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,” T3 adds. “I’m incorporating Baatin, and I’m putting Illa J in—not to take Dilla’s place, but just to have that essence of Dilla on this new project. I’m pulling together all the producers that we’ve used before—Black Milk, Wajeed , Kareem Riggins, Pete Rock and all the people who have been down with SV from day one.”
J Dilla died on February 10, 2006 after being diagnosed with TTP and Lupus.
Baatin died on July 31, 2009.
www.slumvillage.com
Untitled fantastic
Slum Village Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'mma show you all how to emcee
See I can rock a floor while I rock with high beams
I rock with SV, one of the soldiers of the team
See y'all niggas is dope fiends hoping for a dream
I intervene like a case of gangrene
Gain the green then exit the scene
With a fine chick who could fill up a pair of jeans
And niggas at Conant Gardens trying to do shit
See life ain't a game it remains intense
Lock hold to a nigga like a dog tracing a scent
See ya gotta get your money, you gots to pay rent
Feelin it, y'all ass is read!
Uh, one of the musical priest we form the lyrical Voltron
Hypocrites get stepped upon, in the combat
Don't you come back until you wax your song
In this spiritual warfare
You up against the lord of the first high priest, Melchizedek
Don't shoot 'til you see this, just sit back
Breath, I got more where this comes from-from
Jay-Dee, thee original drum master
You will never hit the best
Fast or slow? It doesn't matter though, T-3 times emcees callin' the lap
Baatin is the one who's in the tree of life
Hold tight, don't ever give up in the fight
Grace, can only come into the sight
Soul power' it ignites like the sun
SV dominates the industry for fun
For fun (fun), for fun (fun), for fun (fun), for fun
Yea, yea to the beat
Yea, yea ya know it can't-can't stop
It can't-can't quit
Stance answers put up your hands and fist
For the band, and if ya can't stand
One of my man's then you're sleeping on some sandman shit
Like damn man! wake up, as we bring the action
On some Van Damme, more like a grand-slam hit, (c'mon)
For the whole fam flippin on the hand-stand tip (c'mon)
We get the dough weight up, straight up, the wham-bamm hits
Before we go-go, we gettin on some damn Wham shit
Against, as for second hand brand kicks
Rippin from the Beatdown to San Fran-sis to Japan land
It's the br-and new, we keep movin like the trans am
Do-do don't stop, we can't can't quit, we can't-can't
The lyrics to Slum Village's song "Untitled/Fantastic" are a testament to the group's skill as emcees. The first verse asserts their talent, claiming that they can "rock a floor" along with the best of them. The singer goes on to say that he's doing this for other people, specifically a friend named Mac Nick and the people of Conant Gardens. The message is clear: even though life is intense and people have to struggle to make ends meet, they should never give up on their dreams.
The second verse is more introspective, discussing the band's role in a "spiritual warfare" against "hypocrites." The singer references Melchizedek, a figure from the Bible who is considered to be the first high priest. He also talks about the group's origin, naming Jay-Dee as the "original drum master." Despite the challenges they face, they continue to dominate the music industry for fun.
Overall, "Untitled/Fantastic" is a song that celebrates both the individual talents of the emcees and the power of their collective, Slum Village. It acknowledges the difficulties of life but maintains a sense of optimism and determination, encouraging listeners to never give up on their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, you owe it to me, get fucking cash about the sleeve
You owe me some money, so get that and let's start something.
I'mma show you all how to emcee
I will demonstrate how to rap better than anyone.
See I can rock a floor while I rock with high beams
I can perform on a stage while also flashing bright lights.
I rock with SV, one of the soldiers of the team
I am part of SV, one of the members of the group.
See y'all niggas is dope fiends hoping for a dream
All of you are addicted to drugs and are hoping for a better life.
I intervene like a case of gangrene
I am going to take action like gangrene and stop your bad habits.
Gain the green then exit the scene
I will make some money and then leave quickly.
With a fine chick who could fill up a pair of jeans
I will leave with a beautiful woman who has an attractive figure.
See I'm doing this shit, doing this shit, for Mac Nick
I am rapping for the sake of Mac Nick, whoever that is.
