Thursday, December 18, 2008

GOT BEATS???????

let's talk about beats.....okay when I was coming up making beats under the late great Jdilla we kept things simple with only a few tools... scripture was our master piece. The main tools of choice was turntables ,mpc 3000, records , and sometimes the trusty sp 1200 which only had 13 seconds of sampling time .. You pulled that out only when you wanted those crunchy drums like I did on the Trinity album on "Disco"...most producers today flip beats on computer programs like fruity loops, reason and many others.. and now a days even the art of record digging isn't as sacred as it use to be with producers getting samples from blog sites and even itunes...don't get get me wrong I'm not mad at the new Millennium approach to beat making cause some of my favorite producers have made great music using these new tools.. Shit, six years ago I couldn't make beats on a plane but now the options are endless ... I feel a little nostalgic so I prefer to use a little of the old with the new ... So the question I got for y'all producers out there ..Some of you who are new to the process and other old heads... What are the new tricks of trade, and are you familar with these old school tools that I came up on....What's your choice??? -T3

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Wii FIT ANYONE????????

Wii fit? With all the people I've lost in the last five years I guess I found my comfort through food, family,friends and music ....Five years of not caring what I eat with little to no exercise covered with a haze of depression...But, now through a renewed strength from RL senior it's time for MR. III to shed the pounds...Yes people , with my new luv for music I also feel a new  luv for self. So starting today I'm setting my goal lose weight and live a healthy lifestyle plus I don't want to look crazy in new slum videos.... It will take some time but by next summer I should be good.. You wouldn't believe I used to be an all veggie man and weight 165lbs.... and being a vegetarian can help in weight loss but also promote weight gain if not done properly... To be a true a vegetarian you must eat lots of fruits , veggie, grains, beans, and such and I started out that way,but started eating way too many starches and sometimes only starches and thats nothing but fat... any how now days my diet consist of grill chicken or fish, veggies no red meat or pork... oatmeal in the morning a piece a of fruit... also a workout at least twice a day..... I will keep yall posted on my progress pray for me...t3

Thursday, December 11, 2008

The Old Verses the New.....

                            in today's industry it seems to be an internal war between young cats coming up and OG's who have been doing their thing for a min. The Jay Z's vs. the Lil Waynes .....no matter which side you choose it all seems to come in play when artists are trying to snag a major deal.... some labels only sign artists that have sold records before, while others are looking for fresh faces with some type of hype, new appeal or endorsements from someone already in the game...  So, where do we stand in this war ....Well, I guess we would be OG's . But at this stage I feel we are starting fresh..yes we have sold a few a albums here and there but we have also been on a 3 1/2 year hiatus..... so that means plenty of grass roots marketing, song leaks to get the OG fans back listening again and trying to create a buzz for the new fans to be interested...  this is exciting as it is frustrating trying prove yourself to everyone that you still got it....But, in this industry you gotta have tough skin with the will to match. I feel we are up for the challenge , being a native Detroiter we have tough skin, a hard work ethic and know about being an underdog!. There was no support for us from the get go...It was a lot of Self-determination.  Thanks to all those have supported and for those who haven't, it's all encouragement. Time to make way for the New OG's.......

Sunday, December 7, 2008

His Legacy Lives On.....

Today was the passing of a great man, R.L. Altman, that none of you know unless you know me personally. It was my late great grandfather, who raised me like a Father on the East Side of Detroit in Conant Gardens. He took me in after the passing of my mother. He was a a Navy Man, A Mason, a great cook, a Hunter, an entrepreneur as he owned his own video store, had a cabin up north and always had a great spirit. I'll miss him, he was my grand dad. And now, I'm the last one to hold down the R.L. name. He was Sr,my dad was the second, who passed a few years ago, and I am RL III. But, I feel like I have so much to do yet in my life to continue his legacy. It's a weird thing losing loved ones and friends. The sad thing is that my granfather has moved on, but the good thing is that he had a chance to live a full long life. Losing friends at this age, can be much more difficult. So, today marked a day of great sadness but what happens at funerals is a reunion of family members that makes us stop and appreciate the loved ones we still have. I hope to be better at keeping in touch with my family and friends and not waiting until weddings or funerals to get together. So, as it is the Holiday season I ask all to take the time to spend with family and friends because you never know how long they're going to be here. And whatever you're trying to do... DO it today, because you never know how long you'll be here. Peace,T3

