Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Slaughterhouse Can Help Change The Face Of Hip-Hop

As a hip-hop fan, I was lucky enough to have grown up in the "Golden Era" of hip-hop. I call it the "Golden Era" because it was before corperate America got their grubby paws on it. It was a time when the artists' motivation was to be the best at their craft. My how things have changed. The same way that corperations overtook our country's farmers, they've taken over my beloved hip-hop. I'm 31 now and I have a 10 year old son and a 16 year old daughter and I cringe when I see how the corperate "machine" tries to corrupt their minds with meaningless garbage that floods the airwaves. There IS hope however, and it comes in the form of of four emcees that have come together to form the hip-hop supergroup, Slaughterhouse.


The members of Slaughterhouse are (in no particular order) Joe Budden, Crooked I, Royce da 5'9", and Joell Ortiz. Each artist represents hip-hop in its truest form. They also bring intelligence and integrity back into the rap game (two traits that I've sorely missed in the last decade or so). Each member of Slaughterhouse brings something different to the table. Let me break it down for you.


We'll start with Joe Budden. Joe has become one of the most lyrically skilled, poetic, and soul bearing artists in the game today. The New Jersey native definitely travels in his own lane and is a notorious nonconformist. Budden is a hip-hop pioneer in that he was the first artist to utilize the web as a self promotional tool and has a huge internet following as a result. For some great entertainment, follow him on Twitter @JoeBudden where he frequently invites his fans to sit in on live studio sessions via UStream. The fourth installment of his highly acclaimed "Mood Muzik" mixtape series drops on October 26th. Mark that day on your calander, or you can pre-order it.


Crooked I, a Long Beach, California native, is Slaughterhouse's West Coast Representative. His jaw-dropping wit and clever punchlines will help keep your rewind button employed. Crook is also very socially aware and unafraid to voice his opinion on various political topics. He has a group called the Horse Shoe G.A.N.G. that consists of some of the most lyrically gifted youngsters that I've ever heard. Check out Crooked I's website www.planetcob.com where you can download his albums for only $5 a pop...you can't beat that. You can also follow him on Twitter @TheRealCrookedI.


The next member of Slaughterhouse is Royce da 5'9". Royce is from Detroit and is one of the most versitile rappers in the game. He can hit you with an agressive style with crazy punchlines and he is also an incredible storyteller, something that is rare nowadays. One of my favorite Royce lines is "I take it far past conceited, I mock modesty". Royce has a three part mixtape series called "The Bar Exam" which demonstrates why he's one of the best doin' it right now. His song "I Hate Your Pants" has helped me to discourage my son from wanting to wear skinny jeans...THANK YOU ROYCE! You can follow him on Twitter @TheRealRoyce59. Also, check out Royce's little brother Kid Vishis (@Kidvishis), another lyrically gifted youngster.


Last but not least is the Brooklyn native, Joell Ortiz. Joell is hip-hop through and through. He repersents the struggle and embraces hip-hop like no other. One of the best writers in the game, you can tell through his flow and his content that he is a true student of hip-hop. Don't believe me? Just search YouTube for "Joell Ortiz Freestyle" and I DARE you to tell me I'm wrong! As a matter of fact, check out his website www.JoellOrtiz.com where he has various videos posted and you can even download his latest "Farewell Summer EP" for free! You can also follow him on Twitter @JoellOrtiz. YAOWA!


This is the music that I want shoved down the younger generation's throat. Which is what I hope Mr. Mathers AKA Eminem will do. Slaughterhouse is in negotiations to sign with Eminem's label Shady Records. A "machine" nonetheless, but I trust the operator's motive. Hopefully he can steer us into a new "Golden Era".


Please comment and tell me what you think.

1 comment:

  1. YES! You are right with everything you have said. If Em will sign them then Hip Hop will be in safe hands. Great job with this article. Slaughterhouse is my favourite group at the moment and as they say they are lyrical murderes. Congratulations again!

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