Baatin, born Titus Glover, was an American rapper who was part of the influential hip hop group Slum Village from Detroit, Michigan. He was known for his eccentric style and spiritual lyrics. He died on July 31, 2009, at the age of 35, from cocaine abuse
The Rise and Fall of Baatin
Baatin started his rap career in the mid-1990s, along with his childhood friends T3 and J Dilla, who formed the core of Slum Village. The group gained popularity in the underground hip hop scene with their debut album Fantastic, Vol. 1, which was heavily bootlegged and praised by critics and peers
Slum Village signed a record deal with Barak/A&M Records in 1998, and released their official debut album Fantastic, Vol. 2, in 2000. The album featured guest appearances from Busta Rhymes, Common, D’Angelo, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Pete Rock, Kurupt, and Q-Tip, and showcased J Dilla’s innovative production skills
However, the group faced several challenges and changes in the following years. J Dilla left the group in 2001 to pursue a solo career, and was replaced by Elzhi. Baatin also left the group in 2003, due to health and personal issues. He later revealed that he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and struggled with drug addiction
Baatin attempted to make a comeback in 2008, and rejoined Slum Village for their album Villa Manifesto, which was released in 2010, after his death. He also released a solo album called Titus: Chapter 10, Verse 13, in 2009, which was dedicated to his late friend and mentor J Dilla, who died in 2006 from a rare blood disorder
The Mysterious Death of Baatin
Baatin’s death shocked the hip hop community and his fans, as he was found dead in his home on Anglin Street in northeast Detroit, on July 31, 2009. The police initially treated his death as a homicide, but later ruled it out after conducting an investigation.
According to the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office, the cause of Baatin’s death was cocaine abuse, and the manner of death was listed as accidental A source close to Baatin told AllHipHop.com that the rapper may have died from a crack addiction or from complications related to crack cocaine use.
Baatin’s death was mourned by his family, friends, and fellow artists, who paid tribute to his legacy and contribution to hip hop. His funeral was held on August 8, 2009, at the New St. Paul Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in Detroit.
Baatin’s death also marked the end of the original Slum Village lineup, as T3 became the sole surviving member of the group. T3 continued to perform and record with Young RJ and Illa J, J Dilla’s younger brother, as Slum Village, and released several albums and projects, including YES!, which featured songs that were produced by J Dilla and Baatin before their deaths
Baatin’s death also raised awareness about the issues of mental health and substance abuse in the hip hop community, and inspired some artists to seek help and recovery.
Baatin’s death was a tragic loss for the hip hop culture, as he was a talented and unique rapper who left behind a legacy of music and spirituality. He will always be remembered as a member of Slum Village, one of the most influential and respected groups in hip hop history
1: Slum Village – Wikipedia : What really happened to Baatin (Slum Village)? Slum Village Continues Tour; Possible Cause Of Baatin’s Death Revealed … : BREAKING NEWS: Baatin of Slum Village Dies – AllHipHop : Baatin of Slum Village Laid to Rest – XXL : Slum Village’s Baatin Died of Cocaine Abuse – Rolling Stone : Slum Village’s T3 Talks New Album ‘YES!’ and Carrying on the Legacy of J Dilla and Baatin – Complex : How Hip-Hop Finally Learned to Talk About Mental Health – Pitchfork
