06/09/07 - Joell Ortiz

American6Idiot9 · 06-09-2007, 02:14 PM

Simply put, Joell Ortiz is a good dude. Large in physique, clad in black jeans, a black hoodie and black Nikes, New York hip-hop’s latest last-best-hope looks fully capable of bone crushing. But as soon as the 6-foot 2-inch, 220-pound Brooklyn-born rapper talks, intimidation gives way to disarming warmness.

Laughs and smiles abound in a midsized office in Koch Records’ Big Apple headquarters the day after the thriving indie label threw an album-release party for his independent debut, The Brick (Bodega Chronicles), at the downtown club S.O.B.’s. Ortiz, walking past those waiting outside, recognized a loyal fan he’d seen at several past shows. “I was like, ‘I’m pulling you in. You aren’t paying,’” says the 26-year-old Ortiz. “But he was like, ‘No, I’m paying!’ He got back on line and waited!”

Loyal support has come easy to Ortiz. Over the past two years, the Puerto Rican spitter has amassed a devoted following through grassroots promotion, intimate audience interaction and lyrically sharp, NYCentric music. Representing a once-dominant city that’s now struggling to anoint a fresh, undeniable rap star, Ortiz is committed to accessibility. He’ll never shrug off a chance for a handshake or ignore shouted props on the street.

Today, in fact, closeness to his ever-growing fan base is something Ortiz literally wears with pride. Hours before an in-store signing at lower Manhattan’s legendary vinyl shop Fat Beats, he explains his aforementioned choice of a black hoodie (“Hustlers and Hardcore” is written in red across the chest). “I was actually in the barbershop, like earlier today,” he says. “And this kid saw our tour bus parked. He opened his trunk and asked my manager if I’d wear this hoodie he designed. And now I’m wearing it to an interview.”

Born and raised in Brooklyn’s Cooper Projects, Ortiz grew up in a predominantly Black neighborhood (“That’s why I don’t speak Spanish well,” he says), with only his mother, Michelle Ortiz, present since his second birthday. A star both in the classroom (SAT score: 1390) and on the basketball court (varsity averages: 19 points/8 assists a game), the Puerto Rock was on a straight path at Manhattan’s Lower Eastside Prep.
However, a sudden shock in his home life sidetracked his college plans: His mother had developed an addiction to drugs. “Once I became aware, I put things on hold and stayed home with her,” says Ortiz, who had received letters expressing interest from Division 1 hoops schools like Louisville, Iona and Georgia Tech. “I’m her only son. I couldn’t let her go down the drain.” Ironically, to make ends meet, Ortiz started hustling the same products that had his mom hooked. “That gave her a little cushion,” he explains. “Like, ‘You can’t condemn me. You’re hustling!’” Fortunately, in August 1999, she kicked the habit. “She came in my room one day and said, ‘I’m done,’” he recalls, noting that she celebrates the date every year with an anniversary cake.

Ortiz cleaned up, too, taking to the streets in a more productive way. A longtime dabbler in battle raps, he got serious in street-corner ciphers and drew the attention of neighborhood hip-hop heads. Local producer Dennis Wynn brought him into Queens’ Hydra studios to hone his skills. The green MC got better, and Wynn took on a management role. But then, early 2000, Wynn caught a five-year prison sentence for conspiracy to distribute. “Just like that,” says Ortiz. “My loyalty was tested again. It’s like some higher power was punking me.”

Read the rest of our Joell Ortiz feature in XXL’s July 2007 issue (#93)

Source: XXLMag.Com

Stranger · 06-09-2007, 02:26 PM

propzzzz.....

marmial · 06-09-2007, 04:06 PM

good read propzz on this

Smithilberry · 06-09-2007, 05:02 PM

props... joell is the truth... one of my favorite rappers to come out in like the past 5 years

Naturalbornalkaholik · 06-09-2007, 05:08 PM

props............

Sole1 · 06-09-2007, 07:06 PM

good rapper but hes probly not gonna blow.
doesnt seem to have like a... universal appeal. nyc loves him tho

gunit/bws/dipset · 06-09-2007, 07:24 PM

hey do me a favor

by accidenttly step on ur white sunglasses

we dont to that over here

this is HIP HOP

LadyValentine · 06-09-2007, 07:38 PM

Joell May Not Blow Worldwide But NY Got His Back...He Won't Sell No 2 Mill But He's Dope And Everyone Has Love For Him

Joell Is The Truth...On Respect Alone..He's Rich

MC B STREETZ · 06-09-2007, 08:26 PM

"walking past those waiting outside, recognized a loyal fan he’d seen at several past shows. “I was like, ‘I’m pulling you in. You aren’t paying,’” says the 26-year-old Ortiz. “But he was like, ‘No, I’m paying!’ He got back on line and waited!”

if dat wuz me & i wouldnt get back in line fuck dat i going on in free

Dope Da Damaja · 06-09-2007, 08:50 PM

where is he?................

wsXV3st · 06-09-2007, 08:59 PM

Joel Is Is A Sick Rapper

alkasmolik43 · 06-09-2007, 09:00 PM

propz dude is nice

$$Madskillz$$ · 06-10-2007, 10:49 PM

propz on the info

sunhead · 06-12-2007, 04:46 PM

im on that bullshit man ortiz is striaght hip hop aint no amusement park snap yo fingers, camron bullshit

this nigga work hard to where he is, he got lyrics n flow.

