Slaughterhouse, Review.
Slaughterhouse is a super group comprised of four highly respected lyricists with spotty solo careers. As the name of the group suggests, SH’s shtick is killing shit; vicious, snarling verses with an emphasis on wordplay. Even Joe Budden, who has never impressed me much, delivers monster verses. I suppose you have to when you’re in the same room as Crooked I, Joell Ortiz and Royce Da 5’9.
Playing off each other’s ferocity and their respective reputations as the most dangerous MCs in the game, the Slaughterhouse boys destroy more than a few triumphant tracks. I’m especially fond of “Lyrical Murderers” and “Microphone” which are amply sinister, “The One,” which is a decidedly un-corny party anthem and “Cuckoo,” which sounds like the world is ending.
But anyone who used to listen to D Block mixtapes can attest to the fact that being verbally assaulted gets tiring. Everyone loves a lyrical beatdown here and there, but you have to switch it up on your album. This is why track 11 (“Salute”) is a mournful plea for recognition instead of another evisceration of the listener. And that’s where Slaughterhouse falls apart. Budden asking God to answer his prayers on “Pray (It’s a Shame)” is a feeble attempt at poignancy and the final two Mr. Porter and Filthy Rockwell-produced tracks are equally uninteresting and generic.
Slaughterhouse is weak toward the end, but exemplary when it’s loud and mean (the majority of the album).
Download: Slaughterhouse – Sound Off (produced by Streetrunner)
Download: Slaughterhouse – Microphone (produced by Alchemist)
Download: Slaughterhouse – The One (ft. The New Royales) (produced by DJ Khalil)
And here’s the excellent video for "The One," directed by Rik Cordero. Smacks of "Cherchez La Ghost."
Sphere: Related Content
Word said,
Wrote on August 3, 2009 @ 11:54 pm
Haven’t listened to it yet, waiting to bump it after RTB LA.
You’re on point with “Even Joe Budden, who has never impressed me much, delivers monster verses. I suppose you have to when you’re in the same room as Crooked I, Joell Ortiz and Royce Da 5’9”. Always felt that way as well. It’s because of the group i’ve warmed up to him, but i still don’t go out checkin’ for his shit. Let u know what i think of it. Peace.
ben said,
Wrote on August 4, 2009 @ 1:48 am
the whole album is straight crack !! cuckoo the only track cant really get into. They all kill the album. for people who not to keen on budden coz i see quite a few online try listening to just to be different,sidetracked,all of me , both ransom disses and the 2nd saigon diss if you like hip hop they have to change your mind ! ( didnt even get started on tracks from padded room !
slaughterhouse album of the year 2009 !!!!!!
Chris Campbell said,
Wrote on August 4, 2009 @ 2:44 am
did you seriously just completely disregard the “rain drops” record? are you serious?
Nate Mills said,
Wrote on August 4, 2009 @ 2:03 pm
I agree with Chris Campbell. Rain Drops is sorely be slept on. That song is so dope. It’s my favorite track on the album. Crooked I owned that track, but all 4 of them dudes poured their all into it.
Overall I felt the album was a 4/5. Not quite a classic, but a very good album nonetheless.
Double R said,
Wrote on August 11, 2009 @ 10:07 am
they should have took 2 tracks out and put
move on ,wack mcs,woodstock or fight club on there
cut u loose is a dope track ….kinda like a “i used to love her part 2”
Dukinstien said,
Wrote on August 15, 2009 @ 11:39 am
The album as a whole is a banger but i gotta agree wit double r.Wack mc’s and move on would have made it 100. But even to that credit there wont be a project this solid for god knows how long so enjoy it.
4Real said,
Wrote on September 9, 2009 @ 12:27 am
joe budden is sick ( MY FAV )
Ortiz is sick
Royce Da 5’9? the leader
Crooked is a monster
crazy mad album
real hip hop
Crooked I – Guess Who’s Back (ft.Snoop Dogg). said,
Wrote on October 7, 2009 @ 8:32 am
[…] music from the Slaughterhouse member, with an Inspired use of a classic Snoop line for the hook. Crazy beat provided by Scram Jones, […]
Slaughterhouse – Microphone, Video. said,
Wrote on November 24, 2009 @ 2:17 pm
[…] Read our review and grab the audio here. […]
Rocky | R O C K O N O V A.COM said,
Wrote on January 5, 2010 @ 2:25 pm
great cd!
Microphone and The One are definitely my favorites!
Josh L said,
Wrote on January 26, 2010 @ 9:42 pm
I am going to go as far to say it IS a classic, and why not?
Its the most consistent CD I have heard since I can remember.
Only song I don’t like on the whole album is cucko