Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
In 2007, New York rapper, Joell Ortiz released his debut album, The Brick (Bodega Chronicles) on Koch Records. The album caught the attention of Dr. Dre, who quickly signed him to Aftermath Entertainment. Dre had hoped to put him in the studio and have his next album out by 2008.
However, with Dr. Dre overseeing projects from Eminem, 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, and many other artists, Joell Ortiz grew tired of waiting. Sensing his album would be coming sometime after Detox, Joell Ortiz left Aftermath. He began working on his next album, Free Agent.
While working on the album, Joell Ortiz joined Slaughterhouse and the group signed with Shady Records. Soon, Joell Ortiz was no longer a free agent. He was signed by SRC Records and he began putting the finishing touches on his Free Agent album. The album was set for a November 29, 2010 release. But, with today here, the album is not ready.
Despite not being able to record on Dr. Dre's label, Joell Ortiz has still worked with him. The Christmas of 2007 was a great Christmas for Joell Ortiz because of Dr. Dre. Even though things did not work out, he feels as if he owes the doctor something. Ever since Dr. Dre decided to go ahead and finish Detox, Joell Ortiz decided to do some writing for the album. He has spent more time writing than he has actually working on his own album, so Ortiz decided to push his album back until January 2011 so he can finish Detox.
Joell Ortiz's sophomore album, Free Agent, is to have production work from DJ Premier and Cool & Dre. The album will have guest appearances from The L.O.X. and Fat Joe.