Many Hip-Hop fans were shocked to learn of KXNG Crooked’s exit from Slaughterhouse last weekend (April 20). The Long Beach, California MC once known as Crooked I released a video thanking his brothers, Eminem, and Shady Records, as well as fans. In the video, Crook’ explained that the collective is not currently making music, which is his passion. Noting his sobriety, he stressed how he wants to rhyme and needs outlets to do so.

Slaughterhouse released one song in the last year, “Chopping Block,” on Royce 5’9’s Bar Exam 4 mixtape, and a total of two since 2014’s Shady XV label compilation. After two albums, an EP and two mixtapes since the crew’s formation a decade ago, KXNG Crooked marked the first band member to leave. Meanwhile, Joe Budden has stated that he is not making music, but focusing on his podcast and media career.

KXNG Crooked Has Left Slaughterhouse. Here’s Why (Video)

Upon the news, Joell Ortiz expressed love and respect to Crook. Slaughterhouse fans will likely get Joe Budden’s take on the MC/host’s podcast. As for Royce, he reacted to the news in a video with HipHopDX. Editor-in-Chief Trent Clark asked Royce if Slaughterhouse was disbanded ahead of Friday’s news. “Um, no—not officially,” responded the Detroit, Michigan MC, with a laugh. He continued, “I guess we are now,” implying that he, Budden, and Ortiz would not keep the collective running without KXNG “Crooked is my brother, man. He’s my brother; I support anything that he wants to do—anything that he wants to do. It’s the same with all the other members. They’re not just guys; they’re family…I support Joe with his podcast, I support Joell with the sh*t that he’s doing with Fred The Godson…that’s just how friends are supposed to do.”

The MC with the Slaughterhouse tattoo on his hand says, “It’s for life.” He is open to the possibility of a reunion in time, something that Royce experienced with Eminem as Bad Meets Evil after more than a decade ago. “So if it’s meant for us to do anything in the future, it’ll happen.” In February, Royce and KXNG Crooked appeared together, alongside DMX and Statik Selektah on Forever M.C.’s “King Kong.” That collaboration premiered at Ambrosia For Heads.

DMX, KXNG Crooked & Royce 5’9 Show King Kong Ain’t Got Nothin’ On Them (Audio Premiere)

Royce’s mentioning that Slaughterhouse is a family comes after he publicly disagreed with Joe Budden’s tactics in criticizing Eminem’s Revival album. Even though they may not be active, and appear not to be moving forward as a trio, the ‘House appears to be a gang still.

Nickel is currently preparing The Book Of Ryan for May 4 release. He released J. Cole-assisted video single “Boblo Boat” (directed by Cole) and “Dumb,” featuring Shady brother Boogie. Last month, Royce and DJ Premier released PRhyme 2. The album featuring Rapsody, Big K.R.I.T., CeeLo and others debuted in the Top 40.