Joell Ortiz just came out an said it: he and Detroit-producer Apollo Brown are joining forces on a new project titled Mona Lisa. The classic producer/rapper collabo has eluded the Brooklyn rapper since his Human LP with Illmind. Since then, Joell has carried forward a tradition of lyricism without his Slaughterhouse cohorts by his side. The path that lay ahead for each member was peculiarly slanted. Joe Budden became a notable member of the media, Royce reached new heights as a solo artist, Crooked I changed his name and went on a mission to dismantle "Trap Music," but Joell has become a hip hop biographer as of late, the impetus still on musical discovery.
His project with Apollo Brown is slated for October 26, via Mello Music Group. Apollo Brown's winding road leading to his association with Joell, has given him full-access to the boom bap-inspired underground of yesteryear and today. Brown has worked with Ghostface, Skyzoo, Planet Asia, OC, Locksmith, Ras Kass, and many others before making Joell's acquaintance.
“In my ears, this is what the painting Mona Lisa sounds like,” Apollo Brown said of album's naming rights. "This album is a relatable body of work that everyone can listen to and appreciate. It’s growth within a gold frame. Open your ears and enjoy.”
Keep it peeled for the end of October when the project sees lights.