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OKP Premiere: Phife of ATCQ Unveils His New Single “#dearDilla” Okayplayer is proud to present the new single from the one and only Phife of ATCQ fame, titled simply “#dear Dilla.” We have had quite a run of black superhero worship this New Year season–our grief at the passing of Mandela and Amiri Baraka joining our celebration of the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. and birthday bashments for Muhammad Ali and yes, ?uestlove. It’s almost February now, though, which means we turn our attention to the star that burns among the brightest of our personal constellation of black superheros–he may not be a freedom fighter or a heavyweight champ but J Dilla still changed our lives with his music, an effect that goes beyond the thoroughness of his skill as an originator and approaches the spiritual. Speaking of the things that make us laugh and cry with nothing more than drums and his distinctive ear for harmony, there’s no doubt that Dilla is the ultimate beatmaker OF ALL TIMES. We are blessed to share with the Okayplayer massive this touchingly personal letter to Dilla from his friend and collaborator Phife Dawg–a black superhero (ok, assassin) in his own right. A prayer for the departed over an immortal KC & The Sunshine Band break (capably looped by DJ Rasta Root) “#dearDilla” is about as fitting a soundtrack for Dilla week–not to mention intro to Phife’s new-brand solo album “MUTTYMorphosis.” Without further ado: “#dearDilla” (scroll down for back cover art with complete credits and the official press release from Phife’s camp). :: For Immediate Release:: Phife is set to release his new single ‘#dearDilla’ on Tuesday, January 21st. on Smokin’ Needles Records. #dearDilla is an open letter to his long time friend and producer, the legendary J Dilla (James Dewitt Yancey), who passed away on 2006 from complications from a rare blood disorder. With a soundscape created by DJ Rasta Root, Phife talks to Dilla about the current state of music and how much he and his work are missed. “Before J Dilla passed, he and I were playing phone tag, I didn’t even know he was that sick until it was too late,” Phife said. “We didn’t realize we were both going through a lot with our health and never got to sit and talk about it together.” I felt like this song is that conversation. “I’ve been wanting to record a dedication to J Dilla for the longest, it just seemed to finally be the right time to do it,” said Phife from his home in Oakland, CA. “It was very therapeutic for me to do this. There are a lot of people dealing with renal failure and I wanted to make this a conduit, a way for people to put their health issues out there.” #dearDilla combines the drum loop that Dilla used for Slum Village’s “Hold Tight” layered with Dilla’s distinct ad-libs sprinkled through out the track. Rasta Root enlisted the help of the DMV’s own V.Rich for the beautiful keys that make up the song’s hypnotic melody and a warm bassline by Atl’s own “DETOXXX”. “The song organically came together piece by piece. Originally I looped it up to just have a new way of mixing in that song. Then it snowballed in to what you hear today. I wanted fans of Dilla and Phife to feel right at home with this track. I am very proud of Phife for opening up like this and giving the world this musical gem.” said Rasta Root from his Atlanta home studio. #dearDilla also has an amazing visual directed by Chicago’s own Konee Rok. They shot the video over three days in Chicago and Detroit. ‘This is the most heartfelt project I’ve ever been blessed to be a part of.’ said Konee. ‘and represents the return of honest Hip Hop.’ Of the song, Konee also adds, ‘This is not just another rap song, but meaningful music. Art. If this was my last video, I would die happy.’ The visual for #deardilla will have a premier in Atlanta on Feb. 6th at the Midtown Art Cinema (7:30-9:30pm) with a Q & A. Then also premiere at Dilla Day in Detroit on Feb. 7th. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U can hear the song at the actual link. It's FLAWLESS!!! http://www.okayplayer.com/news/phife-a-tribe-called-quest-new-single-dear-dilla-mp3.html#.Ut7i7vtOmM8

Evolution is the long-anticipated new Slum Village album, featuring founding member T3 along with Young RJ and Illa J. Slum Village was founded in the early 90s by three childhood friends: Baatin, T3, and rapper and producer J Dilla, who all grew up together in the Conant Gardens neighborhood of Detroit, MI. After leaving Pershing High School, the trio began to forge a path into the Detroit underground hip hop scene and quickly found themselves steadily gaining popularity, where they originally went by the name Ssenepod. Even though the group has suffered many heartaches and member changes over the years, Slum Village always finds a way to reinvent its brand. The Evolution of Slum Village continues with a reinvigorated energy, as founding member T3 holds down the legacy along with the Grammy-nominated producer Young RJ as well as young prodigy Illa J at his side. Evolution also includes the talents and skills of Havoc(of Mobb Deep), Raheem Devaughn, Jazzy Jeff and Rapper Big Pooh, amongst others. TRACK LISTING 1. Braveheart (feat. Havoc (Mobb Deep)) 2. Rock Rock (feat. DJ Jazzy Jeff) 3. Let It Go (feat. Blu) 4. Forever 5. Scared Money (feat. Early Mac) 6. Summer Breeze 7. The Line (feat. Focus) 8. Hustle (feat. Vice / J Ivy) 9. Bout That (feat. Joetka) 10. 1 Nite (feat. Vice ) 11. Greatness (feat. Joetka) 12. Riot (feat. Rapper Big Pooh / Joe Scudda)

Slum Village NEW ALBUM EVOLUTION IS DROPPIN ON JUNE 25, 2013, Evolution Marks THE Group’s 20th Anniversary And Features Appearances From Blu, Havoc, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Raheem Devaughn, Big Pooh & More. Evolution is the long-anticipated release coming on the heels of the mix tapes “Dirty Slums” and “Dirty Slums 2.” And new music from member T3 along with Young RJ and Illa J. Slum Village was founded in the early 90's by 3 childhood friends: Baatin, T3 and J Dilla (RIP) who all grew up together in Detroit, MI. the trio began to forge a path into the Detroit underground hip hop scene and quickly found themselves steadily gaining popularity, where they originally went by the name Ssenepod. In conjunction with their new release, Slum Village has also launched a Pledge Music campaign as a way to allow the fans to join the album-making process. There are various packages available http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/slum-village Slum Village will be touring worldwide in support of the release. Remaining tour dates below May 17 Manchester, UK, Sound Control May 18 Munster, Germany, Skaters Palace with Redman, ONYX, Masta Ace, RA The Rugged Man, Dynasty May 22, Munich, Germany, Import Export May 23 Milan, Italy, Biko Club May 24 Aarau, Switzerland, Kiff May 25 Brussels, Belgium, Brass June 14,Chicago, IL, Reggie’s July 24, Orlando, FL, Backbooth July 25, Tampa, FL, The Orpheum July 26 Miami, FL, The Stage