In a recent Zoom conversation with Young RJ and T3 of Slum Village, fresh off their performance in the UK, they shared insights into their experiences and the vibrant energy of European audiences. They noted how fans across Europe exhibit an unwavering enthusiasm for both classic hip-hop and modern hits, equally embracing artists from different eras, including Lil Uzi Vert. Reflecting on Slum Village's journey, which spans nearly three decades since T3, Baatin, and J Dilla first navigated the complexities of rap fame, including lineup changes and significant label achievements, T3 highlighted the profound impact of losing Dilla in 2006 and Baatin some years later. These events, he believes, have played a crucial role in keeping Slum Village united and pushing forward.

“The whole thing was even when those guys left the group, they told us to keep the legacy going,” said T3. “We kept holding the torch for Detroit because we were the first of our time and pioneers of what we did. So we thought it was necessary to keep it going. That’s one of the main reasons why we kept it going for so long and still do.” 

Almost a decade removed from the group’s last full-length album in 2015’s Yes, Slum Village is making a grand return through F.U.N. Though initial ideas were being bounced around for a couple of years, their latest project saw them locked into the studio for around nine months. The result is an album filled with fun beats and rhymes while bridging generational gaps. 

“I feel that’s what the music business needs right now,” T3 explained. They need some more fun stuff. That’s why we call the album F.U.N. We want to bring that back. It ain't got to be that deep, and it ain't got to be extra ratchet either, but we're still going to have fun.”

Two singles from the album have already dropped, including last year’s “Request” alongside “Factor,” which dropped in March. They’re joined by other tracks with features from Abstract Orchestra, Brittney Carter, Larry June, Cordae, and Robert Glasper, among others. According to Young RJ, those collaborations were all organic.

“Everybody that we worked with on this project has been organic because everyone is super dope and talented,” explained Young RJ of the album, which will be released on May 3rd. It was a pleasure working with me, honestly. We’re going to continue to work with younger artists as well as established artists.”

F.U.N. also drops as Slum Village’s most impactful album, 2004’s Detroit Deli, turns 20 this year. That album featured the Ye (then Kanye West) assisted hit “Selfish,” which saw the controversial artist charge $90,000 for the guest verse and beat. Detroit Deli was their breakout album and got them their biggest number one.

“We toured crazy after that album,” said T3. “I think that was the first year I went to the BET Awards. That album did a lot for us.”

As the title suggests, the cover itself pays homage to Motor City, including the logo of one of the best BBQ joints in the city, Joe Ann’s BBQ. 

“A friend of mine who I went to school with mom owned Joe Ann’s BBQ so that’s how we were able to get the licensing for the cover,” explained Young RJ, who had produced a few tracks on the album with then Slum Village line-up of T3 and Elzhi. 

Detroit Deli had several notable guest appearances, including a few from Detroit pioneering rapper MC Breed, better known for rap classic “Ain’t No Future In Yo Frontin.” T3 mentioned that Dilla and MC Breed were already working on music together, and Dilla gave them the alley-oop. Then there are tracks like “Dirty,” which featured Dirt McGirt, a.k.a. Ol' Dirty Bastard, who would pass several months later. 

“That record had ODB rap on a different beat and we wanted to change the sound to make it fit the album that we were working on,” said Young RJ. “I flew to New York to pick up the vocals and brought everything back. It was kind of all over the place so we just kept the hook.” 

Young RJ said that despite the eyes on Slum Village at the time with “Selfish” and Detroit Deli, it was a bittersweet moment for Dilla despite feeling happy about what he heard during early listenings. 

“Detroit Deli was the album that we were supposed to have the original members back together with,” Young RJ said. “We were supposed to have Baatin back and Dilla. Dilla was supposed to produce the whole album but he got sick and wasn’t really able to focus so we had to change the direction.He felt like the beats were, you know what I'm saying, ahead of the time, you know what I'm saying? So he thought the project was dope. He was happy to be involved with it.”

Drawing parallels to other successful rap groups like Outkast and Wu-Tang Clan, T3 recalls the idea of strong communication being essential to Slum Village’s decades-long cohesion.  He mentioned the significance of shared understanding and unity among members, especially within the context of their built movement. 

“We know each other, and we’re brothers,” said T3. “So it’s easy for us to communicate and not communicate. We know how to turn it on and off at the same time. That's key when you’re talking about a group.