Slum Village, the duo formed with hip-hop superproducer J Dilla are playing The Bernard Shaw this November.
The legendary Detroit hip-hop group and a celebrated name in underground rap play a rare Irish show in the Bernard Shaw.
Slum Village is a pioneering hip-hop group from Detroit, Michigan, formed in the early 1990s. The original lineup featured producer/rapper Jay Dee, later J Dilla, rapper T3 and rapper Baatin.
Known for their soulful, jazz-infused production and laid-back lyricism, Slum Village became a cornerstone of Detroit’s underground scene and helped shape the “neo-soul” hip-hop sound of the turn of the millenium.
Their breakthrough came with the 2000 album Fantastic, Vol. 2, which showcased J Dilla’s innovative beat productions and there were collaborations with artists like Q-Tip, Common, and D’Angelo.
Over the years, lineup changes occurred, notably after J Dilla left to focus on his solo career before his death in 2006 and Baatin’s passing in 2009 but T3 kept the group active with new members like Elzhi and Young RJ.
T3 and Young RJ are the current performers on tour. They play The Bernard Shaw on Saturday November 14th, and it’s a late show. Tickets from €22.
Slum Village’s influence can be heard in generations of hip-hop artists who embraced their blend of warm, sample-based production and introspective rhymes. They remain a celebrated name in underground and alternative hip-hop.
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005. He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Cara Magazine, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, co-founder of Lumo Club, event curator, Indie Sleaze club promoter, and producer of gigs and monthly listening parties & events in Dublin.
