I'm definitely appreciative of the fact that you stuck around. In terms of R&B and the current landscape of R&B, there definitely hasn't been a group, especially a male group, like 112. You definitely were a blessing to the industry and to fans. When you enter the studio now, does it feel awkward at all when you look over your shoulder and expect Mike or Q or Daron to be there?
Well, it started like that a long time ago, when I first started the music way before the album. I started doing the music before the album just to get the love of the music back. I think probably the first couple of sessions, yeah, it was a transition. I didn't have a Q where he mastered the background. I had to change my whole mind thing in the situation. When I stepped in with 112, you're doing whatever it takes to make the 112 sound. I had to play my part. As soon as I put in my mind that "I'm not making a 112 record, I'm making a Slim record," then everything started working right. Everything started working. It didn't take but a couple of sessions. Now, it's a piece of cake.
By most accounts, you are regarded as the front man of 112. Taking that role into account, how did it help you develop your own solo career?
I think my individuality stood up for itself. I was the front man with a very distinctive voice. I was the one that really made it very easy to distinguish 112 from any other group in the world. As far as my personality is concerned, I'm very charismatic. I'm very out there. That's just how I am. I'm very optimistic and very positive. I definitely believe in what happens onstage is what happens offstage. You never heard anything negative on Slim – nothing in my personal life, nothing in my musical life. A lot of people say, "That's boring. Sometimes you need a little roughness to feel your character." I don't necessarily see it that way. If you're a cool cat and that's the way you choose your life and that's how you want to be known, I think that's the way I want to be. If anybody wants to make a movie about me, there's not too much to be said. That's the reason why business-wise, a lot of good things is happening. I don't go through the same holes that everybody goes through because I treat everybody right. I never take anybody for granted. I treat everybody the same way. I'm a straight-shot man. I'm a real man. Either I love you or I really don't mess with you. I'm not a hypocrite. I don't stand on the fence and that's exactly what it is. What you see is what you get.
Article comments
1 - MissTheda
Clayton, Thank you so much for your great interview and the support of Slim