It all started with three: Baatin, T3, and J. Dilla. Otherwise known as the underground hip-hop trio from Detroit called Slum Village.

In 2006, the group were hit hard by the loss of Dilla, aka Jay Dee, and again in 2009 when Baatin passed away. But with the help of member Elzhi, who joined in 2001, the group have released their sixth studio album, Villa Manifesto, which serves as both a reunion and memorial album.

"This record started out one way while Baatin was alive and then it transformed into another way after he passed," member T3 tells BallerStatus.com. "We had some Dilla beats that no one ever heard and some Dilla vocals that no one ever heard, and we just put it together and it came together magically. I think it's because I got their blessing to do this album."

When asked what listeners are going to learn from this album, T3 explained: "You're gonna learn what's been going on with all of the tragedies we had to deal with. This album is all from a vision, a conversation that me and Dilla had before he passed. We talked about doing a reunion album with him, Baatin, and l."

Despite the project's release, finishing the project wasn't Slum Village's initial plans. "Two years passed, I was going through my grievance. I said I didn't want to do an album without them." But with tracks already done with both Dilla and Baatin, T3 went through with it.

T3 credits their success to their loyal fans -- or as he likes to call them, supporters. Ironically, support plays a major part in this group's life, after the drama and tragedies they have experienced.

"I wouldn't even be doing half of this stuff if they didn't support us through all the ups and downs, the member changes, and members passing away. I definitely appreciate it and that's whats been keeping us around."

Supporters of Slum Village can expect this album to stay true to their style, but they've also got a little something for the new listeners. "You gotta withstand your ground, but at the same time you still gotta develop and be fresh," said T3.

Slum Village's Villa Manifesto is in stores now. It features the likes of Dwele, De La Soul, Little Brother, Colin Munroe and Phife and production by Young RJ, J. Dilla, Dave West, Hi-Tek, and Mr. Porter.

The first single, "Faster," features Colin Munroe and was produced by Young RJ. Follow them on Twitter at @SlumVillage313.