Marvin "Slim" Scandrick is no stranger to matters of the heart.
Just take a listen to tracks like the vulnerable "Only You" off the R&B quartet 112's 1996 self-titled debut. The former lead singer belts pleading lyrics like: "Where do I go / what must I do / If I can't live without your love" or "Cupid," which finds him reassuring his lady, "never wanna leave you / ain't no life without you," in his high-pitched falsetto.
Twelve years later and on the eve of the fall release of the appropriately titled "Love's Crazy," it's evident love still makes Slim's world go 'round.
"Love makes you do all sorts of crazy things," says the Atlanta native about his latest project, his solo debut album via a joint venture between his own imprint, M3 Production, and indie label Asylum Records. "This album is about finding solutions. Instead, it'll help you heal and at the same time it'll be like a manual -- if you don't have the right words, or are trying to set a nice setting, just play the album and let it hit the Slim spot."
But it hasn't always been stomach-butterflies for the crooner. Just three years ago, Slim admits he was frustrated with the industry and wanted completely out.
"I was about to give up on music all together," he says. "I had great investments going on. In this industry you go through so much that it becomes discouraging, especially when you're investments are doing better than your music."
But after persuasion from his peers and fans -- plus a spontaneous, reflective, two-week trip to Sydney just two-and-a-half years ago -- Slim decided he'd face the music one more time.
He started M3 and began to work on his own music again. November last year, Asylum offered Slim a deal he couldn't refuse � a solo contract and a partnership with M3. "It felt like I was finally getting my swag back in music," Slim says.
Today, Slim is putting the finishing touches to "Love's Crazy" with the help of producers Track Masters, Sean Garrett, Polow Da Don, Jazze Pha, Designated Hitters, Midnight Black and Odds-N-Ends, who are responsible for the set's first single, "So Fly," featuring Yung Joc and Shawty Lo. (That track has peaked thus far at No. 34 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.) Other guests include Faith Evans, Gucci Mane and C Murder so far.
While a second single hasn't been selected yet, Slim says there are plenty of songs to choose from, like the infatuation track "You Got Me (Addicted)," the heartfelt "Sweet Baby," and the title track, about "being crazy about a girl."
In addition, Slim is currently on a promotional radio tour, and plans on embarking on a bus tour soon. And, although he wouldn't disclose any specifics, Slim did reveal 112 is currently working on their next group project and that he hopes to potentially release that album via M3.
Still, Slim is confident and excited about the prospect of "spreading the love" as a solo artist first. "I really believe in myself. I have a sound, and I come from a brand known around the world," he says. "I trust myself and my work to build momentum and build a legacy for myself and for those to come."
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