Joell Ortiz Misses Royce, Crook, & Joe On Heartfelt "Reflection"

BYMitch Findlay10.4K Views
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Joell Ortiz opens up over soulful instrumentation on "Reflection."

Joell Ortiz and Apollo Brown have been adding art to the museum one song at a time. Today, the pair have come through with "Reflection," an offering destined to satiate the loyal.

Fans of Slaughterhouse will no doubt feel a melancholic wave during the opening verse, when Joell opens up about a future without his groupmates. "It took a sec for me to accept that next time I'm on the road, won't be no Crook, won't be no Royce, won't be no Joe," raps Joell, over the soulful instrumentations of Apollo Brown. Hard truths, especially for those still lamenting the group's rocky split, and hearing Ortiz approach them with a surprising tenderness makes you wish for an alternate timeline where Slaughterhouse had just finished dropping Glass House.  

Either way, Joell possesses enough lyrical prowess to paint an entertaining picture, even when dwelling on his shortcomings. In fact, the brutal honesty and wistful vibe add an endearing sincerity to "Reflections," giving the oft-underappreciated Slaughterhouse member a welcome dose of character development. Peep the single now, and be sure to keep an eye out for the Apollo Brown-produced Mona Lisa, dropping soon.

Quotable Lyrics

So fuck it, let it alone
Headphones dead in the zone, like Rick and Michonne,
I'm feeling better on my own
It took a sec for me to accept that next time I'm on the road,
Won't be no Crook, won't be no Royce, won't be no Joe


About The Author
<b>Feature Editor</b> <!--BR--> Mitch Findlay is a writer and hip-hop journalist based in Montreal. Resident old head by default. Enjoys writing Original Content about music, albums, lyrics, and rap history. His favorite memories include interviewing J.I.D and EarthGang at the "Revenge Of The Dreamers 3" studio sessions in Atlanta and receiving a phone call from Dr. Dre. In his spare time he makes horror movies.
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