slaughterhouse

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.

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Just Blaze Shares Two Unheard Slaughterhouse Singles from ‘Glass House’

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Slaughterhouse has one of the biggest cult followings in Hip-Hop history, and their fans continue to look for any ray of light that could lead to a reunion and new music.

As far as fans are privy to, the tough news is still a dividing line between two sides putting Joell Ortiz and Kxng Crooked on one side of the aisle and Joe Budden and Royce Da 5’9″ on another. Then add in that Joe is quite happy podding.

Enter Just Blaze who gave fans the best shot they have at new music. Hitting Twitter, Just Blaze shared two unreleased singles. “I just found the slaughterhouse album,” Blaze wrote. “Jesus this is great. I might do the lords work.”

In light of the death of DJ Mark The 45 King, more music can be on the way.

You can see the messages from Just Blaze and hear the music below.

The post Just Blaze Shares Two Unheard Slaughterhouse Singles from ‘Glass House’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Just Blaze Shares Two Unheard Slaughterhouse Singles from ‘Glass House’ appeared first on The Source.

Joe Budden’s “Halfway House” Turns 15

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This month marks the 15th anniversary of Joe Budden’s third studio album, Halfway House. It was released on October 28, 2008, via Amalgam Digital. The album was the first installment of a trilogy consisting of Padded Room and Escape Route, Budden’s fourth and fifth albums, respectively. Halfway House was the music industry’s first digital-only hip hop release. At the time, it was a groundbreaking tactic as entirely digital albums have become an industry standard.

Halfway House was also Budden’s first album to enter the Billboard 200 chart in five years since his Def Jam debut. It was his first independent release to do so. An independent project with a unique release strategy and a career-altering posse cut, the rapper-turned-podcaster’s third album solidified his lane. Today, we revisit Joe Budden’s Halfway House for its 15th anniversary.

Joe Budden’s Independent Grind

Following his departure from Def Jam in 2007 and his classic Mood Muzik mixtape series, Joe Budden signed with the Boston-based independent record label Amalgam Digital. His first offering for the label was a 2008 re-release of Mood Muzik 3: For Better or For Worse. The reissue, Mood Muzik 3: The Album, became his second official full-length album. It culminated Budden’s prolific mixtape run that deviated from the radio-friendly sounds of his major label debut. The Mood Muzik series introduced fans to the darker, rugged, and more vulnerable side that built him a devout fanbase.

That same year, Joe Budden released Halfway House, an album that consisted of bar-heavy lyricism like his acclaimed mixtape series. He also found his groove as an independent artist. Songs like “On My Grind” and “Go To Hell” displayed the Budden’s charismatic hunger. Halfway House notably marked a shift in Joe Budden’s career as he set out to conquer the independent space within hip hop’s blog era. 

The Birth Of Slaughterhouse

The most significant moment of Halfway House is the song “Slaughterhouse.” The 7-minute posse cut saw Joe Budden team up with Royce Da 5’9”, KXNG Crooked, and Joell Ortiz for the very first time. Also featured on the song was Brooklyn rapper Nino Bless. With the exception of Bless, “Slaughterhouse” gave birth to the supergroup of the same name. A major moment for the culture, the four respected lyricists with their own cult followings joined forces to become a hip hop powerhouse. Following their union on Halfway House, the group released their debut album the following year. They eventually signed with Shady Records and released 2012’s Welcome to: Our House. 

While the group ultimately dissolved over time after various label struggles and Joe Budden’s retirement from rap, Slaughterhouse is still remembered by hardcore hip hop heads as a special collaboration. The birth of Slaughterhouse on Halfway House altered the trajectory of each member’s career. They became a force to be reckoned with the help of Eminem, signifying the Shady 2.0 era. Looking back, Halfway House was a significant moment for Joe Budden’s career as an independent artist, as well as the formation of Slaughterhouse. It set the tone for the next phases of both his solo and collaborative journeys. 

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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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Bad Meets Evil’s “Hell: The Sequel” Turns 12

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This year marks the 12th anniversary of Hell: The Sequel, the collaborative EP between Eminem and Royce Da 5’9” as Bad Meets Evil. The EP was released via Shady Records and Interscope on June 14, 2011. Features on the EP include Mike Epps, Bruno Mars, and Slaughterhouse, as well as production from Eminem, Havoc, Mr. Porter, DJ Khalil, and more. Hell: The Sequel was the first collaborative project between Eminem and Royce, but the two have worked closely together for their entire careers. The Bad Meets Evil duo dates back to 1998 when Eminem and Royce Da 5’9” initially connected for the “Nuttin To Do” single. They also teamed up in 1999 for the song “Bad Meets Evil” from Eminem’s The Slim Shady LP. On the song, Royce raps, “See you in Hell for the sequel.”