And niggas at Conant Gardens trying to do shit
I am rapping for the people at Conant Gardens who are trying to do something with their lives.
See life ain't a game it remains intense
Life is not easy, it is challenging and difficult.
Lock hold to a nigga like a dog tracing a scent
I will cling on to someone like a dog chasing a scent.
See ya gotta get your money, you gots to pay rent
To survive, you need to make money and pay your bills.
Feelin it, y'all ass is read!
I can sense it, you are struggling and need help.
Uh, one of the musical priest we form the lyrical Voltron
We are like musical priests, coming together to create powerful music.
Hypocrites get stepped upon, in the combat
People who are hypocrites get crushed in our battles.
Don't you come back until you wax your song
Do not return until you improve your music.
In this spiritual warfare
We are fighting a spiritual battle through our music.
You up against the lord of the first high priest, Melchizedek
You are facing a powerful opponent, like Melchizedek, who represents the first high priest.
Don't shoot 'til you see this, just sit back
Do not take action until you have all the information, just wait and watch.
Breath, I got more where this comes from-from
Take a breath, because I have more lyrics to share.
Jay-Dee, thee original drum master
Jay-Dee is a legendary drummer and beatmaker.
You will never hit the best
You cannot surpass our skill and talent.
Fast or slow? It doesn't matter though, T-3 times emcees callin' the lap
Whether we rap fast or slow, T-3 and the other emcees are always on top.
Baatin is the one who's in the tree of life
Baatin is someone who is spiritually connected, like the tree of life.
Hold tight, don't ever give up in the fight
Stay committed and never give up the fight.
Grace, can only come into the sight
Only those who have grace can truly understand it.
Soul power' it ignites like the sun
The power of the soul is like the energy of the sun.
SV dominates the industry for fun
SV is so talented they can dominate the music industry just for fun.
Yea, yea to the beat
Yes, yes, to the rhythm.
Yea, yea ya know it can't-can't stop
Yes, you know it cannot be stopped.
It can't-can't quit
It cannot be quit or given up on.
Stance answers put up your hands and fist
Get ready to fight and raise your fists.
For the band, and if ya can't stand
For the group, and if you cannot handle it.
One of my man's then you're sleeping on some sandman shit
If you are not with us, then you are unimportant and probably sleeping.
Like damn man! wake up, as we bring the action
Wake up and get ready because we are about to start something big.
On some Van Damme, more like a grand-slam hit, (c'mon)
Like a Jean-Claude Van Damme movie, we will make a huge impact with our music.
For the whole fam flippin on the hand-stand tip (c'mon)
We are doing this for our entire family and community, and we will take risks to succeed.
We get the dough weight up, straight up, the wham-bamm hits
We are making money and producing hit songs with ease.
Before we go-go, we gettin on some damn Wham shit
Before we leave or give up, we will succeed like the band Wham.
Against, as for second hand brand kicks
We are successful even when faced with obstacles, like wearing secondhand shoes.
Rippin from the Beatdown to San Fran-sis to Japan land
We are performing successfully in various locations, including Detroit, San Francisco, and Japan.
It's the br-and new, we keep movin like the trans am
We are fresh and innovative, always moving forward like a Trans Am car.
Do-do don't stop, we can't can't quit, we can't-can't
We keep going and never give up, we cannot be stopped.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: James Dewitt Yancey, R.l. Altman Iii, Titus Glover
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Limits98
Lyrics
[Part 1: Untitled]
[Verse 1: T3]
Yo, you owe it to me, get fucking cash about the sleeve
I'm a show you all how to emcee
See I can rock a floor while I rock with high beams
I rock with SV, one of the soldiers of the team
See y'all niggas is dope fiends hoping for a dream
I intervene like a case of gangrene
Gain the green then exit the scene
With a fine chick who could fill up a pair of jeans
See I'm doing this shit, doing this shit, for Mac Nick
And niggas at Conant Gardens trying to do shit
See life ain't a game it remains intense
Lock hold to a nigga like a dog tracing a scent
See ya gotta get your money, you gots to pay rent
Feeling it, y'all ass is read!
