Slaughterhouse previews "Who's The Illest" track [VIDEO]

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

When Slaughterhouse signed with Shady Records, Eminem told them to continue doing what they do. Usually, when independent artists get signed by a major label, they are forced to change. But, Eminem was never forced to change and he does not force his artists to change.

Slaughterhouse has been working on their Shady Records debut, second overall, since signing with the label. The group, which consists of Joe Budden, Royce da 5'9, Joell Ortiz, and Crooked I, recently completed "Who's The Illest."

Currently, Slaughterhouse is in Atlanta, where they previewed the song.

Watch the preview of "Who's The Illest" by Slaughterhouse below:

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DJ Drama ft. B.o.B. and Crooked I - "Take My City"

With Third Power on the way, this upcoming Tuesday, several tracks from DJ Drama's album are leaking. The latest leak is "Take My City," which features B.o.B. and Crooked I.

Listen to "Take My City" by DJ Drama ft. B.o.B. and Crooked I below:

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Crooked I ft. Lloyd Banks - "ET Bars"

Slaughterhouse's Crooked I recruits G-Unit's Lloyd Banks for his latest track. The new track is called "ET Bars."

Listen to "ET Bars" by Crooked I ft. Lloyd Banks below:

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Crooked I - "Fast Car (freestyle)"

One fourth of the Slaughterhouse team, Crooked I, is back on the solo scene. This time, he is out with a freestyle, which he calls "Fast Car."

Listen to "Fast Car (freestyle)" by Crooked I below:

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Crooked I - "Million Dollar Story"

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Crooked I talks future of West Coast hip hop

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Even though he is a part of Slaughterhouse, Crooked I is still very much a part of the West Coast hip hop scene. Much like the other veterans, he is looking at the future of the West Coast. Not many successful rappers have come from the West, outside of Game. He and Snoop Dogg are the only consistent rappers out West.

Crooked I's career was supposed to have taken off years ago, but it never happened. First, he was recruited by Suge Knight to help revive his Death Row label. After leaving Death Row, Crooked I linked up with Irv Gotti for the launch of Murder Inc. West. Much like his venture with Death Row, this did not work out, either.

Returning to the mixtape scene, Crooked I became involved with rappers Royce da 5'9, Joe Budden, and Joell Ortiz and they became Slaughterhouse. Soon, Eminem began working with them and promised to sign the four men to his Shady Records label. Now, with his career finally on the right track, Crooked I can look towards the future of his coast.

Crooked I likes the music from Odd Future and he thinks they have a chance at redefining the game. He has been to a few of their performances and he loves the way they rock a crowd. Crooked I believes Alternative acts such as Odd Future, Pav Div, Kendrick Lamar, Dom Kennedy, Blu, and Horseshoe Gang will help bring the West Coast back to prominence.

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Crooked I happy Benzino ended feud with Slaughterhouse

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

It came as a surprise to many when Eminem signed Slaughterhouse to his Shady Records. The group consists of Royce da 5'9, Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden, and Crooked I. Eminem had a longstanding feud with Royce, Joell Ortiz had been signed to Aftermath, but left after he said his album was mishandled by Dr. Dre, and Crooked I was an associate of Murder Inc.

Benzino has been very vocal of Eminem for nearly ten years. He has found various reasons to continue attacking Eminem. When he learned of Slaughterhouse signing with Shady, Benzino immediately blasted them. But, after listening to their music, Benzino changed his tone and gave them credit. He also extended an olive branch to Eminem and the group.

Crooked I had not heard anything about this until SOHH.com informed him about the statement. While he did not say he accepted the truce, Crooked I said he was glad Benzino has finally moved on with his life. Crooked I did say he is the type of person who likes to work out differences, however, and he would love to meet up with Benzino and officially end their feud.

