By Hardcore Critic
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Seemingly banned by the industry, Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, Royce Da 5’9, and Crooked I found most of their success on the mixtape level. Separately, the four emcees were among the most popular mixtape rappers in the game. However, when the foursome came together, they were on the verge of making hip hop history.
Slaughterhouse was born late in 2008 and there were rumors of Eminem signing the group from the very beginning. Eminem, at the time, was working on Relapse, his comeback album. The Slaughterhouse four would sign with Koch Records (eOne Music) and release their self-titled debut album.
Even before the release of their debut album, fans knew Slaughterhouse would eventually sign with Shady Records. Because of this, anticipation was high for their Shady Records debut, their sophomore album, before their debut album was released. Throughout 2010 and 2011, many release dates came and went.
During the closing days of 2011, Slaughterhouse revealed their Shady Records debut would be released before the end of 2012. With a spring 2012 release date planned, Slaughterhouse went on tour. Their tour was set to end the same day they released their debut album, which was eventually titled welcome to: OUR House. More delays would be set before Slaughterhouse would release their album, teaming with DJ Drama for a mixtape, On the House, which was released last week.
This past week, Slaughterhouse released their highly-anticipated Shady Records debut, welcome to: OUR House. The album was been expected for well over three years. With the album finally released, Slaughterhouse has had several singles out, which have done very well. Among those singles include “Throw it Away,” “My Life,” and “Throw That.” Featured on those singles are Swizz Beatz, Cee-Lo, and Eminem. On these tracks, the foursome finds themselves overshadowed, a bit, by the guests.
Slaughterhouse put together an enjoyable album and did not rely on many guests, as there are four members in the group. However, for those looking for a classic album will be greatly disappointed.welcome to: OUR Houseis definitely an album full of hits, featuring such hitmakers as B.o.B. and Busta Rhymes, in addition to Skylar Grey, Eminem, Cee-Lo, and Swizz Beatz. While the focus was clearly on Slaughterhouse, they were a bit overshadowed on their collaborations.
With so many artists on the album, welcome to: OUR House plays out more like a compilation album than an album displaying a “supergroup.” But, released in a summer where albums came from Nas, Rick Ross, and DJ Khaled, welcome to: OUR House will ultimately be overlooked, especially with albums scheduled for 2012 release dates from Game and Lil Wayne, among others.
Hip Hop Vibe’s Rating: 6/10
