kxng crooked

Rakim Releases First New Project In 15 Years ‘G.O.D.’S Network (Reb7rth)’, New Video “Love Is The Message”

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Hip-hop legend Rakim is breaking new ground with his new project, G.O.D.’S NETWORK (REB7RTH), by flexing his skills both on the mic and behind the boards.  Widely lauded as the best lyricist of all time, The God MC himself is blessing the culture with the next step in his historic career; and his first project in 15 years.  G.O.D.’S NETWORK (REB7RTH) is now available.

“I feel like the battery in my back has been reenergized,” Rakim said about his new project, which arrives nearly four decades after the release of his classic debut with Eric B., Paid In Full. Since then, he’s continued to shape the landscape and culture of hip-hop as we know it, inspiring rising artists with his hype live shows and incredible studio albums. And while he’s produced some of his previous work—notably “Don’t Sweat the Technique,” “Juice (Know The Ledge),” and “Paid In Full”—this feels like new territory for the 18th Letter, whose production and scratching talents are nothing short of remarkable.

G.O.D.’S NETWORK (REB7RTH) is proof that Rakim is truly one of the most special artists we’ve known, not just in hip-hop, but all of music. You can tell he feels that level of praise when speaking about the genesis of the album. “Having the ability to showcase my talents behind the boards, coupled with the elite lyricism the world already knows and gives me infinite praise for, alongside some of the best talents to ever do it is truly a blessing and for that I am humbled,” Rakim declared.

The album’s first single, “Be Ill,” is the perfect introduction, as it pairs Rakim’s raw rhymes and head-nodding production with slick guest features from Kurupt and Masta Killa. Elsewhere, Rakim slows it down for the soulful “Love Is The Message,” which features Nipsey Hussle, Planet Asia, Louis King, Snoop Dogg, Sally Green, Kobe Honeycutt, and the LA Grand Choir. And then there’s the chest-thumping “International,” a straight-up slapper with hard-hitting rhymes from Kool G. Rap, Tristate, and Joell Ortiz.

The post Rakim Releases First New Project In 15 Years ‘G.O.D.’S Network (Reb7rth)’, New Video “Love Is The Message” first appeared on The Source.

The post Rakim Releases First New Project In 15 Years ‘G.O.D.’S Network (Reb7rth)’, New Video “Love Is The Message” appeared first on The Source.

Slaughterhouse: Where Are They Now?

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Slaughterhouse was a rap supergroup composed of four highly lyrical solo acts who, despite their elite penmanship, had each struggled against music industry politics. The four artists, Joe Budden, Royce Da 5’9″, Joell Ortiz, and Kxng Crooked (formerly Crooked I), first linked up in 2008 for a posse cut on Joe Budden’s album Halfway House. After releasing a cult classic debut record and signing to a major label, the group never reached their true potential.

These days, Slaughterhouse is regarded as one of hip hop’s biggest “what ifs.” Despite their struggles as a group, all four have gone on to find success in the years since they disbanded. While none of the artists have reached household name status, they are all still active today.

Joe Budden

Joe Budden is the artist most credited with forming Slaughterhouse in 2008. Conversely, the rapper-turned-podcaster is also largely to blame for the group’s falling out. Budden retired from rapping in 2016 after releasing his eighth and final solo album, Rage and the Machine. Since then, Budden has become a full-time podcaster, hosting one of the most well-known and successful hip hop-centric podcasts on the web.

The Joe Budden Podcast has been a source of endless controversy, media takes, and rap beef. This includes a tumultuous 2021 split between Budden and his long-time co-hosts Rory and Mal. Most recently, Budden has found new co-hosts, a new venue, and ignited new beefs on the platform with figures like NBA YoungBoy. While Budden’s abrasive personality and no-holds-barred attitude may have prevented him from forming lasting relationships in the music scene, it certainly makes for excellent podcast content.

Royce Da 5’9″

Royce Da 5’9″ is likely the most well-known member of Slaughterhouse for his rapping ability. The long-time Eminem collaborator has released eight solo albums, as well as a flurry of mixtapes and collaborative efforts. His most recent outing is 2020’s The Allegory, which showcases the rapper’s newfound beat-making capability. While The Allegory was hailed for its creative production choices, intricate rhyme patterns, and thoughtful compositions, the album came under fire for several anti-vax lyrics.

Like his former Slaughterhouse peer Joe Budden, Royce started a podcast in 2020 with co-host Lupe Fiasco. Unfortunately, the pod concluded following just 45 episodes after the pair became embroiled in a rap feud. Royce has been criticized for his handling of the beef, refusing to properly respond to Lupe Fiasco’s devastating diss tracks. While Royce Da 5’9″ continues to rap to this day, no new projects have been announced since The Allegory.

Joell Ortiz

Arguably the most underrated of the bunch, Joell Ortiz has largely managed to sidestep beef throughout much of his career. The former Slaughterhouse artist has had a prolific run since the group split up, collaborating on full-length LPs with producers such as Illmind, Apollo Brown, The Heatmakerz, and L’Orange. Joell has also collaborated on a series of joint projects with his Slaughterhouse associate, Kxng Crooked. The most recent project between the duo, Prosper, premiered on streaming in October 2023.