At the time of the release of Hell: The Sequel, Eminem was coming off a banner year. He released Recovery, which still remains one of his most commercially successful albums and includes multiple hit singles that have become an essential part of his catalog. Royce Da 5’9” previously released his Street Hop album and the first full-length Slaughterhouse record before they signed to Shady Records. We’re looking back at Bad Meets Evil’s Hell: The Sequel for its 12th anniversary.

Eminem & Royce Da 5’9″ Brought The Best Out Of Each Other

Eminem and Royce Da 5’9” first connected as Bad Meets Evil at the beginning of their careers, showing an undeniable chemistry between the two Detroit rap legends. The two fell out for many years due to a feud between Royce and Proof of D-12. Royce and Proof reconciled before Proof’s passing in 2006, leading to a reunion between Eminem and Royce. The song “Living Proof,” dedicated to Proof, is a back-to-basics collaboration between friends who are arguably two of the greatest rappers. 

The shock value and unpredictable rhyming on songs like “The Reunion” are prime examples of how Hell: The Sequel perfectly picked up where the two left off. The rappers brought the best out of each other on the EP. The project is full of dazzling flows as the two seamlessly trade bars with one another, displaying an effortless chemistry. The Havoc-produced “Welcome 2 Hell” sees the two trading verses back and forth, playing to each other’s strengths at a rapid pace. The intensity of the song is kept throughout the EP with aggressively witty tracks like “Fast Lane,” “Above The Law,” and “A Kiss.” Hell: The Sequel also has arguably the best production of any post-Recovery Eminem release.

A Concise Listen

The nine-track standard version of Hell: The Sequel clocks in at 37 minutes, and the additional bonus tracks make it 46 minutes. The 11 songs on the project left minimal room for error, making for an enjoyable listen with no filler. Many previous Eminem and Royce Da 5’9” albums tended to be lengthy, but Hell: The Sequel did not overstay its welcome. Both rappers’ fans were satisfied with the project, and its length added replay value. 

There was also plenty of variety, from intense bangers to humorous tracks like “I’m On Everything” and the sentimental lead single, “Lighters.” Diehard fans and critics alike have criticized Eminem for his long albums and pop songs, but Hell: The Sequel did not receive the polarizing reception that Eminem usually received for an album. The display of skills and chemistry between Eminem and Royce was almost definitely the reason for such positive reception. 

The Shady 2.0 Era

Aside from being the highly-anticipated collaborative EP from Eminem and Royce Da 5’9”, Hell: The Sequel also signified the Shady 2.0 era. Eminem had completely revamped Shady Records, signing Yelawolf and Slaughterhouse, the latter of which Royce was a member. Slaughterhouse had previously appeared on “Session One” from Recovery and backed Eminem in the “Forever” video. 

Eminem, Slaughterhouse, and Yelawolf were a united Shady Records in their historic BET Cypher and their song, “2.0 Boys.” The song “Loud Noises” from Hell: The Sequel was a frantic declaration of Slaughterhouse’s signing to Shady. Eminem, Royce, KXNG Crooked, Joe Budden, and Joell Ortiz spat head-spinning bars with clever punchlines and aggressive delivery. The song was a glimpse of what could have been one of the strongest hip hop labels. It was an incredibly promising track before the widespread disappointment of Slaughterhouse’s Shady debut and their breakup.

Despite the dissolution of Slaughterhouse in the following years, Hell: The Sequel was a moment for Eminem as a rapper and label executive and Royce as a solo artist and member of multiple groups. Since 2011, Eminem and Royce Da 5’9” have worked together as Bad Meets Evil on the 2014 Shady XV compilation and the 2015 Shady-produced Southpaw soundtrack. The two also appeared on each other’s songs, such as “Caterpillar” and “Not Alike.” Eminem’s most recent album, 2020’s Music to be Murdered By, featured three Royce Da 5’9” features, including a Joe Budden-less Slaughterhouse reunion. The quality of Hell: The Sequel has left fans longing for another Bad Meets Evil release. According to Royce, the possibility of more Bad Meets Evil is up in the air.

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Royce Da 5’9″ Drops Off His New Project “The Heaven Experience EP”

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A lot of good music emerged out of Detroit in the past few years. Michigan, as a whole, had a strong grip on the sound of rap for the better part of the 2020s. However, in the past few weeks, a few legendary Detroit artists have come through with new music. Danny Brown teamed up with JPEGMAFIA for their new project, Scaring The Hoes Vol. 1. Now, Detroit heavy-weight Royce Da 5’9” is back in the fold with a brand new EP, The Heaven Experience.

