Finding The GOAT Group: Slaughterhouse vs. Run The Jewels. Who Is Better?
“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no deserving band of MCs and DJs is neglected. The 2018 contest consists of seven rounds, NCAA basketball-tournament style, leading to a Top 32, then the Sweet 16 and so on, until one winner is determined. For each battle, two groups are pitted against one another with a ballot to decide which one advances to the next round. Though there will be an enormous amount of debate in comments, on social media, in barbershops and text messages, which we encourage, only votes cast in the official ballot (below) count.
The next battle is between two super-groups who formed years after their founders already had followings: Slaughterhouse and Run The Jewels. Both of these acts emerged out of experimental collaborations gone incredibly right, across geography and defying expectations. Which powerhouse prevails? Your vote may decide it.
Slaughterhouse
Formed a decade ago, Slaughterhouse is the culmination of four MCs from four different cities, each known for murdering nearly every verse they spit. Joe Budden, KXNG Crooked (fka Crooked I), Joell Ortiz and Royce 5’9 had solo careers before using a collaborative song as a launchpad into a movement. They were able to reach new heights and rejuvenate their brands after becoming Slaughterhouse. The quartet went on to release two celebrated albums, an EP, and two mixtapes. Rising from the independent scene, ‘House found its home at Eminem’s Shady Records, with Marshall making some memorable appearances alongside his act of lyrical mercenaries. In recent years, Slaughterhouse’s output has slowed to a song every few years. KXNG Crooked exited the collective just days ago. However, this troop set a lasting trend of bar-minded MCs coming together to uplift the culture and their profiles.
Run The Jewels
The Atlanta, Georgia to Brooklyn, New York connection of Killer Mike and El-P formed in 2013. They subsequently released three albums, all self-titled and numbered, that have been cult heralded. Each achieved more chart success than the last. Within this discography (often available for free), Run The Jewels mixes social commentary into thumping futuristic beats from El. Friends from the MC/producer’s Def Jux days and Killer Mike’s Southern cohorts often make appearances on releases that can be unpredictable, especially with top-notch music videos. R.T.J. have become branding experts, complete with a logo, whimsical side projects, merchandising, and festival runs that have made the pair an elite 2010s Hip-Hop act, outsizing their solo footprints. Fresh off of two world tours (one with Lorde), Run The Jewels plans to keep snatching the spotlight, and the ears and hearts of Rap fans.
Finding The GOAT Group: ONYX vs. M.O.P. Who Is Better?
So who is the better Hip-Hop group? Make sure you vote above.