Trinity (Past, Present and Future)

Overview

Trinity marked the group's first shift away from its original lineup, due to J Dilla's departure following Fantastic, Vol. 2, to pursue a solo career. Longtime affiliate, Elzhi, joined the remaining members; a move which was initially disapproved by hardcore fans, but with time has been accepted, and even praised.

Another major change was Slum Village's new recording home, Capitol Records, which would subsequently cause problems for the group. Although the first single "Tainted" was a respectable success, the album received poor promotion thereafter. Also, while on tour, Baatin began to experience health problems which led to a diagnosis of schizophrenia, putting further strain on the group. He soon left, or as he stated at the time was "kicked out while in hospital". The dispute had been long resolved and Baatin had since reunited with T3 and Elzhi in 2008.

With the production element of Fantastic, Vol. 2 receiving the most acclaim the last time around, filling Dilla's shoes was always going to be a hard task for even the most competent trackmaster, but the team assorted for Trinity (including Dilla himself) didn't stray too far from the feel of the previous album. The beats are, perhaps, less jazzy and subtle but even further left of field on tracks like the aptly titled "Insane", and the first of three Dilla contributions, "One". The group's chemistry, while not as freeflowing and snappy as before, remained intact, and there seemed to be a more concentrated effort by each member to match each other's flows and subjects on the same songs.

Critical reaction

Fans were mainly split between those welcoming the addition of Elzhi and those who were against it and felt that J Dilla was too instrumental in the group's previously established identity to be replaced. Many critics, however, wrote favourable reviews and gave praise for the group's original song concepts as well as Elzhi's lyrical abilities.

Track listing

1. "Intro 1" (prod. by T3) – 0:32
2. "Intro 2" (prod. by Waajeed) – 2:26
3. "Insane" (prod. by Waajeed) – 2:37
4. "What Is This?" (prod. by Black Milk) – 2:25
5. "Tainted" (feat. Dwele) (prod. by Karriem Riggins) – 4:26
6. "La La" (prod. by Waajeed) – 4:52
7. "All-Ta-Ment" (prod. by T3) – 3:42
8. "Disco" (prod. by T3) – 3:05
9. "Trinity" (prod. by Black Milk) – 2:09
10. "One" (prod. by J Dilla) – 3:50
11. "Hoes" (prod. by J Dilla) – 3:28
12. "Star (Interlude)" (feat. T. Banks) (prod. by T3) – 0:22
13. "Star" (feat. Dwele) (prod. by Waajeed) – 3:20
14. "Slumber" (prod. by Hi-Tek) – 4:10
15. "Let's" (prod. by J Dilla) – 5:18
16. "S.O.U.L." (prod. by Karriem Riggins) – 3:25
17. "80's Skit" (prod. by Slum Village) – 1:48
18. "Unisex (Interlude)" (prod. byT3) – 1:49
19. "Love U Hate" (prod. by Shelton "Ess" Rivers) – 3:38
20. "Get Live" (prod. by Scott Storch) – 4:43
21. "Harmony" (prod. by Karriem Riggins) – 3:28
22. "Who Are We (Interlude)?" (prod. by T3) – 1:05
23. Fall In Love (feat. Samiyyah) (prod. by T3) – 1:35