Joell Ortiz and Kxng Crooked sparked beef with their former collaborators in 2022 after releasing the album The Rise & Fall of Slaughterhouse. Apparently, the quartet had been planning a reunion album behind the scenes for some time when the album was released without the prior knowledge or participation of Royce Da 5’9″ or Joe Budden. According to Crook and Joell, Budden refused to agree to the terms of any deal they presented. Likewise, Royce refused to do an album without Joe. As a result, Crook and Joell released The Rise & Fall of Slaughterhouse as a duo, officially vowing never to return to the band again.

Kxng Crooked

Kxng Crooked has one of the most fascinating backstories in all of hip hop. The Long Beach, California native was first signed to Death Row Records in his youth. His first solo ventures with the label were shelved indefinitely due to industry politics and Suge Knight’s legal troubles. The rapper was also instrumental in arranging the posse cut with Joe Budden, eventually forming Slaughterhouse. Crooked was the first member to officially announce his departure from the rap supergroup in 2018.

In recent years, Kxng Crooked has announced plans to release a final solo album before retiring from hip hop. No specifics regarding the rumored release have been confirmed at this time. While working on the farewell album, Kxng Crooked was approached by Joell Ortiz with plans to make a series of duo albums with one another, resulting in four full-length LPs since 2020. Crooked has cited his partnership with Joell as a reinvigoration of his sound, resulting in him postponing his retirement.

[Via]

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KXNG Crooked Drops A Story Of Overcoming Drug Addiction On “TEDDY”

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KXNG Crooked is here with another new single called “TEDDY.” Crooked is one of the best lyrical rappers in the rap game period ever since he burst onto the scene in the 1990s. His rhyme schemes, flows, delivery, and attention to detail, are his biggest strengths, making him a technical wonder. To give some more background on the man, he is a signee of Slaughterhouse. The other artists that formed that group are Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden, and Royce Da 5’9″. Additionally, he is the CEO of his own record labels, Dynasty Entertainment and C.O.B. Digital, and the Senior Vice President of Treacherous Records.

On top of all of that, he also has his longstanding and successful solo rap career. He has worked with a whole host of amazing rappers such as Eminem, Tupac, and Snoop Dogg. But, he has also teamed up with current-day artists such as Russ on his EP, Chomp. Now, Crooked is back with a YouTube-only single called “TEDDY.”

Read More: Questlove Gets FOMO From Eminem & LL Cool J Linking Up

KXNG Crooked Goes OFF

On this cut, the emcee is rapping while narrating a story of a boy named Teddy who was born an innocent boy. But as he got older he began to get addicted to drugs such as Percocet, and Lean, among others. He claims that he sat down with “Teddy” and he told his life story. After that, Crooked said he was going to write this song for him because he believed that he can win his battle against addiction. Sure enough, he did, and its a touching but aggressive banger that gets you hyped and feels like you can conquer any inner demons.

What are your overall thoughts on this track, “TEDDY,” by KXNG Crooked? Is this one of his best songs he has ever written? Is Crooked a top 10 lyricist of all time or just in modern-day rap? We want to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave all of your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all the hottest song releases and breaking news around the music world.

Quotable Lyrics:

In Newport Beach he was such a bundle of joy
Playin' with puzzles and toys
He wasn't a troublesome boy
Grew up with Mexican nannies under his mother's employ

Read More: C-Murder Co-Signs NBA YoungBoy, Calls Him His “Soulja Slim Of The New Generation”

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Joell Ortiz: Resilience & Rhyme In Music

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A lyrical powerhouse was stirring beneath the formidable shadow of Brooklyn. Joell Ortiz came up in the Cooper Projects, dominated by hardened concrete and even more set realities. Yet, these stoic confines were to become the incubator for one of Hip Hop’s most adroit lyricists. Life in Brooklyn taught Ortiz many things, and survival was top of the list. Inspired by this rough-and-tumble environment, he began painting his experiences lyrically. Ortiz’s raw street narratives fused with intricate wordplay caught attention and won him the EA Sports Battle tournament in 2004. This victory was a beacon that illuminated his path, guiding him from the projects to the world of pen and mic.

The Slaughterhouse Connection

NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 10: Slaughterhouse at John Ricard Studio on August 28, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by John Ricard/Getty Images)

When your verses drip with intensity, other lyrical masters can’t help but take notice. The late 2000s also brought together Joell Ortiz, Royce da 5’9″, Kxng Crooked, and Joe Budden under one roof. It was here that Slaughterhouse was born. The collective’s synergy was as explosive as it was dynamic, cementing their position in Hip Hop’s pantheon of greats.

While Slaughterhouse was an exercise in collaborative genius, Ortiz also proved his mettle in the solitary spotlight. His debut album, The Brick: Bodega Chronicles in 2007, wove together the threads of his early life. It was an introduction that resonated with listeners, a voice that demanded to be heard.

