What happens when you get four of the most talented emcees and tell them to make an album together? In recent history, the resulting “supergroup” albums have been underwhelming. Nobody has truly been able to put together a project that showcased each artist’s strong points while still putting together great music. That notion has typically crumbled - until now.
The supergroup Slaughterhouse – which consists of emcees Royce Da 5’9”, Crooked I, Joell Ortiz and Joe Budden – is an exception to the rule with the release of a superb self-titled album. The four-headed monster put together an effort that should excite any fan of hip hop that is looking for a departure from songs accompanied by a dance step. Satisfaction here is absolutely guaranteed.
The biggest concern was whether or not the production would do the album justice. The answer is a resounding ‘yes.’
Powered by production from heavyweights such as DJ Khalil, Alchemist, Mr. Porter, Emile and others, Slaughterhouse fans won’t have to worry if the beats will be able to keep up with the surplus of lyrics.
It’s hard to tell who is most impressive on the album. Each emcee puts in his fair share of work and there are moments where one (arguably) will steal the show from the others. For example, Joell Ortiz’s verse on “Sound Off” is mind-blowing as his cadence and wordplay backslap the beat repeatedly. “Cuckoo” – backed by the rambunctious and utterly amazing production of DJ Khalil – is the perfect canvas for Joe Budden to spray his lethal thoughts on. Mr. Porter laces “Cut You Loose” with yet another shining production and Royce Da 5’9” laments his love/hate relationship with music and hip hop. Crooked I menaces “The One” with bars stacked with wit and wordplay that match the frat party-starting beat.
The best thing about the album is that everyone will have their favorite moments from each of the four emcees and there really is no clear-cut champ. Some will argue that Crooked I overwhelms “Cuckoo” or that Joell Ortiz stands tall on “Cut You Loose.” Truthfully, there are no right or wrong answers. Everyone is a winner here. Each artist puts his entire foot into the album and the group does hip-hop fans a great service with an album heavy on lyricism and light on the nonsense.
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