Easier to articulate than accomplish for the average entertainer, this simple philosophy is the foundation of Aquemini/EastWest rap impresario Slimm Calhoun's budding career as the next playa in Atlanta's rap game. Born in the nation's capital and raised in College Park, Georgia, Slimm began speaking for the streets in his early teens, and was unaware that his profound talents would lead him to a career doing what came naturally. "Rapping for me was always more of a hobby than a job."
On his upcoming debut album, The Skinny, Slimm has the distinction of being one of the first artists to record with Earthtone III, the production company owned by Antwan "Big Boi" Patton, Andre' "3OOO" Benjamin and David "DJ" Sheats, while coming into his own identity as an MC with individual potential and personality. A concentrated lyricist above all else, Slimm serves listeners with a distinctive Southern-fried style, loaded with a formidable command of language and a calculated delivery that demands the attention of even the most discriminating hip hop fans. After listening to tracks such as Red Clay and Lil Buddy (Til Death Do Us Part), it is clear that Slimm relishes his Georgia upbringing. This pride and loyalty to the "Dirty South" is evident throughout the album in slang as well as subject material. The first single from The Skinny is It's OK, which features OutKast's own Andre. "It's for the real serious playas and for the ladies," Slimm decidedly states.
The multi-platinum pioneers OutKast recognized Slimm's penchant for rhyme and rhythmic reasoning and quickly moved to begin molding him into the MC that you hear today. He has since been included on several of OutKast's projects, including High Schoolin', from the soundtrack to the motion picture Light It Up, and he also makes stellar guest appearances on the highly respected duo's most recent album, Stankonia, the follow-up to their double-platinum 1998 classic, Aquemini.
The mutual respect between OutKast and Slimm is more than obvious. When asked his opinion, Andre expresses clear confidence in his number one draft pick. "Our goal for Aquemini was to make it a specialty label based on quality, not just chasing the latest trends. Slimm is connected with the times, and he's determined." Big Boi obviously concurs with his label, production and recording partner with nothing but praise for Slimm. "He wasn't just an MC," says Big Boi, "he was an MC talking about something. His rhymes have substance." The remaining third partner of Earthtone III and longtime collaborator David "Mr. DJ" Sheats reveals that Slimm represents the end to a long journey and the completion of an extensive mission. "Our vision is to manifest artists that change the face of music. Slimm is such an artist."
Slimm returns the compliment to his mentors. "They let me be myself. They don't try to steer me in a false direction like you see with a lot of hip hop. It's been a blessing to work with all of them." One of the first songs on which Slimm was able to click with Mr. DJ was Timelock, which nearly appeared on an OutKast album, until the group informed him that they would be forming a record label, and invited Slimm to join the company.
With the production expertise and stamp of approval of one of the most revered groups in hip hop, and an ability to relay stories of Atlanta's life and times, Slimm Calhoun is set to carve out a secured space in rap culture and beyond. His debut album, The Skinny, is fully packed with extremely energized lyrics and his own highly impressive ability to portray every angle of himself throughout the LP. Slimm Calhoun has all the necessary elements of becoming recognized as one of the most prominent rap artists that the south has ever seen. Although no one can be certain of the future, the chances of missing the mark with an album like The Skinny are slim indeed.
