Slum Village
Album: Dirty District
Realase date: June 25, 2002
Label: Sequence

Customer Review:
First, this is NOT a Slum Village album even though it looks like it is due to the packaging. This is a compilation of Detroit (& others) artists that is overseen by T3 and RJ Rice. Second, Jay Dee did not produce one track and is not even on this album. Third, Slum Village (as a group) is only on one track. T3 and Elzhi are on other tracks though. Still, it’s a dope compilation that does more than just wet your appetite for the official SV releases.Slum Village was never known for the deep lyricism. They were known (& loved) for the production and the overall vibe of the album or music. While the production is not handled by Jay Dee, "Dirty District" maintains that cool SV feeling that we all love. The beats have that minimalist, slightly choppy feel and the mixing is done in a "dirty" way but that’s one aspect that makes this work.

The best tracks are "Real Life", "One", "Freestle" La Peace, "Dae Out To Get Us" and "Throw That D" "Big Twinz" and "Yesterday" are incredible songs. They are truly amazing but they are totally out of place and have been released on their proper albums. One thing this compilation does is give the spotlight to the other emcees in Slum Village besides Jay Dee. Elzhi is officially introduced as SV’s new member. By being on a handful of tracks (including a freestyle), Elzhi does his job in a decent way. He does not astonish on the mic but he is concurrent with the SV vibe. T3 truly shines here as both a producer and an emcee. On previous SV releases, he was in Jay Dee’s shadow of production and mic presence. Here, T3 truly excels in both areas. Sure, he’s no Jay Dee but he creates good beats while keeping the original SV feeling alive. On the mic, he may not be an excellent lyricist but he commands attention due to his hungry delivery and flow.

The short length of the songs and mixing of RJ Rice makes this album flow extremely well. It is very easy to listen to in one sitting. The mixture of full length songs and freestyle tracks contribute to the variety within the consistency of Detroit’s SV atmosphere.

Overall, this is a very enjoyable compilation that can stand strong by itself. Even though it serves as an appetizer to the upcoming Slum Village album, it has it’s own jewels which should be appreciated. Even though none of the songs (except for "Big Twinz" or "Yesterday"), create that mind-blowing experience with the first listen, the vibe and the rhythm of the entire LP gets inside the listener creating a very cool experience. This is a cool compilation for anyone who likes (or is interested in) Slum Village and/or Detroit underground. If this is what it is like to be dirty then this hip hop does not need a bath. Todd E. Jones

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