Baatin of Slum Village Dies at Age 35

Yesterday was a sad day for Hip Hop and Detroit. Baatin, a founding member of Slum Village passed away at the age of 35. The cause of death is unknown. Slum Village is a Hip Hop group from Detroit whose founding members included Baatin, T3, and the late Jay Dee aka J Dilla. Slum Village underwent numerous changes over the years. Two albums, "Fantastic , Vol. 1" and "Fantastic, Vol. 2" were released by the original trio. In 2002 Jay Dee left the group to pursue a solo career and was replaced by Elzhi. Shortly after Baatin also left the group due to health issues. Elzhi and T3 then continued the group as a duo. As Slum Village continued Baatin worked on a solo album. Recently, before Baatin's death he reunited with T3 and Elzhi. They were working a new album titled, "Villa Manifesto". The album was scheduled to be released September 22. The first single titled "Cloud 9" features Marsha Ambrosious.



Several people on Twitter offered condolences and tons of fans left their thoughts on Baatin's Myspace Page. Today there will also be a benefit held in Detroit at the 5 Elements Gallery. There will be performances by Sicari, K-Fresh,and Jessica Care Moore. The event is free but, donations are accepted and they will go to Baatin's family.