SOB'S Presents...
Joell Ortiz “House Slippers” Album Release Party
Tuesday, Sep 16 2014
8:00PM doors / 9:00PM show
$20 in advance - $22 day of show (age 21+)
SOUND OF BRAZIL (SOBS)
204 Varick St - New York, NY 10014 - 212.243.4940
When you’re at your most centered and comfortable, you can do your best work. That was definitely the case for Joell Ortiz. The acclaimed Brooklyn rapper’s third full-length album and first for the newly re-launched Penalty Entertainment, House Slippers, reflects his confidence and charisma as an artist not only in its title but most importantly in the music.
In the winter of 2012, the emcee decided to make a few big changes in his life, and they would immensely impact the course of his latest opus.
After coming off the road from a world tour alongside the likes of Eminem, the artist turned all of his attention to House Slippers. He channeled the gusto of his celebrated debut The Brick: Bodega Chronicles and 2009’s Free Agent, while embracing a newfound fire and focus. He started recording with producer !llmind (50 Cent, Scarface) at his home studio. Together they worked on "Dream On", "Better Than", and the title track.
“The album seems triumphant,” he smiles. “It’s a journey. You get the old me all the way up to the new me—and everything in between. I’ll never stop being raw. That’s going to linger no matter what. However, this time it’s thought-out. It’s New York and edgy, but in a vivid way. The projects in Brooklyn raised me so you’ll never lose that grit and competitive hunger in my voice. Now, there’s a balance though.”
Part of the balance further came from working with The Heatmakerz (Lil Wayne, The Diplomats) as executive producers. He holed up at the production duo’s home studio where he recorded the bulk of the album. Finding the perfect groove, he even showed up wearing his “house slippers” daily.
“I finally felt like I had a home to record,” he explains. “They let me just record and be myself. Once I started going to the studio in my slippers, I knew we were on our way. That’s why I called the album "House Slippers". This is me at my most comfortable. It’s very clear and clean. It’s as pure as it can be.”
That purity shines through on the first single “Music Saved My Life” [featuring B.o.B]. Joell’s signature robust delivery and airtight flow immediately strike, while B.o.B offers up a sharp and slick verse. It’s especially close to his heart.
“’Music Saved My Life’ is self-explanatory,” he reveals. “In the beginning, I’m talking about what I used to listen to as a kid. We were poverty-stricken, and my mom had a drug problem early on. I listened to music throughout that time. It was there for me through welfare, having no dad, and being a street kid. Music was the only constant. Eventually, I got record deals and the chance to take care of myself and my loved ones through music. It literally saved my life, and it’s always been there for me.”
Elsewhere on the record, Joell treads new territory altogether. “Candy” flaunts an irresistible hook and production sweetened by a dynamic buzz. “For so long, I’ve been this raw, raunchy spitter,” he continues. “There’s this bounce and a swing to it. It was a challenge because I added my own spin. I love it.”
Still, this wordsmith lights up “Cold World” and “Dream On” with the incendiary bars that fans have come to know, love, and expect from him. Given that power, the partnership with the iconic Penalty proved perfect, being the label’s flagship release.
“We joined forces during the change of seasons from winter going into spring,” adds Joell. “I feel like my life is in a different season. We have a wonderful team in place. We’re going to let everyone know Penalty is coming, I’m here, and we mean business.”
Joell Ortiz - House Slippers
First video and single off of the new Joell Ortiz album "House Slippers".
In stores and online September 2014.
