R.I.P Baatin

Social Writers have just learnt that Rapper Baatin from the legendary Hip Hop collective Slum Village, passed away yesterday at the age of 35. Titus 'Baatin' Glover , T3 and J Dilla, ( who died in 2006 of lupus), were founding members of the Detroit trio and went on to release two legendary underground albums together including 1997 'Fan-Tas-Tic Vol 1 and 2000 'Fan-Tas-Tic Vol 2 that not only gained them a large underground following but also impressed the equally acclaimed rap group A Tribe Called Quest. However it was their 2002 album 'Trinity' ( with lyricist Elzhi replacing J Dilla) that officially put Detroit Hip Hop on the map and gained them mainstream acknowledgement.

Though he left the group for a short while to work on his solo project, the group recently reunited and was due to release their long awaited fourth album 'Villa Manifesto' this Autumn.


Leaving behind a 1 year old daughter and a 9 year old son, the passing of Baatin is a great loss to Hip hop and to all those that value and appreciate great artistry.

This summer has seen yet another death of a music legend.

Baatin, Social Writers salute you. R.I.P

RVB