Ne’Astra Music recently announced the release of Evolution, the new Slum Village album, available worldwide on June 25, 2013.  Evolution is the long-anticipated release coming on the heels of the critically acclaimed mix tapes “Dirty Slums” and “Dirty Slums 2.”  This album features new music from founding member T3 along with Young RJ and Illa J.

The first single “Forever” has already been released digitally. The track’s musings on the natural drift of relationships over time delivers a vibe that’s a cut above.

The group was founded in the early 90’s by 3 childhood friends: Baatin, T3, 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.  As the group has persevered despite the struggles over the years, it was only natural that the inspiration for this album title paid tribute to Slum Village’s enduring quality. The meaning of Evolution can be described as “a continuous change to a higher, more complex or better state” and that is exactly what Slum Village has ascribed to with their music over the years, culminating with this new album.  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 Blu, Havoc (Mobb Deep), Raheem Devaughn, Jazzy Jeff, Rapper Big Pooh & Focus amongst others.  The album was produced by T3, Young RJ and FOCUS.  Slum Village has partnered with The Orchard for worldwide digital distribution.

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, even including the SV logo stage prop used in the “Selfish” video featuring Kanye West and John Legend.

Slum Village will be touring worldwide in support of the release.  Remaining tour dates below with more to be announced:

 May 16                London, UK                       Cargo

May 17                 Manchester, UK               Sound Control

May 18                 Munster, Germany          Skaters Palace

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