[Verse 2: Baatin]
Uh, one of the musical priest we form the lyrical Voltron
Hypocrites get stepped upon, in the combat
Don't you come back until you wax your song
In this spiritual warfare
You up against the lord of the first high priest, Melchizedek
Don't shoot 'til you see this, just sit back
Breathe, I got more where this comes from-from
Jay-Dee, thee original drum master
You will never hit the best
Fast or slow? It doesn't matter though, T-3 times emcees calling the lap
Baatin is the one who's in the tree of life
Hold tight, don't ever give up in the fight
Grace, can only come into the sight
Soul power' it ignites like the sun
SV dominates the industry for fun
For fun (fun), for fun (fun), for fun (fun), for fun
[Verse 3: Jay Dee]
Yea, yea to the beat
Yea, yea ya know it can't-can't stop
It can't-can't quit
Stance answers put up your hands and fist
For the band, and if ya can't stand
One of my man's then you're sleeping on some sandman shit,(c'mon)
Like damn man! wake up, as we bring the action
On some Van Damme, more like a grand-slam hit, (c'mon)
For the whole fam flipping on the hand-stand tip (c'mon)
We get the dough weight up, straight up, the wham-bamm hits
Before we go-go, we getting on some damn Wham shit
Up-at-night, with second hand brand kicks
Ripping from the D down to San Fran-sisc to Japan land
It's the br-and new, we keep moving like the trans am
Do-do don't stop, we can't can't quit, we can't-can't...
[Part 2: "Fantastic"]
[All]
Ey yo
This is for y'all to dance to real slow
Cause it’s fantastic
It’s fantastic
It’s fantastic
It’s fantastic
We say fan-ta-zero
You say huh what, you know
It’s that shit, uh
Ey yo
This is for y'all to dance to real slow
Cause it’s fantastic
It’s fantastic
It's fantastic
Ancry
Verse 1: T3]
Yo, you owe it to me, get fucking cash up out the sleeve
I'mma show you all how to emcee
See I can rock a floor while I rock with high beams
I rock with SV, one of the soldiers of the team
See y'all niggas is dope fiends hoping for a dream
I intervene like a case of gangrene
Gain the green then exit the scene
With a fine chick who could fill up a pair of jeans
See I'm doing this shit, doing this shit, for Mac Nick
And niggas at Conant Gardens trying to do shit
See life ain't a game it remains intense
Lock hold to a nigga like a dog tracing a scent
See ya gotta get your money, you gots to pay rent
Feelin it, y'all ass is read!
[Verse 2: Baatin]
Uh, one of the musical priest we form the lyrical Voltron
Hypocrites get stepped upon, in the combat
Don't you come back until you wax your song
In this spiritual warfare
You up against the lord of the first high priest, Melchizedek
Don't shoot 'til you see this, just sit back
Breath, I got more where this comes from-from
Jay-Dee, thee original drum master
You will never hit the best
Fast or slow? It doesn't matter though, T-3 times emcees callin' the lap
Baatin is the one who's in the tree of life
Hold tight, don't ever give up in the fight
Grace, can only come into the sight
Soul power' it ignites like the sun
SV dominates the industry for fun
For fun (fun), for fun (fun), for fun (fun), for fun
[Verse 3: Jay Dee]
Yea, yea to the beat
Yea, yea ya know it can't-can't stop
It can't-can't quit
Stance answers put up your hands and fist
For the band, and if ya can't stand
One of my man's then you're sleeping on some sandman shit,(c'mon)
Like damn man! wake up, as we bring the action
On some Van Damme, more like a grand-slam hit, (c'mon)
For the whole fam flippin on the hand-stand tip (c'mon)
We get the dough weight up, straight up, the wham-bamm hits
Before we go-go, we gettin on some damn Wham shit
Up-at-night, with second hand brand kicks
Rippin from the D down to San Fran-sisc to Japan land
It's the br-and new, we keep movin like the trans am
Do-do don't stop, we can't can't quit, we can't-can't...
