WERS 88.9 fm - Album Review: Slaughterhouse

October 6th, 2009

Hip hop artists have always been known to express their most inner thoughts with no hesitation of holding back, regardless of their audience. Back in the early 70's, rap began as an expression of cultural struggle and dialog that consisted of people relating to one another as a means to communicate what was going on in their communities, both in their homes and their society. Most recently, Slaughterhouse released their highly anticipated self titled debut, Slaughterhouse.

 The title is definitely fitting for the violent lyrics they spit. Their logo of a slaughtered pig hanging upside down is an introduction of what kind of lyrics you'll be listening to once you get the album playing. Members of Slaughterhouse (Joe Budden, Crooked I, Joell Ortiz and Royce Da 5'9') pack you with gory details of how they want to stab your heart out, cock their 9 millimeter and run through females just for the fun of it. "The Mind of Madness," features Joe Budden lyrically rhyming while under the influence of the prescription drug Vicotin, slurring and talking slow.

"Cuckoo," has hard lyrics that make references to Budden's private parts and describing what he wants to do to a woman.  "Onslaught," and "Not Tonight," have solid beats, but other than that, I just can't get down with Slaughterhouse. Finally towards the end of the album, during the song "Prey (It's a shame)," you'll find lyrics with a message and significant meaning that talks about their lives growing up as a children and their lives now.

 I appreciate that it's an artist's right to express their thoughts and feelings about any particular matter, but in this economic depression, the dismay of many people's are feeling limit the audience who wants to hear lyrics that are this depressing, demeaning to women and without a significant purpose. This is not meant to dismiss the significance of the artistic merits of quality hardcore rappers like 2pac, but with 2pac, there was a message to his madness that made me reflect on my own life and the people that are close to me. There is very little about Slaughterhouse that touches on a positive message. It was actually very hard on my ears and made my stomach turn. If you like your hardcore rap raw and rugged, gun shots blasting, and angry lyrics then this is the album for you to cop. Otherwise, you're most likely better off avoiding this release.

-By Najya Mawasi