Eminem’s decision to collectively sign Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden, Royce Da 5’9” and Crooked I to a Slaughterhouse deal under his Shady imprint will likely remain one of 2011’s top headlines. But, in an interview with the UK’s HipHopChronicle, Joell Ortiz addressed the very real issue of critically acclaimed artists signing major label deals and failing to meet expectations. Ortiz said his previous experience with Slaughterhouse gave him confidence that the Shady partnership would be a success.
“We made the first Slaughterhouse album happen,” Joell recounted. “When we were talking about it and everybody was just like, ‘Ah, we know. Y’all formed a group; we’ll see what happens.’ We made that album happen in six days, with a deadline that was just sprung on us.”
Ortiz also explained that Eminem doesn’t want to interfere with what the four-man collective already does. Joell said Em expressed interest in producing and lending verses to the Slaughterhouse project, while still taking a mostly hands-off approach.
Joell Ortiz, like the rest of Slaughterhouse, also maintains a solo career. As the title of his latest effort indicates, he is a “free agent” currently fielding offers from various labels. After logging time on Aftermath and Koch/E-1, Joell says his next potential suitor only needs to have a few choice qualities.
“I want to be with somebody that believes in Joell Ortiz,” he said. “They need to know how much I want to win, and they have to be able to get money. No matter who I sit across from that might be a fan or might respect me as an artist, I’m a business investment. So I want them to understand that I like money as much as they do. Let’s collaborate and make great music and lots of money.
Joell would have better prospects getting a job at the White Castle than hoping for a money making solo career.
I’m going to invest money in recording costs, manufacturing (not much but still) and promotion for what?
So fat boy with a whiny voice can sell… 5000 units, tops?
As if a 30+ year old dude who’s spit 100s and 100s of verses has anything left to say either.
Kingsborough Community College would be a good look for Joell too. Maybe he can get a scholarship!
your an idiot…
Wow dude youre a grade A idiot. Joell is the best out right now. Why dont u try to listen to a record before you go judgign. This is whats wrong with hip hop. Meatheads like this guy doesnt know who Joell Ortiz is!! YAOWA!!!1
I dont believe i just read that m*therf*ckers comment! Im a London dude and Hip Hop is my life! Ortiz is pure Hip Hop and a monster in the game!
You can’t wish yourself to be the next Wayne or Eminem. Some rappers can have all the lyrical talent in the world, but just never be in the position to ever blow up. That’s Joell Ortiz. That’s Slaughterhouse. They’ll be lucky to release one album under Shady, which is fine. Cash the check and move on.
You guys are idiots. Joell is nice. Making money doesn’t necessarily mean he wants to blow up and be as big as Wayne. He should get a job at White Castle? Are you serious? LOL. If anything cats like Wayne and Gucci should be working in fast food, while people with talent make loot.
Big ups to Joell!
This is pathetic. The hip hop scence is bigger in england then the US now! All you greedy dumb rappers like rick ross throwing 1 million around in a strip club are broke now and can’t no one put out records. Hip hop should be ashamed. Hip hop is bigger in Toronto now then new york city! disgrace yo!
Joell is mediocrity who shot his load on his first, pretty good album. And guarantee I’ve listened to more Joell long than any of ya’ll since I’m about three blocks from where he grow up.
But facts is facts: dude does NOT have it, or if he did, every decent verse he might have had is gone in the hustle.
He was smoked by Game on “Apollo Kids” and couldn’t even shine on an Infamous Mobb record.
Ya’ll want to play with his man titties go for it but pretending Joell has a viable solo career, or ANY charisma as an entertainer is not going to make it real.
Or, better yet, why don’t all you Joell “riders” pool your funds and put his next solo yourselves?
See where that gets ya’ll.