There hasn’t been a Hip-Hop group, (or any musical group for that matter) in recent history that’s been struck with more tragedy than Detroit’s Slum Village.

After the passing of original member and producer supreme, James “J Dilla” Yancey nearly four years ago, due to Lupus, another founding member in Baatin ended up passing away this summer from health complications as well. But in true “workman’s fashion” Detroit style, Elzhi and T3 motor on, and it comes in the form of their digital EP, Villa Manifesto.

The 6-track offering is just what you’ve been accustomed to hearing from lyricists who take pride in perfecting their craft. As usual, the show stealer is once again Elzhi, but T3 does manage to hold his own in the MC arena too.

After the quick sound check of ‘Starter,’ Young RJ, (Black Milk’s old producing partner) shows some of his lyrical prowess, as he’s featured on ‘Nitro.’

Their consistency (production and content-wise) then proves itself to be potent on the remainder of project with pieces of music like ‘Money Right,’ the scratch-heavy ‘Da Night,’ and the jazzy ‘Cloud 9’ featuring Marsha Ambrosius (formally of Floetry) all being top representatives of “The D’s” trademark Hip-Hop aura.

Demonstrating that they’re still very much capable of making good music in the face of adversity, the members who are now watching from that studio in the sky need not to worry, because their brethren are doing their legacy more than justice, as they carry on by marching forward, and keeping the ‘Villa name alive and well.