Slum Village & Abstract Orchestra – Fantastic 2020, Vol. 2 [Album Stream]

Slum Village team up with the Abstract Orchestra to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their “Fantastic, Vol. 2” album.

Enter the Abstract Orchestra. Helmed by composer and saxophonist Rob Mitchell, this 18-piece ensemble has become renowned for their distinct sound, which reinterprets some of the most famous hip-hop productions of all time (right on down to the sample material) into a unique blend of big band jazz and live hip-hop. The group has toured alongside the likes of John Legend, Amy Winehouse, and Adele among others, and have provided live backup for Mos Def, and many more.  They previously released orchestral versions of “Madvillian” and a tribute to Dilla to critical acclaim as well. Across two volumes of vinyl and a 2-CD set of studio recordings, the big band applies their own jazzy spin to Dilla’s classic productions, with occasional assistance from the surviving members of Slum Village themselves. The end result is “Fantastic 2020”, a hybrid blend of smooth, funky brass rhythms with boom-bap sensibilities that is just the kind of tribute that an often unsung, but highly influential group like Slum Village deserves, and is a more than welcome addition to any Dilla completist’s library.

Take a listen below and pick up a copy on iTunes.