In 2008, four well known and talented emcees banded together and decided to deliver some dope music that the rap game has been missing since the days of The Black Sheep or Leaders of the New School. Members Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden, Crooked I, and Royce da 5’9″ formed the group Slaughterhouse and recently have been dropping a mixture of singles and mixtapes that have kept their buzz heavy in the industry. With their newly-inked Shady/Interscope record’s deal, the rap supergroup step out into mainstream success on their debut album Welcome to: OUR HOUSE.

From the beginning, the album starts on that dark, crazy tone that is signature of Royce da 5’9″ and Em’s recent style with added hooks from the macabre Skylar Grey and the high-energy Busta Rhymes featured track “Coffin”. Quickly shifting from chainsaw and horror-movie themed tracks to the stripper-party inspired single “Throw That” ft. Eminem, OUR HOUSE  fluctuates from raw underground vibe, real rap, and some commercial tracks but still manages to give each member their shine. While delivering well timed puns, in-verse rhymes, and metaphors, the lyrical content throughout the OUR HOUSE is top-notch.

Coupling dope lyrics with A-list production, it is clear that Slaughter House wanted to do the fans justice but rise away from just underground success. With a darker, drum heavy AraabMuzik produced beat on the street single “Hammerdance,” snare drum rhythms on the No I.D. “Get Up,” radio friendly Street Runner single “My Life” ft Cee-Lo, to the intimate Boi-1da produced single “Goodbye,” OUR HOUSE has a variety of content that doesn’t sacrifice the group’s personal style of delivering real rap without sacrificing lyrical prowess for a more pop-frienfly sound. Although collectively this album isn’t the rap game’s “savior” LP, it is a strong return to the days of focusing on clever lyrics-regardless of content-with top production for an ever growing stagnant music industry.

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Stream the entire album here.