Slum Village - Fantastic, Vol. 2

Chalk review number two today up to randomly learning about different artists. I was at a bon fire this weekend, and a guy that I've known for a while, was telling me about these guys. Now, I've known him for at least a year now, and had NO idea he was so into music. He gave me a fairly solid list of artists to check out. This being numero uno, and so far, I enjoy it. These guys are a rap duo or trio (depending on the album) that starting in Detroit, Michigan. They started in 1996 with their first album - this one - dropping in 2000. One of the rappers, Baatin, was part of the band for the first three drops, but then experienced some health problems. He was lashing out at others and seemed disoriented. He was tentatively diagnosed with schizophrenia and left the group. He was kicked out of the band while in the hospital, which didn't sit well with him. They went through some legal battles and he was reinstated to work on their latest album. He then died in 2009 from the health issues. Another of the original members, J Dilla - is no longer in the band - due to his death in 2006. He was diagnosed with TTP and Lupus. They added a couple other guys, including J Dilla's brother to keep the ball rolling. I'm guessing if you're big into rap and if you're from Detroit, you know these guys. If not, this is probably new to you. The style if very old school hip hop with nice beats and nice lyrics. It reminds of why I started listening to rap as a young kid. It's a great blend of what you'd think is many great recognized artists in some sort of super group or something. In short, this album is pretty great. It's not their most popular, just the first studio drop. I'll have to get to more by these guys soon, and see if the sound changed. Until then, rap lovers will love Slum Village.

TRACK LISTING:
1. Intro
2. Conant Gardens
3. I Don't Know
4. Jealousy
5. Climax (Girl Sh**)
6. Hold Tight
7. Tell Me
8. What It's All About
9. Forth and Back
10. Untitled / Fantastic
11. Get Dis Money
12. Raise It Up
13. Once Upon a Time
14. Players
15. Eyes Up
16. 2u 4U
17. CB4
18. Go Ladies
19. Thelonius (Bonus Track)
20. Who Are We (Bonus Track)

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. Conant Gardens
2. Get Dis Money
3. I Don't Know

FINAL RATING:
4 out of 5 stars