Joell Ortiz

Free Agent

  • MOG Editorial Review

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    Appropriately titled Free Agent, Joell Ortiz’s second album released him from his contract, yet the album is his best yet regardless of what the label honchos thought. The Brooklyn veteran could teach newer acts a thing or two. When it comes to obliterating his way through a track, he does it with ease while sounding both legit and dynamic, as on the outstanding “Battle Cry." R&B collaboration “Call Me (She Said)” highlights his highly detailed, spitfire storytelling capabilities. Likewise, “Nursery Rhyme” cleverly puts to use what the title suggests, and the DJ Premier standout, “Sing Like Bilal,” again asserts Joell Ortiz’s heavy-hitting, no frills flow. For those who think New York rap ain’t what it used to be, keep your ears tuned in to Free Agent.
  • AMG Review of Free Agent

    Amg
    David Jeffries
    All Music Guide

    Just like the self-titled, 2011 EP from his crew Slaughterhouse, Free Agent is a contractual obligation release, freeing gifted rapper Joell Ortiz from his eOne contract, but this time, as a solo artist. The similarities don’t stop there as the EP and Joell’s effort share the furious highlight “Put Some Money on It,” plus they both pack a punch you wouldn’t expect from such releases. In the case of Free Agent, it’s a knock-out. Hip-hop heads get to revel in Ortiz’s insider story as he goes through his legal deals with Aftermath recordings and Dr. Dre, but the subject matter doesn’t dominate the album, which sounds more like dispatches from the heart of a champion than mere industry bitching and gossip. Think Fat Joe if he could kick karate, and you’re close to the sound of the mighty “Sing Like Bilal,” and if you want stately and majestic, “Battle Cry” is the hip-hop entry theme on which you’ve been waiting. Throughout the album, Ortiz drops punch lines that are wicked, stories that are detailed, and hooks that are solid. Some might complain they’ve heard the best bits on earlier mixtapes, but Free Agent is an excellent way for the less fussy fan to get all these heaters in one shot.

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