Metamorphosis Of A Master

From his first foray into Hip Hop to recent projects like 2021’s Autograph to the collaborative Harbor City Season One with Crook the following year, Ortiz’s evolution is a story of persistence and passion. Further, his lyrical landscapes over the years reveal an acute sensitivity to its rhythm and rhyme. It’s no wonder that Ortiz’s name frequently graces conversations about skilled rappers of the era.

Above all, Joell Ortiz advocates authenticity in an industry that often leans towards theatrics. He remains true to his roots, weaving his narratives around the realities of life—beauty and brutality. This commitment to honesty has created a connection with fans transcending beats and bars.

Shattering The Sound Barrier

Ortiz’s discography is as varied as it is vast, spanning across solo albums, collaborative projects, mixtapes, and EPs. Albums like Free Agent (2011) and House Slippers (2014) solidified his position as a tour de force in the rap industry. His lyrical expertise, paired with his ability to choose beats that flawlessly complemented his narratives, allowed Ortiz to create impactful soundscapes.

With every beat, verse, and rhyme, Joell Ortiz continues to write his story, etching his narrative into the annals of Hip Hop history. Recently, he announced his forthcoming collaborative project, Signature, alongside L’Orange. Fans anticipate what to expect as the artists drop their lead single, “OG.” Check that out above, and let us know your favorite bars from Joell Ortiz.

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Joe Budden Seemingly Responds To Kxng Crooked Over Logic Criticism

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On March 8, Joe Budden revealed on his podcast that he hates Logic’s music. On March 10, Kxng Crooked asked why. Budden has finally answered the question. He revealed why he does not like the man behind the music. During the Joe Budden podcast on March 8, they talked about Logic’s cover of Ice Cube’s ” It Was a Good Day”. Budden had some choice words to say about Logic, saying that he should just retire and stop making songs. “Logic, I beg of you, I’m pleading with you: please join me in retirement. Never step near a recording device again… You are the worst, yo! You are really, really bad!”

Two days later, Budden’s former groupmate, Kxng Crooked, responded to the episode on social media, asking Budden why he hates Logic’s music so much. He thinks that there are plenty of people that are in bigger need of being bullied into retirement. “Why does dude hate Logic’s music so much? Serious question. It’s some rappers I wish would retire waaaaaayyy before Logic.”

Joe Budden Responds

Budden’s response to Kxng Crooked reveals that he hates Logic not because of his music, but rather because he is a kiss-ass. He also implies that Kxng Crooked is just as much of a kiss-ass as Logic for trying to fight Logic’s battle for him, instead of letting the man fight them himself. He implies this by refusing to give names and saying that people should fight their own fights. Something that Kxng Crooked is not letting Logic do. When asked to list names instead of being vague on who is on he is talking about, Budden claims that it is not worth the hassle, implying that there are many people he is talking about simultaneously and not just Logic.

Kxng Crooked had walked into a longer beef than he probably realized. The two had been going at it for literally years. It is so bad that Budden was part of the reason why Logic retired in 2020. In 2022, he was on a podcast and responded to Budden’s hatred of him. He thinks that he is a hurt person who likes to make other people feel as bad as he does.

Kxng Crooked Tells Snoop Dogg That Death Row Still Owes Him Six Figures

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Kxng Crooked has responded to Snoop Dog’s tweet promoting the Death Row catalog on Apple Music. The California-based rapper is a former member of Slaughterhouse. He implies that he is still owed some series cash for one of the albums in the lineup. While fans are celebrating the release, some people are not so happy to hear the news. Kxng Crooked took to Twitter to respond to Snoop Dog, stating “I see the DysFunktional Family soundtrack I’m owed six figures for hmm.” This response immediately sparked controversy, as fans of both sides are wondering what the rapper is trying to say.

While Kxng Crooked is responding to some of his fan’s comments. But he is leaving the majority of his fans in the dark. The Dysfunktional Family soundtrack was released all the way back in 2003. Snoop’s announcement regarding the streaming on Apple Music is being met with enthusiasm from fans. However, the fact that Kxng Crooked is bringing this up now implies there is some unfinished business regarding the album. Several hours after his initial tweet responding to Snoop Dog, Kxng posts a vague update. In his follow-up tweet, he simply says, “Good Friday to you! What are you listening to?”

Kxng Crooked States That He Is Owed Money

In the wake of this Twitter response, fans are eager to hear the dirty details of why the rapper feels like he has been stiffed. Some fans commented that they are willing to listen to the story he has to tell. Other fans are expressing some disbelief. They feel that Kxng is trying to garner media attention with his claim. Currently, Snoop Dog has not responded to his accusations publicly. Although Snoop is still posting on Twitter, he is carefully avoiding the mention of Kxng Crooked.

Snoop Dog is one of the most prominent figures in the hip-hop industry. While Snoop Dog himself may not have anything to do with the situation, some fans feel like he should still address the claims to support Kxng. The hip-hop industry is cutthroat. Due to this, there are always bound to be tensions that arise. This is especially true when money is at hand.

(Via)