In memory of Baatin (Slum Village) 31/07/09

"If people could open their minds....they could see a broader perspective of hip-hop instead of categorizing it as 95-beats-per-minute, loud snares and muffled samples. . It could be anything."
Baatin (2000)

I was shocked after hearing the news yesterday that Baatin had passed away. Even though the details of the death have yet to be released, it's crazy to think that he was just 35 years old and we will never hear another lyric come from his mouth. His voice alone, set him apart from other members of Slum Village, along with his versatility and love of spirituality (not forgetting the famous Turban)


As a massive Slum Village fan, it's sad that there will never be a Reunion ,even though there were plans for the comeback album 'Villa Manifesto' with Elzhi, T3, Baatin and Illa J (Dilla's mad-talented brother). It was hard enough when Dilla died , but for another member to have passed away just makes you think how easy it is to be here one minute and gone another. The loss of these pioneers makes you grateful that music is timeless, that you can make a playlist and sit back for the day and truly appreciate the lyrics and music. That's exactly what I've been doing since I found out about Baatin and I know I'm not the only one.


It goes without saying that he had an extremely rough period when he was constantly being called 'crazy' and 'drugged up'. The biggest shock had to be his Schizophrenia diagnosis which explained why Elzhi though he "had unlawful demons" in him & why he wasn't being "normal". It didn't just stop there, as there was more trouble to come as he temporarily left the group to regain his health, it became apparent that his contract with SV had been terminated. He couldn't afford to pay his bills and subsequently lost his home and his car, which is a blow that I couldn't even comprehend.

Despite his losses, hard times and being shunned as being a Q-Tip wannabe, a crazy Spiritualist, poor lyricist and even crazy. He however always prevailed as being one of the forefathers of SV, for following on where groups like A Tribe Called Quest started, leading the way for groups like Little Brother and even more for making a name for Detroit in the hip hop game.

R.I.P. & may music still live through his spirit.