Reflections of a Life Well Lived...

Tavares Batten was born in Miami, Florida on April 12, 1975, to Patricia Ann Walker and Willie Batten. He was the oldest child of two children born to this union.  His mother preceded him in death.

Tavares was baptized at a young age at St. John Institutional Missionary Baptist Church in Overtown where he participated in the Junior Church. Tavares was formerly educated in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Tavares, also affectionately known as Va or Vido No Shake to his family and friends, started rapping in the late 1990s. He first gained national notoriety when he and his childhood friend formed the duo group "Piccalo". He was more than just an artist; he was an "octopus hustler." He was a lucrative owner of a music studio, auto body shop, a printing company and food truck. He also was known for his love of "City of Donks," where his passion was to customize collectible classic vehicles.

As a philanthropist, Vido annually donated turkeys, toys and Back to School supplies to the Overtown community. At the end of the day, music was his first love.

Tavares enjoyed spending quality time with his family and friends during the holidays where he enjoyed cooking. Whenever someone called upon his knowledge, he had the passion to always help his family and friends.

Tavares departed this earth on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Aventura Hospital in the midst of loved ones. His mother Patricia Ann Walker Batten and brother Willie Batten, Jr., preceded him in death.

He leaves to mourn his untimely demise:  his children Armani, Tavares Jr., Kenwaun, Noriya, Vartrell, Atreyu, Zii, Javares & Vashondra; his father Willie Batten; siblings: Shakima Batten, Robert Gaddy, Charleston Lesane, Deltravious Batten (Candace), Travis Batten, Keisha Lesane (Alrich), Tiffany Scott, Chakita Dixon, and Brittany Boston; grandson Darris Williams and a host of aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends to cherish his memory.