Joell Ortiz & KXNG Crooked announce collaborative project “H.A.R.D.” & release title track.
Joell Ortiz & KXNG Crooked met the year they both won XXL’s coveted Freshmen of the Year Award. Their careers are as legendary as any in the rap game. Joell Ortiz started by signing to Dr. Dre’s Aftermath label, then moving to Shady records as part of the Super group Slaughterhouse with Joe Budden, Royce 5’9 and KXNG Crooked.
Meanwhile, KXNG Crooked was signed to Virgin Records at just 17 before joining Death Row Records. He’s had a flourishing solo career including collaborations along the way with TechN9ne, 2Pac, Benny The Butcher, Raekwon, Akon, Ray J and more.
After recently reconvening on Eminem’s newest album Music To Be Murdered By, one half of Slaughterhouse have come back together for a new joint project, H.A.R.D., which will be released on 5-29-20 by Mello Music Group.
Today, the duo announced their new collaborative union and premiered the project’s title track with Complex.
“It felt great to catch up with my bro and chop it up! We’re like long lost cousins. Crook and I grew up 2800 miles apart under the same conditions. Poverty, struggle, injustice, etc†Joell lamented to Complex. “Whenever we get together we have rap discussions and world talks that almost always turn into legendary childhood stories. This time was no different, except, this time we ended up in the vocal booth. This is H.A.R.D. (Housing Authority Rap District). Enjoy!!!â€
“I’m big on universal laws. Masters attract masters. The universe put me and Joell on the first Freshman cover of XXL magazine together standing side by side. We were strangers before that moment who somehow ended up in the same rap group months later†Crooked commented to Complex. “All of this shit was meant to happen. 2020 has been rough for a lot of people so I’m glad we can bless the culture with high art. One of my favorite things about this project is the fact that I got to hangout with Fred The Godson during the creative process. I don’t think Joell would mind me speaking for him when I say this project is dedicated to the loving memory of Fred. Hope y’all fuck with it.â€
Joell & Crooked’s H.A.R.D. features production from illMind, Erick Sermon, Apollo Brown, Heatmakerz & J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League and will be released on 5-29-20 via Mello Music Group.
