It’s been a while since I’ve featured some music that was worthy of a purchase. And this Tuesday, July 27th, I’m hitting you with two music releases that are destined to end up in your collection – both with roots in Detroit.

First up is “SunStorm” from the Detroit born, Washington DC based producer/multiple instrumentalist that’s fresh off of producing a killer track from Little Brother’s last album “Two Step Blues featuring Darien Brockington” and “Zo and Tigallo Love the 80′s” (if you find this, buy it on the spot) as well as work on Foreign Exchange’s Grammy-nominated “Leave It All Behind”. The dude has been busy.

Indie soul siren and American Idol vocalist Sy Smith serves up a slice of 70′s soul on the breezy “Greatest Weapon Of All Time,” and Lady Alma, a Philly veteran and stalwart of the UK house scene, takes it to the dance floor on the frenetic “Free Your Mind.” The album’s lead single, “This Could Be The Night,” features Darien Brockington, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Eric Roberson, and Rapper Big Pooh of Little Brother over a thumping two-step groove specifically intended for the ‘steppers’ of Zo’s native Detroit. Another highlight is the Phonte-assisted “Flight Of The Blackbyrd,” Zo’s heartfelt homage to the 70′s jazz/funk fusion of The Mizell Bros. and George Duke.

Grown up music and definitely worthy a listen or three.

And the second recommendation comes from Slum Village “Villa Manifesto“, originally a trio of Detroit based MC’s and producer J Dilla which has evolved in many forms, taken on members, lost members due to deaths (R.I.P. J Dilla and Baatin) but kept going on strong. Featuring tracks produced by Khrysis and the late J Dilla and featuring the late Baatin, this will invariably be our last look at Slum Village as a whole.

Slum Village’s 6th studio album serves as both a reunion and a memorial album. “I wanted to pull the whole squad together,” explains T3. “The reason why we call it Villa Manifesto is that it was a statement we want to give our people because we had been away for so long. What we’re doing, what’s going on, how we’re feeling and where we’re at today.”

Proceeds from album sales will benefit the late J Dilla’s Mother (Ma’ Dukes) and help support Baatin’s family.

If you have more music recommendations, send them along.

UPDATE: T3 of Slum Village has confirmed that this is indeed the last Slum Village CD that will come out. Buy it via iTunes or Amazon or your local music store.

[ Links: Zo! Sunstorm, Slum Village Villa Manifesto ]