Friday, December 5, 2008

5 Ela Re-upload I jacked T3's Blog hahaahaha

(JDILLA RIP) (SCRAP DIRTY)
Whats good People's T3 didnt log out his blog so i decided to re-upload the (demo version) hahahah i have to take it down by Sat 12am before T gets back ! here ya go
http://www.zshare.net/audio/523181219d143710/

holla @ ya boy
Scrap Dirty
Barak Rec/Violator

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Underground Rap 101

(Photo By akme ) Glasgow
Underground Rap 101To make it in the underground, itAdd Image usually means starting by getting buzz through an emcee battle, a mixtape, local radio show buzz or basically word-of-mouth interest.Then the next big opportunity is to do shows in your area and also start relationships with fans through the internet. This is a Digital age people, the Myspace age. Unlike when I came into the game. I mean I had to make sure I got my cassette tape in the right hands at the right time. Not quite from the 8-track age, but damn near. LOL! You know the story of how Slum came to be, right? Well, We got our tape in the hands Q-tip through Amp Fiddler, and that's how JDilla got on as a producer and started out with the Ummah. At that time, Tip wasn't really feelin the Slum Vibe, he was all about the beats. Then years later, like 4, we started making a name for ourselves but needed something to spur interest in the group on a national level. So we got inspired at the Detroit Hip-Hop Shop. Proof's group, 5Ela was in the store bragging about their new tape that was coming out, of which James Yancey aka J Dilla had produced all the tracks by the way. And, we felt like Damn, what's up with our tape? What are we doing. So, we decided that it was time to make our own album, better known as Fantastic Volume 1 . So, We rounded the gang up, slept in Jd's basement and finished a 22 track album with some of the greatest hip-hop beats of all time in a week. Classic. Then, we gave it to Q-tip and played ou stuff again and this time he loved it. Then that tape made rounds through the Roots crew, D'angelo, Common, and the rst is histrory. It's all about timing folks. They say Luck is where preparation and opportunity meet. That's what it takes to be successful in this biz. The next step is to decide what works for you, staying on the Underground level, which can be profitable with a lot of hustle. Or, making that crossover leap...Good Luck.Listen to this unreleased remix called "5Ela" it was Slum Village, 5ela and Frank featured on the song. Here's a little SV trivia. We were really lazy on our song titles some times or what we called just being "Cheap"...so the 5Ela song is that because we rapped with 5Ela. Then we got the Phat kat song on Vol.1, cuz we rapped with Phat Kat. We should of called Hold Tight, the Q-Tip song, but we started getting more creative on titles by Vol. 2.

Treats:This will only stay up until Thursday so u better check it now!
http://www.zshare.net/audio/5216322263b1e938/ (5ELA)
T O D A Y +M A K E S+T H U R S D A Y +FILE IS DELETED :)
U have to be fast People!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hahahahahahahahahahahah
Aw by the way it maybe Wed in USA what makes u think im there....llllololooloo

Sunday, November 30, 2008

SUNDAY ThrowBack:)
DIRTY DISTRICT VOL 1
SLUM VILLAGE "ONE"
Prod by YOUNG RJ
and ME (T3)

