Joell Ortiz & KXNG Crooked Announce ‘H.A.R.D.’ Collabo EP + Drop Self-Titled Single feat. MRK SX

Today, we announce a new project from Joell Ortiz & KXNG Crooked who met the year they both won XXL’s coveted Freshmen of the Year Award. The two’s careers are as legendary as any in the rap game. Joell Ortiz started by signing to Dr. Dre’s Aftermath label, then moving to Shady Records as part of the supergroup Slaughterhouse with Joe Budden, Royce Da 5’9, and KXNG Crooked. Add to that a fresh feature on Eminem’s newest album “Music To Be Murdered By.” Meanwhile, KXNG Crooked was signed to Virgin Records at just 17 before joining Death Row Records. He’s had a flourishing solo career including collaborations along the way with Tech N9ne, 2Pac, Benny The Butcher, Raekwon, Akon, Ray J, and more.

The new project is produced by Heatmakerz, Apollo Brown, iLLmind, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Boogeyman and Erick Sermon. KXNG Crooked and Joell Ortiz have finally come together for the new joint project “H.A.R.D.” out May 29th on Mello Music Group.

“It felt great to catch up with my bro and chop it up! We’re like long lost cousins. Crook and I grew up 2,800 miles apart under the same conditions. Poverty, struggle, injustice, etc.,” Ortiz told Complex. “Whenever we get together we have rap discussions and world talks that almost always turn into legendary childhood stories. This time was no different, except, this time we ended up in the vocal booth.” –Joell Ortiz

“All of this shit was meant to happen. 2020 has been rough for a lot of people so I’m glad we can bless the culture with high art. One of my favorite things about this EP is the fact that I got to hang out with Fred the Godson during the creative process. I don’t think Joell would mind me speaking for him when I say this EP is dedicated to the loving memory of Fred. Hope y’all fuck with it.” –KXNG Crooked