's "Eye Know" not being a love song aimed at a person, but aimed at hip hop in general.
@MsTiagosk8
Tyrone Genkins That MIGHT be the meaning but the person who commented never said it was about love, for all you know he meant it in more than one way.