Once every blue moon hip-hop somehow or another puts together a collective that seems to promise a classic album months or even years before it drops. In the late 90s it was the Hot Boys, in 2005 it was Atlanta’s Boyz N Da Hood. This year things look even more promising as already established MCs Royce Da 5’9”, Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, and Crooked I are collaborating as the collective Slaughterhouse.

The group originated from the track “Slaughterhouse” off Joe Budden’s Halfway House album. The four felt that the chemistry was so strong just ten short months ago that they needed to release an album together; and now the day has come.

Producer Streetrunner laces a horn heavy victory lap inspired backdrop for the quartet to spit hot fire on the opening gun shot “Sound Off.” All four MCs go all the way in over The Alchemist’s elaborate production credentials on the statement making “Microphone.” The Slaughterhouse collective opt for a more rock & roll approach on the DJ Khalil produced head banger and first single “The One.”

Each of the members take turns basically spitting the most off the wall shit that they can on the non-apologetic “Cuckooo.” Fatman Scoop offers his energetic ad-libs on the second coming of the group’s first ever song on the cleverly Emile produced “Onslaught 2.” All four MCs profess their dissatisfaction with the rap game on the Mr. Porter helmed “Cut You Loose,” where Joe Budden goes to the extent of relinquishing control back to Method Man.

In most cases similar to this one an album such as this would have never seen the light of day. With that said the simple fact that Joell Ortiz, Crooked I, Joe Budden, and Royce Da 5’9” could all come together and get this thing to the public is a true testament for their individual loves for hip-hop.

The bottom line as far as music is concerned is that the quartet did more than handle their business on this effort. Anytime you can couple stellar production with an abundance of non-stop lyrical onslaught you have a certified winner. Hopefully this isn’t the end of something so good and maybe other rappers will also cash in on this new formula!

VERDICT – 15 / 20
LYRICS: 4
PRODUCTION: 4
DELIVERY: 4
CONSISTENCY: 3

1. Joell Ortiz feat. The Kickdrums – “How To Change”
2. J.A.M.E.S. Watts feat. Frank G – “You’re My Life”
3. The Kickdrums – “Just A Game”
4. A.P. feat. Illmind – “All I Seen”
5. Wale – “Family Affair”
6. Saigon feat. The Kickdrums – “Change Gon Come”
7. Skillz feat. Usef Dinero & DJ Jazzy Jeff – “Inside A Change”
8. Jayci – “Thru”
9. Novel – “F*** Wit My Mind”
10. J.A.M.E.S. Watts & Nami Unreal feat. Frank G – “Get Up 8”
11. Black Moon – “This Goes Out To You”
12. Aasim feat. Sean C & Lv – “Just Live”
13. J.A.M.E.S. Watts & A.P. feat. The Kickdrums – “Other Side”
14. Royce Da 5′9″ – “The Best Thing Yet”
15. Jared Evan – “Headphones”
16. Jesse Boykins III – “Be All Truth”
17. Consequence feat. Statik Selektah & Paula Campbell – “Closer”
18. Jason Lam – “Inside A Change Main Theme”
19. Chronik & Echonomist – “Inside A Change Love Theme”
20. Blakkout – “Closer” (Original Version)
21. Rik Cordero & Nami Unreal – “Speak Again”

Download Mixtape Here

I’m not at all too hyped about this whole Slaughterhouse project. I guess it’s mainly because I just can’t dig that one cat Joe Budden at all. Maybe he’ll actually step up his game and show the world why he has so many damn internet stans. Crooked I, I haven’t really heard enough from him. Royce Da 5’9”, I’ve never really been into him. So that pretty much just leaves Joell Ortiz whom I feel has the most potential out of any of them. Lets just wait and see what happens!