For the greater portion of Slaughterhouse’s four projects (Slaughterhouse, Slaughterhouse EP, On The House, and Welcome to: Our House), hip-hop’s four horsemen proved why they are the mightiest lyrical force in rap. Yet the collective is digging a little deeper on its third LP.
Joe Budden, Royce Da 5’9″, Crooked I and Joell Ortiz sat down for an interview after ripping their SXSW performance at VIBE x House of Vans’ showcase to speak on how their next effort (Glass House, out this year) will be the group’s most personal to date.
“The content is what is going to separate this particular body of work from our previous efforts,” says Budden, with a Burberry scarf draped around his neck. “As artists [we] go somewhere that we probably haven’t explored as a collective in quite some time… When the album comes out a lot of people will be shocked at the caliber of music.”
Budden adds that the music on Glass House, which is executive produced by Just Blaze, is an all-star collection of instrumentals.
“Just Blaze created a Slaughterhouse of producers,” says Budden, mentioning J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Cardiak, AraabMuzik and Illmind as contributors. DJ Premier has also spoken on a future collaboration with Slaughterhouse. “Everybody in there just rocked out for two months and inspired each other. The music reflects that.”
Crooked I cosigns his lyrical partner, adding that the group vented personal issues to make the music even more relatable.
“We were going through different things personally in our life and it just shines through the music,” said Crooked. “That’s what’s going to make it relatable to the fan. It’s everyday struggles, everyday pain, everyday obstacles. You’re going to go through a journey when you listen to this album.”
“You’re going to get to know Slaughterhouse a lot better,” he continues. “I’m hoping that we become more like a friend to the listener than [rappers] that they’re listening to. The whole album is going to surprise people.”
Slaughterhouse’s Glass House is for release later this year, while the Glass House tour kicks off tonight in Boston. —John Kennedy
