Slim, nee Marvin Scandrick III, is most famously known as one-fourth of the multi-platinum, former, Bad Boy Entertainment R&B quartet, 112. The Atlanta, Georgia, native, who possesses a unique & distinct, high falsetto voice, has recently traded in his providing of lead vocals for the Grammy nominated collective, to tackling a brand new facet of his stellar career -- Future solo stardom. Armed with his more-than-impressive Asylum Records’ debut, ‘Love’s Crazy,’ Slim is back to show & prove that whether within a group or completely own his own, he is equally a major force to be reckoned with…


Hey, Slim, what’s been up with you lately?

Well, group-wise, we've been traveling all over the world, from Australia to Tokyo, and all over Europe, doing a lot of shows. Myself, I've been working on my label, M3 Productions, and putting together my album Love's Crazy, which is under M3 Productions/Asylum -- (So,) just doing my thing right now.

Why has it taken you this long to bring your solo career to the forefront?

Well, in order to create a masterpiece, you can't really rush through things. I definitely wanted to make sure that the album was as much of a classic as possible.

What actually happened with the last 112 effort, 2005’s Pleasure & Pain? Were you surprised that it didn’t do that well?

Well, I can't tell. The fifth album went platinum, so I would have to disagree with that statement. Pleasure & Pain went platinum, and I am very, very grateful for all the fans who really supported us!

Did the group disband after you all finished promoting that last record?

Well, 112 hasn't dissolved. Like I said earlier, we have just been overseas a lot. But, I guess it happens with most groups, you know. The guys individually wanna express themselves musically, but, no, 112 never broke up. We've just been overseas.

You are now the first R&B act signed to Asylum -- How did this new joint venture come about?

I wanted to be my own CEO. I wanted to do something different than what I had already done. I've been in the game over 12 years now and under the major's umbrella, and I know as an artist we definitely push the bar as far as what artist/group can do, so I wanted to elevate my career; I wanted to be CEO, own my own masters, do my own thing, AND definitely be more involved and give back to the people that have the same drive and aspirations as I do. So, basically, that's what happened. Big shout out to my boys in Texas; Play-N-Skillz, Chamillionaire, Slim Thug, and Pimp C {Rest In Peace}, who put me on the game, and crunched numbers to show me how much money we could really make!

So, you are still working on your solo debut? Are there any particular highlights to look forward to?

Yes, I am. It's amazing! This is my baby, so I'll give you just a lil’ bit...The album is still in progress. I definitely did a very classic duet with Faith (Evans). Also, there is the single that's out right now, ‘So Fly,’ featuring Yung Joc and Shawty Lo, who's my boy, and a label-mate. There's a lot of people on there, but ya gotta stay tuned!

You said that it’s been titled Love's Crazy?

Well, because it's real talk. Love is crazy, you know. Once you experience that type of love, you find yourself doing things you wouldn't do a couple of years, or even months ago, with that special someone. My album is pretty much a manual, you know. If you don't have the words to say, stick in that Slim Love’s Crazy joint, and, “Bam!” There u go...

Musically, how does it measure up to what you had already been doing as a member of 112?

Well, you know, I'm just building an empire, and the fact that this is my baby; I'm the CEO, I'm the captain of my own ship, and that makes it that much different. You’re getting all of Slim, Uknowwhatimean? So, yes, it does have the tastefulness, classiness, and the strong production of 112. But, you’re getting it straight and upfront with Slim.

Take me back to when music first entered into your life…

Well, it started when I was young. I grew up in church. My mom is an evangelist, so we used to go to church like Sunday (through) Saturday, Ha, ha! And, basically growing up in church (and) having to sing a lot. Then I went to school, and was very blessed to meet the guys in the group 112, and the rest is history. That's basically how we got together musically.

So then, you credit Gospel as being a big influence on you?

Because I was in the church a lot, there was a lot of Gospel music. I love John P. Key, (and) Commission. It was a lot of Gospel influence, but my mom definitely introduced me to (El) Debarge & Babyface, which if you put those two together, you'll probably get Slim!

When did you get the confidence to sing professionally?

Once people started saying that I was a lil’ Extra-Terrestrial, a lil’ above the norm, as far as my voice, and I had strong aspirations for writing songs also.

Although not in the initial line-up -- You mentioned school, but tell me in detail how you eventually became a full-time member of 112?