Serving as an extension of his 2020 project,  The Heaven Experience EP has been unofficially dubbed the “lost sessions. The six-track project is a strong depiction of Royce’s lyrical brilliance as he shares unreleased cuts from last year’s The Heaven Experience. Royce dropped off “Signs” earlier this week in anticipation of the EP’s release. However, he also enlists assistance from Redman, who appears on “Royce & Reggie” and Courtney Bell and Traxx Sanders for “Ion Wanna.”

Royce Da 5’9” Shares Unreleased Cuts On New EP

Last year, Royce Da 5’9″ delivered his latest body of work, The Heaven Experience Vol. 1. The 15-song body of work was filled with a star-studded cast of collaborators, such as his Bad Meets Evil partner, Eminem, who opens the project up on “Rock City.” Additionally, Pusha T, Rick Ross, Black Thought, Big K.R.I.T., and more assisted Royce on the album.

In an announcement earlier this month, Royce revealed that The Heaven Experience: The Lost Sessions will include a virtual experience. Through the Heaven Experience pass, fans can gain access to exclusive releases, interviews, and more. “I have been searching for a better way to connect with my community for a while, but existing platforms haven’t lived up to my expectations,” the rapper said in a statement. “Passage delivers on all fronts.” Check out the latest project from Royce Da 5’9″ above. 

Tracklist

1. “Signs (Freestyle)” (Produced By. S.T.R.E.E.T.R.U.N.N.E.R)
2. “Out The Barrell” (Produced By. DJ Pain One)
3. “Look At This (Uncle Joe)” (Produced By. JUSTICE League)
4. “Grown Ass Man” (Produced By. DJ Pain One)
5. “Royce & Reggie” (Produced By. DJ Pain One)
6. “Ion Wanna” feat. Courtney Bell (Produced By. DJ Pain One)

Joe Budden “Takes The Blame” For Slaughterhouse Demise: “I Ruined Everything”

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We all know by now that a full Slaughterhouse reunion is out of the question, mainly because of Joe Budden. The Shady Records Hip Hop group didn’t even reach their peak before behind-the-scenes moves caused division. Over the years, there have been pump fakes regarding a potential reunion, and although several of the other members—Kxng Crooked, Joell Ortiz, and Royce Da 5’9″—have collaborated, Budden remains on the outside looking in. The podcast host has spoken about Slaughterhouse’s past and non-existent future, but he was questioned once again while on Drink Champs.

Budden’s appearance on Noreaga and DJ EFN’s platform arrives this week. In a teaser, Nore asks Budden about the Rap group. “Gimme the blame. I’ll take the blame. Hey! I ruined everything. Everything that you loved, I ruined that sh*t.” Noreaga chimed in to joke, “I believe you.” Budden added, “I’ll take the blame. It’s just ten years long of just stories and talkin’—ay! I did it. It was me.” EFN wanted to clarify that Budden was speaking about Slaughterhouse specifically. “You’re owning up to that one?” asked EFN. Budden replied, “Yes. It was me.” That wasn’t enough for Nore.

Joe Budden Is “Grateful”

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

“Rumor has it, E1 gave y’all a tremendous deal, and Shady Records gave y’all a ‘tretendous’ deal.” Budden responded, “I don’t know what was tremendous and what wasn’t. I think E1 gave us an opportunity, I think Shady gave us an opportunity. Grateful for both.” The clip ends there, but fans anticipate how the complete discussion about Slaughterhouse will unfold. These conversations have lasted, as Budden noted, for the better part of a decade. Prior to Ortiz and Crook releasing their joint project, The Rise and Fall of Slaughterhouse, Kxng talked about Budden causing them to lose out on a lucrative deal.

“Joe was signed to another label and caught up in some paperwork,” Crook told Bootleg Kev last year. “They called over to Shady like, ‘Hey we have him under contract. You have to get a clearance from us to have him appear on the song,’” he added, explaining that everyone was under the impression they were free agents before signing with Shady. “Come to find out, Joe was on the paperwork. He said that they forged his signature and that it wasn’t him. And the group was put on the shelf for a minute while he was fighting Amalgam Digital in court, and we were waiting on Joe because we couldn’t move forward.”

It was just one of several setbacks for the group. More recently, Budden and his former groupmates went at it over Ortiz and Crook’s album. He wasn’t a fan and made it clear during a heated Livestream exchange. Check out the teaser of Joe Budden on Drink Champs above.