music REPORT
Slim
On life after 112 and why he’s so fly
In 1996 the world was introduced to We weren’t a group that was put and I think because of my personality
112, a young and fresh boy group together – we were real friends. It I’m able to get along with everybody.
out of ATL signed to the growing Bad was more than just the group; it was They’re all trying to help me out so
Boy Records label roster. This group, like a brotherhood-type situation. On it’s a great step for me, especially
which later went on to sell millions my end, because I’m more about financially. Everybody believes in
of records worldwide, received unity and family and structure where me now. I proved myself with So Fly
countless awards and became one of everybody’s together and we all do and Good Loving with Ryan Leslie
the most successful male groups of things together, it was hard. and Fabolous. Everyone calls me Mr
the late 1990s to early 2000s. So Fly. Everything I do has to be
But as their success increased, So it wasn’t in your plans to real fly-like.
friendships and alliances began to become a solo artist?
fade and, in 2005, 112 fell apart. No, not at all. The break-up was a To read the full interview
Here former member Slim talks to strong process to get over at first. with Slim check out
Flavour about life after 112, and his But what I did know I wanted to do www.flavourmag.co.uk
success as a solo artist and CEO of eventually was to start a label where
his own label, M3 Productions. I was in a situation where I could be
the captain of my own ship, where I
What was the reason why could give artists out there who feel
112 disbanded? really strongly about their craft a
Cracks in the foundation began to chance. I knew how I felt when
show during working on our fifth Diddy said, ‘this is your chance right
album, Pleasure & Pain. Certain here,’ and I remember how that felt
members of the group wanted to do and I was like wow, we’re teenagers,
their own thing and explore other we’re still in school, from the hood
opportunities. I guess with time and this guy – we didn’t know
comes growth – it’s only natural. who he was because Bad Boy
Certain members tried to go out wasn’t big at that time – we
alone, but things didn’t really work didn’t care who he was
out for them. because it was like, you’re
giving us a chance?
Are you still in touch with any of
the guys? Do you still speak
I haven’t really talked to any of them to Diddy?
in a while. It’s hard. There were Yes, I speak to him a
a lot of absences and to me 112 lot. In fact he’s gonna
takes all four members. It was like be a part of this project
you’re doing an injustice to the fans – and the great thing
around the world by not being here about him is that when
and taking things seriously. I’m an So Fly had blasted, he called
all-or-nothing kind of person. I go all me. I was in the studio around
the way in or not. I held on to thinking three, four o’clock in the morning
112 was forever till the bitter end. and he was like ‘Yo Slim!’ He was
all excited, and I heard the music
How long were you guys in the playing in the background. He was
band prior to that happening? so happy, like, you get it, you didn’t
We all knew each other from when ask for any handout, you made
we were around eight years old. things happen for yourself. But then
again, he used to tease me about it
when I was younger – he used to tell
me like ‘you know you’re probably
gonna end up running your own
situation.’ That was my way in the
group – I always wanted to be the
leader. I had a Napoleon complex;
I was 125lbs, I had a light voice,
anything I did needed to be big, and
I still feel that way. I weigh 157lbs
now, I’m a little bigger (laughs), but in
essence I’m still small so I still have
that little chip.
What can we expect from your
new album Cruise Control?
I’m stepping it up as far as the
production side of things. You’re
ords by Julia Huie-Martin
definitely gonna feel growth. I’m now
W
able to touch the prime producers
www.flavourmag.co.uk 031
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