breaking news: rip baatin from slum village

Sad news again today from the Hip Hop world. From Hip Hop DX

Various outlets have confirmed that Battin of Slum Village has died.

No details are currently available concerning the details of the rapper's death.

Producer 9th Wonder was among several artists who sent their condolences out via twitter. "RIP BAATIN of SLUM VILLAGE-LETS CELEBRATE OUR PEOPLE WHILE THEY ARE HERE..........we are losing folk," wrote 9th. "R.I.P. baatin of slum village forever,” wrote singer Dwele on his page.

Baatin, along with J Dilla and T3, was a founding member of Slum Village. The groups released two albums, 1997's Fan-Tas-Tic (Vol. 1), and 2000's Fantastic, Vol. 2 (2000).

When Dilla left the group in 2002 in pursuit of a solo career (and was subsequently relpaced by Detroit rapper Elzhi), Baatin followed in suit prior to the release of Slum Village's 2004 releae Detroit Deli. Baatin reportedly left due to undisclosed medical issues.

As previously reported, Baatin [click to read] was set to rejoin the group.

Talib Kweli also expressed his shock regarding the rapper's passing, as frequent collaborator Hi-Tek was going to man deejaying duties for Slum Village tonight.

“I’m at a loss right now,” wrote Kweli on Twitter. “Hi-Tek was set to dj for Slum Village tonight. RIP Baatin. More influential than you can imagine. Slum Village forever.”