Although Joell Ortiz is widely considered one of the most underrated MCs around, Ortiz’s lyrical skill hasn’t translate into success in today’s mainstream scene. Learning that the hard way, Interscope head Jimmy Iovine has delayed the promotion of Joell’s major label debut until the Latino rapper sells out with a gimmicky track. Fortunately, Ortiz knows how to make lemonade with the lemons he’s been given and uses the opportunity to rap about his life’s previous Ups & Downs. Guest feature Ming adds a woman’s touch with her smooth hook, and producer Static Selektah‘s beat screams instant classic. Ups and Downs will probably never get played on the radio, but Joell knows what he wants and will settle for nothing less.
Ortiz will never blow up. He just isn't marketable. Plus, he has to learn to change up his flow sometimes, its pretty boring if you don't hear his lyrics. I think he takes himself a little too seriously, he needs to take a page out of Shady's book. Don't get me wrong tho, his lyrical talent is impressive, he just doesn't have an image that will sell.
I like the beat a lot!! I’m a Statik Seletah’s fan since I heard SPELL MY NAME RIGHT: THE ALBUM, which I recommend to ya’ll! (Way better than this) I agree with Str8 cLasSy gUrl, if there was a JayZ on the track it’d be crazy. I guess Joell’s flow should match the beat better, altough he has some lyric skill.
Burmy, you hit it right on the head...This beat is really hot and I LOVE the HOOD Dominican corner store in the background of the pic! Reminds me of Newark, I love it! I like his flow on here, but it kinda reminds me of Pharoah M.
Still a good track though.
Joell's voice is annoying, dude got lyrics, and from Latino to another, I applaud him, but that high pitched flow gotta go, Pun mastered that homes. Leave it alone.
I'm f***in' feelin' this right here... Not only is the beat classic, but I think dude is SPITTIN'. Feel bad for whoever can't focus long enough to decipher what he's saying (not only the message, but the actual punchlines). That TV commercial attention span is ruining our generation....
Nope Joell you need to stop it i'm just not feeling this but others might like so i guess continue making music for your fan base. Not garbage though but not a good Ok
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