http://www.zshare.net/audio/52067694b930a517/

T3's Movie Review Quantum of Solace

Quantum of Solace... 3 Bowls of Honey CombsNow, I think the movie was action packed from start to finish and it kept me on the edge of my seat. As soon as the movie comes on there's a car chase that's crazy. He was chasing cars, planes and boats.He was really getting it in. I think I would have just let some of the bad guys go, he was doing some crazy climbing in the Siena Italy scene. This 007 is crazy, he broke a rib shootin this movie. So, for that alone I give him some props!But, this babe doesn't quite compare with Halle Berry and I couldn't quite figure out what was up with her back, it looked like she had some exotic rash. I guess it was supposed to be a burn but I really didn't like it. It distracted me from her beauty. Don't do the exotic rashes on 007 babes anymore.All in all it's a good date movie, if you and your girl like action.T3's Movie Scale - it's all about Cereals:1 Bowl of Fruit Loops= Bad2 Bowls of Rice Krispies=OK3 Bowls of Honey Combs=Good4 Bowls of Frosted Flakes=Pretty Damn Good5 Bowls of Captain Crunch=Classic

Friday, November 28, 2008

A Recipe For Success.......

A Recipe for success...One of the many reasons I love the Holidays are my family's great recipes that I get to eat. Some of my favorite family dishes are Grandma's Tater Tot Caserole, My Aunt Nancy's Sweet potatoe pie and the Detroit Focus Hope Peanut Butter Cookies. For those that don't know, Focus Hope Peanut Butter is the best ghetto govement provided peanut butter in the world. They also make a helluva' block of cheese that lasts for like a year.Sorry I got off the topic, but I love food and even better is food for the soul.Speaking of soul, I'm continuing to work on a great album that's a collection of soul, prog rock, dope bass lines, and something I can't quite describe yet, so stay tuned. But what I'm learning while making this album is that a good Slum Village album comes together when I work with smart people. Not necessarily book smart, but worldly smart. Musically smart, plenty of jokes and rich in soul. That's my recipe for a great album in the works.By the way, checkout my favorite Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe below.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

T3's Thrilla Killa Peanut Butter Cookies
INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)• 1 cup unsalted butter• 1 cup crunchy peanut butter• 1 cup Splenda (Gotta cut down these days!)• 1 cup packed brown sugar• 2 eggs• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour• 1 teaspoon baking powder• 1/2 teaspoon salt• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

DIRECTIONS1. Cream together butter, peanut butter and sugars. Beat in eggs.2. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir into batter. Put batter in refrigerator for 1 hour.3. Roll into 1 inch balls and put on baking sheets. Flatten each ball with a fork, making a criss-cross pattern. Bake in a preheated 375 degrees F oven for about 10 minutes or until cookies begin to brown. Do not over-bake.

Black Friday (Climax)

Whats good Blog family im out in the studio with Young RJ and Frank Nitt of Frank N Dank getting it in last night i went to Illa-Jays Release Party @ St.Andrews and it was a Great look Congrads to the lil man for doing his thing anyway ima leave off by bring back one of our classics everyone been emailing to post back up here it go Climax!! RIP DILLA DAWG!TURN IT UP..

Sunday, November 23, 2008

T3's take's it back oldschool RIP BREED


I've been looking through old records and old SV lost Demos. I remembered I converted from cassette to mp3 a couple of unreleased hits from back in the day. You can get a taste from true vintage circa 1990's SV, when we were all about characters, alter egos and acting on songs...the good old days. So to the people on this site you got to judge it in the right mind frame, think being original before other's were rapping as characters, think pre-MF Doom era. So don't listen with 2008 ears, think original and ahead of it's time. Listen, like it or not, it was creative! -T3 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A Detroit legend gone... On Nov. 22 Detroit lost another pioneer of Rap music, MC Breed. He passed away much too early in his life. You know all of the hits like Aint no future in your frontin, Gotta get yours Gotta get mine w/Tupac...He was a Detroit emcee that got National acclaim and was known across the country much beyond the Detroit/Flint borders. We had a chance to work with MC Breed on the Detroit Deli album. That album was all about giving people a taste of Detroit, so we looked to work with Detroit greats on that album. Breed was featured on Do You, It's on, and a few other joints.It's a definite sadness to lose a peer, a friend, and another young man from the "D". Breed- we'll miss you. I'm glad we had a chance to work together and vibe. My blessings go out to the family. One love from Slum Village and T3.
Drop the Drums.mp3