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Royce Da 5'9 and Joell Ortiz discuss Slaughterhouse

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

With Slaughterhouse finally being signed to a record deal, fans are excited. Despite the super-team finally being created, some people fear of them coming out too soft. Many times, super-pairings, do not turn out as expected.

Slaughterhouse is only the latest in attempts of many rappers to come together. In 1997, The Firm, which consisted of Nas, AZ, Foxy Brown, and Cormega, released their debut album. As if the teaming was not major enough, The Firm's album was produced by Dr. Dre and released through Aftermath Entertainment.

The Firm's album flopped, only going platinum, when some expected the record to outsell Thriller. But, with the new Slaughterhouse group, no one is expecting major record sales. Instead, fans are expecting a lyrical warpath with Joell Ortiz, Royce Da 5'9, Joe Budden, and Crooked I. For all of those beginning to have doubts, Royce Da 5'9 and Joell Ortiz recently discussed the group's next release. The two said their music will bring about the return of lyricism to hip hop and will help cement Shady Records as a true hip hop label.

Shady Records has been struggling outside of Eminem for the past few years, but Slaughterhouse promises to provide more hits for the label.

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Slaughterhouse EP track listing Revealed

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Finally signed to Shady Records, Slaughterhouse is ready to give the fans what they want. The only issue the group has is that they have joined a crowded label. Eminem told the crew to begin working on their album.

While the members of Slaughterhouse would love to put together an album, it could take months before the promotion could begin. Not wanting to make fans wait, the crew is releasing an EP. The track listing for the EP has already been released.

Slaughterhouse will be featuring Dres and The L.O.X. on their EP.

Track Listing

1. "Back on the Scene" featuring Dres
2. "Sun Doobie"
3. "Everybody Down"
4. "Put Some Money on It (remix)" featuring The L.O.X.
5. "Fight Club (remix)"
6. "Move On (remix)" featuring Iffy

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Joe Budden close to Shady Records deal

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

For over a year, Joe Budden has been involved with Eminem and Shady Records through Slaughterhouse. Last year, it was confirmed that they would sign to Shady Records. The group consists of four members, Budden, Crooked I, Royce da 5'9, and Joell Ortiz.

Signing the artists has been difficult as each artist has been in deals with other labels. But, as their contracts have come to a close, they have officially been able to create Slaughterhouse. For the past few months, buzz about the supergroup has been becoming more and more nonexistent.

Right when people have nearly forgotten about the crew, they come with more news. Joe Budden said they are very close to completing the deal with Shady Records. The reason they have been out of the public eye is because each rapper has been getting out of their label deal. Budden said the deal is complicated because there are so many rappers involved.

One reason why they have remained interested in signing with Shady Records has been because of Eminem and his passion for hip hop. Even with his recent run at the top, Budden says Eminem has been 200% involved in everything concerning Slaughterhouse. The deal is expected to be completed sometime this fall and their debut album will come sometime late in 2011.

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Slaughterhouse to Shady Records?

By Mark "D" Thomas
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Rampant speculation about Slaughterhouse's status has come full tilt, as rumors are increasing rapidly that they have or are about to sign with Eminem's Shady Records. Twitter feeds from members have been leaking out possible clues to whether or not this is coming to life.

The first was Crooked I (@TheRealCrookedI), who wrote, "Jus got great news from @kino1 #MusicIsMyLife I'm bout to celebrate w/ a shot of johnny walker blue.. #Cheers"

Hours later, Joe Budden(@mousebudden) made a similar, seemingly more telling revelation. "UH OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, DONE DEAL ...... literally (about time too, i miss rapping, lol)"

The posts could mean that Slaughterhouse, comprised of Budden, Crooked I, Royce Da 5'9" and Joell Ortiz, has found a home on Shady Records. Speculation of a forthcoming signing began as soon as as the group was formed, given that it was announced that Eminem and Royce had squashed their very long standing beef . The talk greatly escalated with Slaughterhouse's cameo appearance in the "Forever" video, which highlighted many artists including Em.

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