[Part 2: "Fantastic"]
[All]
Ey yo
This is for y'all to dance to real slow
Cause it’s fantastic
It’s fantastic
It’s fantastic
It’s fantastic
We say fan-ta-zero
You say huh what, you know
It’s that shit, uh
Ey yo
This is for y'all to dance to real slow
Cause it’s fantastic
It’s fantastic
It's fantastic
jacob miller
Yo, you owe it to me, get fucking cash about the sleeve
I'mma show you all how to emcee
See I can rock a floor while I rock with high beams
I rock with SV, one of the soldiers of the team
See y'all niggas is dope fiends hoping for a dream
I intervene like a case of gangrene
Gain the green then exit the scene
With a fine chick who could fill up a pair of jeans
See I'm doing this shit, doing this shit, for Mac Nick
And niggas at Conant Gardens trying to do shit
See life ain't a game it remains intense
Lock hold to a nigga like a dog tracing a scent
See ya gotta get your money, you gots to pay rent
Feelin it, y'all ass is read!
Uh, one of the musical priest we form the lyrical Voltron
Hypocrites get stepped upon, in the combat
Don't you come back until you wax your song
In this spiritual warfare
You up against the lord of the first high priest, Melchizedek
Don't shoot 'til you see this, just sit back
Breath, I got more where this comes from-from
Jay-Dee, thee original drum master
You will never hit the best
Fast or slow? It doesn't matter though, T-3 times emcees callin' the lap
Baatin is the one who's in the tree of life
Hold tight, don't ever give up in the fight
Grace, can only come into the sight
Soul power' it ignites like the sun
SV dominates the industry for fun
For fun (fun), for fun (fun), for fun (fun), for fun
Yea, yea to the beat
Yea, yea ya know it can't-can't stop
It can't-can't quit
Stance answers put up your hands and fist
For the band, and if ya can't stand
One of my man's then you're sleeping on some sandman shit
Like damn man! wake up, as we bring the action
On some Van Damme, more like a grand-slam hit, (c'mon)
For the whole fam flippin on the hand-stand tip (c'mon)
We get the dough weight up, straight up, the wham-bamm hits
Before we go-go, we gettin on some damn Wham shit
Against, as for second hand brand kicks
Rippin from the Beatdown to San Fran-sis to Japan land
It's the br-and new, we keep movin like the trans am
Do-do don't stop, we can't can't quit, we can't-can't
LA Mashup
Growing up with nothing,broke,walking everywhere and taking the bus music was all I had. This was my top 10 plays throughout each day. My age group didn't understand this music or the science of mastery gone into this.
Thank slum for getting me thru it.
skibg77
The train too.
B Dogg
I grew up on an Indian reservation in New Mexico, had nothing material but was rich at heart. I walked to school in rain and snow with rez dogs chasing me lol. People like you and me live the strongest in life in the end. Respect
Vayoma Tayoma Mr. PomPom
@Shawn Charles no wonder why dilla is called the goat he helped me through alot as well.
Shawn Charles
Nail on the damn head lol. I was in high school, playing basketball and taking the bus. I kept this CD with me no matter what. The walking and bus riding aspect really hits home. Salute to you for that description.
Sea Cliff
feel that
Sevket Konyar
The same one-note string sound that goes on all the time is what makes this song perfect...
Joseph Banta
Understated, raw and emotional from 0:00 to 2:50. At 2:50 to 3:05 I have no words for that change. It gives me chills. 3:05 on is just Dilla. If I had to explain his music and beats to someone I would play this.
boo
it’s honestly a true blessing to me and other individuals within my age group to have an opportunity to experience and take notes off of legends that were born before our generation, instead of taking words and “knowledge “ from these mumble rappers in this generation. And to actually observe the transition from back then to now! not that I have anything against the people who listens to to mumble rappers because we all like and experience things differently!
TheCavs6
As I've grown up, I've come to appreciate and acquire a taste for artists like SV. Grew up on radio and mainstream music, and have no clue why I listened to all that. Mainstream is like the Natty Light of hip hop, this is the strong dark lagers. You need to have a real taste..