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Rest in Peace Mc Breed

(Breed Left- Jazzy Pha Right)

(Source ALLHIPHOP.COM)By Nolan StrongMC Breed, a legendary Atlanta/Flint, Michigan based rapper, died today (November 22), according to a source with AllHipHop.com.While details are still being confirmed, several sources told AllHipHop.com that the rapper died early this morning.“He’s no longer with us,” said a tearful friend, who shall remain anonymous. “We are in the process of putting together a benefit concert, hopefully at Saint Andrews to raise money for a funeral,” the source told AllHipHop.com.MC Breed, born Eric Breed, was a 15-year-veteran who was born in Flint Michigan.He worked with a number of rappers, including Too $hort and Tupac Shakur.On September 5, Breed was admitted to an Atlanta area hospital and placed on life support, after he collapsed when his kidneys failed, during a game of pickup basketball.His condition began to improve and he was taken off of life support a few days later.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Svilla coming through for ‘09

Progress…
For the last 2 weeks the plan has been set in motion for a NEW Slum project…Finally. I feel like I’m in the Blues Brothas movie trying to get my band back together.
Everybody had their projects or own agenda, which is cool, but we make the best music together as a unit. The first thing was to get BAATIN, check on him and visit the old neighborhood –Conant Gardens. He’s looking good ready to work so we been hangin out. I had to pull Elzhi off the road cuz he’s been touring from his solo joint and on top of that I had to chill out from my album which is 85% complete and then find the producers that we work with to get motivated again. I feel like the economy depressed everybody, but the new administration has inspired all to get going again. Seriously, it feels like a scene straight out of the Blues Brothas.

Nonetheless, we got 5 new songs that I’m lovin right now. It’s been a long time since I truly felt music. Since JDilla passed, Proof left, I haven’t really been in the zone, but I’m excited, I’m enthusiastic, I feel like we got it again…Let’s Go.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

T3 SLUM & Beyond


(Blog post Myspace Aug 6,2008)

Damn! Writing a blog is just as hard as finishing an album. That's why I haven't blogged in a while. I'm going to try and make it a weekly thing though, so I can keep in touch with my folks.So what's been going on with me, Slum, and beyond...well, El's dropping an album next week and I think it's gonna be crazy. Slum......we've been recording here and there, putting some ideas down, and even working with Baatin on a couple joints. So I'm expecting great things for that album when it comes out (whenever that is- If all goes well, we're lookin at early next year).Now, for MY project, I've decided to go a lot darker with my approach. This album is inspired by the TV show Night Gallery, produced and written by Rod Serling. In the show, each episode is about a twisted tale based on a painting in the gallery (just to give you some background). The 1st single is called "Monsters Under My Bed," produced by me. Shootin a video for it probably in the next month. The concept is about haters, but really its just me rappin and havin fun on the track....hoping not to get sued for the sample. I'm also working with producers like Black Milk, Waajeed, and a couple up and coming producers like my boy Howard (used to be the ORIGINAL Slum's DJ).In addition to that......*drum roll*....I'm considering making a move to NYC. What's your thoughts? LA or NY? Let me know where and why.....

Black Prez?????(Posted Myspace aug 18)

Ok.....this is all I'm sayin......Obama is so popular and he's been called charismatic and he never has a bad word to say about anything or anyone, even when his own people hatin on him (Jesse). So I think that if he doesn't win this election, it could start a civil war in this country. Not a black and white war but a middle and lower class vs. rich, b/c he has so many people behind him and so much support that its overwhelming and hard to see how he could lose. And when he does win, what will we as Black people have to say about it? Will we finally be happy? Well, let me 1st say I love my people, and there are many unfair issues that target us as a whole, but if/when Obama wins I just think we are left with little(r) room to complain. Now if you think I'm wrong for saying this then tell me how you feel.......*Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog are not necessarily those of Slum Village, but solely that of T3