Well, we were in high school, and I ran into Mike and told him I think I could sing just as well as everyone else in the group, so he gave me a chance. We had a nice lil’ audition, they put me on blast in front of the school, I did my thing, the girls loved it, and, “Bang! I'm a member of 112!”

How did you get down with Puff in the first place, and why were you all later dropped?

Well, there was this guy who knew Puffy and he set up a meeting for him to hear us in front of the club 112 in Atlanta, and he loved us and signed us right there. We were never dropped, we just had to make a business decision and it ended up that we had to leave and got picked up to be on the Def Jam roster.

How did you come to be known as Slim?

Slim…Well, I've been slim all my life, but my mom gave me the nickname. I was skinny my whole life up until 3 years ago. I've worked really hard to be the 148 lbs that I am now, Ha, ha! But, all my life, I have never been above 128 lbs soaking wet!

Musically, what type of vibe are you on?

Well, I would say very sexy, and very swagger-ish, Uknowwhatimean? It defines what Slim is about. Being very sexy, fly, very confident, and that's what it is.

How have you managed to remain relevant over the years?

Just being consistent, and just putting out incredible product -- Straight up! Just keeping it consistent with the fans, and making sure their money isn't wasted. Also, letting them know that my drive and efforts are incredible -- Also, to be very humble, and to stay that way.

What are some of your other future goals?

I would definitely like to push myself into some acting, and also what I'm doing right now by being my own CEO. I'm looking to brand myself in different areas, and have my hands in everything as far as investing goes as well. I'm not putting all my eggs in one basket. That's what makes me run 24/7.

Are you happy with where R&B music is currently at?

Oh, yes, I’m loving it! Yes, I'm happy with R&B music. The recent boost of record sales that Lil’ Wayne just showed, by selling over one million copies in one week, lets you know people are still buying records. It's about your product and what you do. For example, Coldplay is doing their thing with 800,000. Even Plies with over 200, 000 record sales. So, yes, I am happy.

What is the biggest misconception about Slim?

I just want them to know that I am very approachable and down to earth, and I'm definitely stepping up my role. I'm more than just an artist.

I hear you are also a big family man…

Well, I'm a father of three kids, and my sons are getting bigger everyday, so people in Atlanta always see me with them. I also…I'm very involved with my community.

What has been your biggest career moment to date?

Creating this label and watching something I planted as a seed grow into what it is now -- Also, just the success with 112, and how it's made us very valuable in this music industry.

What is your five to ten year plan?

Where do I see myself? Ha, ha! Not only in Hawaii, but as the CEO of one of the most prestigious labels with M3, and building a very strong partnership with Asylum, as they took a chance in signing the first R&B act. I'm aiming at building a partnership and an empire, while showing the world that R&B can go the independent route, ‘cause there's a lot of
money to be made!

When is Love’s Crazy due out?

My album release, Sept.9th, is what I'm planning out right now -- An incredible R&B partnership with M3 and Asylum, and just a lot of branding with different products and companies. I mean, everything else is sorta working into place, but very interesting things (are) in the works right now.

Are you hitting the road soon to promote the new record?

Well, yes, I've been traveling and performing all over the world.

How have those early solo shows been? Is it nerve wracking being up on stage alone, being that you have been accustomed to having the rest of the guys around for such a long time?

Not at all -- The butterflies went away after the first time I went on stage by myself.

As for 112 -- When was the last time you spoke to Q, Mike and/or Daron?

About a couple of days ago -- We just left each other. We just left (our) European tour. We're all still boys.

What have they all been up to, professionally speaking?

Well, I know Q is still performing…Wait! Actually right now he's got a radio performance to do. Daron is definitely still producing. And, even though I haven't really seen Mike, I'm pretty sure he's doing his thing.

Do you foresee any future group collaborations? If so, when can we, the masses, expect a 112 CD?

Well, before we put out an album, which is definitely gonna be an incredible
event, we wanted to really make sure that the fans really missed 112. Also, if you look at my walls, we definitely take pride, and every time we come out, we definitely have something to prove for it, as we have gone platinum, multi-platinum, and gold with the fourth album. So, we just didn't want to waste anyone's time.

Is there anything left that I failed to mention?

I just want everyone to know that Slim loves everybody! Love's Crazy is about to be incredible. September 9th is where it's at! You can holla at me on my My Space page to see a lot of other things, (and) behind the scenes stuff. (It’s) myspace.com/slimof112 -- Thank you, thank you again!