Phat Kat (born Ronnie Watts) is perhaps best known for being a favorite collaborator of the late great J Dilla (aka Jay Dee). Phat Kat’s career began in the mid-90’s as a part of the group known as 1st Down; which consisted of Phat Kat's vocalist & J Dilla on production. A chance encounter in a Detroit record store with Gang Starr turned into an exchange of heaping praise onto one another; DJ Premier & Guru then put 1st Down in touch with their then label (Payday Records) where they signed a deal & released the classic "A Day With The Homiez". 1st Down may have been short-lived, but the two continued to collaborate on many occasions afterwards, starting with a celebrated appearance on : Fat Cat Song" & its eventual remix which appeared on Slum Village's "Fan-Tas-Tic, Vol. 1" (and it was later remixed by Flying Lotus), Dabrye's "Game Over” featuring J Dilla, and into Dilla's solo career, including appearances on "Welcome 2 Detroit" & appearances on three subsequent Slum Village albums. Phat Kat also guested on Black Milk's solo album "Popular Demand".