Slum Village: Fan-Tas-Tic Vol.1 (Vinyl 2xLP)
The contributions of the late Detroit producer James DeWitt Yancey - better known to the world as J Dilla - to the world of hip-hop cant be overstated, and nowhere is his legacy more apparent than his work as a member of Slum Village. A founding member of the trio, (alongside rappers T3 and Baatin) Dilla provided the groups distinctly esoteric, free-wheeling sound, built around winding basslines, quirky drumbeats, subtle low-end frequencies, and classic jazz & soul samples. Against the backdrop of Dillas rich production, T3 and Baatins free-flowing style of rhyming would also earn wide critical praise, leading to comparisons as the successors to A Tribe Called Quest. (a label they themselves have rejected.)
It's on Slum Village's 1997 studio debut, Fan-Tas-Tic Vol. 1, that all these elements come together in the most proficient manner. An instant hit among Detroit's underground hip-hop scene, the album seemed to combine all the best elements of the reigning alternative and gangsta styles of hip-hop into one cohesive style that was a hit among critics. Fan-Tas-Tic's influence extended far beyond Detroit, as its sound heavily influenced the sounds of DAngelo, Erykah Badu, and The Roots just to name a few. (Roots drummer ?uestlove has even declared that: Hands down this album birthed the neo-soul movement.)
Every wobbling bass note of J Dilla's production has been preserved and every freestyle line of T3 and Baatin has been re-created, to maintain the legacy of a late-90s rap classic, and the legend of one of hip-hops greatest beatsmiths.
- Fantastic
- Keep It On (This Beat)
- I Don't Know
- How We Bullshit
- Fat Cat Song
- The Look Of Love
- Estimate
- Hoc N Pucky
- Beej N Dem
- Pregnant
- Forth & Back (Rock Music)
- Fantastic 2
- Fantastic 3
- Keep It On
- 5 Ela Remix
- Give This Nigga
- Players
- Look Of Love (Remix)
- Pregnant
- Things U Do (Remix)
- Fat Cat (Remix)
- Fantastic 4
- What's Love Gotta Do With It (Look Of Love Remix)
- 2 You 4 You