The Slum Village of today is not what it once was. Jay Dee long ago had left the group to pursue other opportunities. Baatin, a member of the initial trio also left (depending on who you ask) while tending to personal and health problems. Jay Dee or “Dilla”, who sadly passed away just over one year ago had left on good terms however. He continued to be a frequent collaborator with his former SV group members. Baatin’s departure was not as pleasant. Todd E. Jones interviewed Baatin in 2003, in an attempt to get a more complete picture of the story.
Slum has continued on without missing a step with Elzhi and T3 forming a truly dynamic duo. Although Slum fans have continued to enjoy the offerings brought forth by the group, a bad taste from the past still remains as a result of the Baatin issue.
That’s why hip hop can be thankful for Black Milk. The young producer/emcee who honed his craft under the tutelage of Slum Village has brought Elzhi, T3 and Baatin together for the track entitled “Action”. This track can be found on the upcoming Popular Demand album, due the 13th of March (2007). Todd E. Jones (once again) brings us the story of this reunion on wax in a recent interview with Black Milk.
From the interview:
TODD E. JONES: “On the ‘Popular Demand’ LP, Baatin reunites with Slum Village (Elzhi & T3) on the song, ‘Action’. There were some problems between them, but you got them together for a song. How did you do this?”
BLACK MILK: “I don’t know, man. I did the track and the track was crazy. I wanted to spit on it and then I wanted to have Slum on it. Then, I thought that I wanted to have Baatin on it too. Elzhi, T3, and Baatin have not done a song together since the ‘Trinity’ album. That was like 2001 or 2002. I had Baatin come to the lab and bless me with a verse. We made it happen. There it is! All three of them on one record. It was crazy!”
TODD E. JONES: “Do you think that Baatin and the rest of Slum Village will ever be back together as a group?”BLACK MILK: “The Slum is doing their thing. Baatin is still trying to get himself together.”
TODD E. JONES: “Baatin did have some health problems. How is he doing health-wise these days?”
BLACK MILK: “He’s doing cool. Basically, I haven’t talked to him in a little while, but the last time I did talk to him, he was looking alright. He’s doing cool. Once Baatin handles whatever problems he has, he will be all good. I would love to have all three of them dudes back in the studio again to do another Slum Village album.”
Audio: Elzhi addresses Baatin on this J Dilla track - Slum Village “Reunion” from Detroit Deli (2004)
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[…] a feature on ex Slum Village member Baatin last month. It’s a great read going beyond what we think we know with truthful insight from Baatin himself of the extent of his personal issues and […]