By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
In 2009, Eminem returned with a renewed focus on the rap game. For five years, Eminem had been out of the public eye. During his hiatus, there were few releases from the Shady Records camp. The once-popular label’s roster of talent had been virtually forgotten and Obie Trice had recently left the label.
Once Eminem returned with his album, Shady Records quickly returned to the spotlight. There were rumors of Eminem being interested in signing Slaughterhouse. As they waitied for Em to decide if he would sign them, the crew released their debut album. Consisting of Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, Royce da 5’9, and Crooked I, Slaughterhouse released their first album independently.
In 2010, Eminem officially signed Slaughterhouse to Shady Records, at the same time officially putting an end to a few longstanding feuds, as three of the four artists had issues with either Eminem, or his affiliates. Fans of Slaughterhouse initially expected to hear their Shady Records debut in 2010, however the album was pushed back until 2011. In 2011, Shady Records was in the background, as Eminem decided not to release a new album. However, Shady Records’ cypher during the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards was highly popular.
Yesterday, Slaughterhouse had big news, as their Shady Records debut has an official title and release date. The album will be called Welcome to Our House and will be released on May 15, 2012. With the album title and release date established, Joell Ortiz discussed the upcoming project with XXL. Joell Ortiz said Slaughterhouse feels like hip hop is their house and that each emcee feels as if they are one of the best in the game. It is with this roster, Joell Ortiz compares to a football team.
Discussing Slaughterhouse’s music, Joell Ortiz said they have broadened the spectrum. Ortiz credits the crew working with Eminem to the new things they have learned. Mr. Porter, the in-house Shady producer and D12 member, spoke on Welcome to Our House, saying the album is full of surprises. While Eminem allowed Slaughterhouse to maintain their creative control over the music, their Shady debut was produced in-house, as the primary producer is Porter.
For his part on Welcome to Our House, Joell Ortiz has drawn unusal inspiration. Ortiz’ neighbor in New York is Giants’ wide receiver, Victor Cruz. During a conversation with Cruz, who will be playing in his first Super Bowl, told Joell Ortiz how amazing it is he is doing this at this point in his career. After his conversation with Cruz, everything hit Joell Ortiz, his album will be released on Shady Records. Victor Cruz, himself, had yet to have that moment about his own Super Bowl appearance until later, when he called Ortiz and talked about it.
