Admittedly, I’ve never been a Slum Village fan. They’ve released some good music, but I’ve never taken time out to listen to a whole album, at least not until now. Slum Village’s Villa Manifesto is the group’s 6th and final album. It is a reunion album featuring all five members of the group of the group’s up-and-down run. This is the first time all five members appear on an album, and we’ll explore in our Villa Manifesto album review whether this is a fitting send-off.

Sadly, it’s also the first project since the passing of J Dilla after his battle with Lupus came to an end a couple of years ago; it was also after the passing of Baatin from unknown causes last year. Dilla and Baatin are founding members of the group, while Illa J (Dilla’s younger brother) and Elhzi make up the heart of the album. T3 is the driving force behind the project hoping to cement the legacy of that is Slum Village.

Slum Village’s Villa Manifesto production is flawless, but still hearing all five members on record make this album most special. Appearances by De La Soul, Phife Dawg, Dwele, and Little Brother give the album a classic feel. The stand-out track appears to be “Faster,” but honestly it’s hard to choose among a slew of hits.

It’s always good to hear Hip-Hop of this caliber even if it marks the end of an era. Slum Village’s final album will have fans appreciating the music and Hip-Hop lovers will have a collector’s item.

Villa Manifesto album review
This album receives a PARL

Rating system:

P… Horrible
PA… Tolerable
PAR… Good
PARL… Kinda Great
PARLÉ… Classic

Parlé Album Pick
Slum Village f/ Colin Monroe – Faster