GO COP THE BRICK

GangstaMusik · 06-17-2007, 11:09 AM

Joell is tha truth

HoLLoW TiPZzZ · 06-17-2007, 11:38 AM

saw this a while back but propzzzzz

06-09-2007, 02:14 PM	#1
American6Idiot9 HipHopVibez Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Mass Posts: 16,101 Thanks: 5,237 Thanked 3,450 Times in 439 Posts	06/09/07 - Joell Ortiz - I Ain't Hard To Find (XXL Mag Feature) 06/09/07 - Joell Ortiz - I Ain't Hard To Find (XXL Mag Feature) Simply put, Joell Ortiz is a good dude. Large in physique, clad in black jeans, a black hoodie and black Nikes, New York hip-hop’s latest last-best-hope looks fully capable of bone crushing. But as soon as the 6-foot 2-inch, 220-pound Brooklyn-born rapper talks, intimidation gives way to disarming warmness. Laughs and smiles abound in a midsized office in Koch Records’ Big Apple headquarters the day after the thriving indie label threw an album-release party for his independent debut, The Brick (Bodega Chronicles), at the downtown club S.O.B.’s. Ortiz, walking past those waiting outside, recognized a loyal fan he’d seen at several past shows. “I was like, ‘I’m pulling you in. You aren’t paying,’” says the 26-year-old Ortiz. “But he was like, ‘No, I’m paying!’ He got back on line and waited!” Loyal support has come easy to Ortiz. Over the past two years, the Puerto Rican spitter has amassed a devoted following through grassroots promotion, intimate audience interaction and lyrically sharp, NYCentric music. Representing a once-dominant city that’s now struggling to anoint a fresh, undeniable rap star, Ortiz is committed to accessibility. He’ll never shrug off a chance for a handshake or ignore shouted props on the street. Today, in fact, closeness to his ever-growing fan base is something Ortiz literally wears with pride. Hours before an in-store signing at lower Manhattan’s legendary vinyl shop Fat Beats, he explains his aforementioned choice of a black hoodie (“Hustlers and Hardcore” is written in red across the chest). “I was actually in the barbershop, like earlier today,” he says. “And this kid saw our tour bus parked. He opened his trunk and asked my manager if I’d wear this hoodie he designed. And now I’m wearing it to an interview.” Born and raised in Brooklyn’s Cooper Projects, Ortiz grew up in a predominantly Black neighborhood (“That’s why I don’t speak Spanish well,” he says), with only his mother, Michelle Ortiz, present since his second birthday. A star both in the classroom (SAT score: 1390) and on the basketball court (varsity averages: 19 points/8 assists a game), the Puerto Rock was on a straight path at Manhattan’s Lower Eastside Prep. However, a sudden shock in his home life sidetracked his college plans: His mother had developed an addiction to drugs. “Once I became aware, I put things on hold and stayed home with her,” says Ortiz, who had received letters expressing interest from Division 1 hoops schools like Louisville, Iona and Georgia Tech. “I’m her only son. I couldn’t let her go down the drain.” Ironically, to make ends meet, Ortiz started hustling the same products that had his mom hooked. “That gave her a little cushion,” he explains. “Like, ‘You can’t condemn me. You’re hustling!’” Fortunately, in August 1999, she kicked the habit. “She came in my room one day and said, ‘I’m done,’” he recalls, noting that she celebrates the date every year with an anniversary cake. Ortiz cleaned up, too, taking to the streets in a more productive way. A longtime dabbler in battle raps, he got serious in street-corner ciphers and drew the attention of neighborhood hip-hop heads. Local producer Dennis Wynn brought him into Queens’ Hydra studios to hone his skills. The green MC got better, and Wynn took on a management role. But then, early 2000, Wynn caught a five-year prison sentence for conspiracy to distribute. “Just like that,” says Ortiz. “My loyalty was tested again. It’s like some higher power was punking me.” Read the rest of our Joell Ortiz feature in XXL’s July 2007 issue (#93) Source: XXLMag.Com

06-09-2007, 02:26 PM	#2
Stranger Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 210 Thanks: 16 Thanked 49 Times in 28 Posts	propzzzz..... __________________

06-09-2007, 04:06 PM	#3
marmial ATS Soldier Nigga! Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 510 Thanks: 306 Thanked 68 Times in 8 Posts	good read propzz on this __________________ "I Dont need to be strong, yeah i dont need that. I need a buletproof vest and a motherfucking TEC"

06-09-2007, 05:02 PM	#4
Smithilberry A.K.A. ZANY BLUNTS! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Qu€€n$ N€w ¥ø®k B!TcH€$! (718) Posts: 10,268 Thanks: 922 Thanked 581 Times in 252 Posts	props... joell is the truth... one of my favorite rappers to come out in like the past 5 years __________________ The King Of s A.K.A. Master Sensei Zany A.K.A. Lord Chief Rocka Numba 1 A.K.A. The Imfamous Zany X Blunts A.K.A. Dat C.racka That A Smack Ya! I.M.W. Clique Ain't Nuttin Ta Fuck Wit! (It's My World A.K.A. IllMattic Writers)

06-09-2007, 05:08 PM	#5
Naturalbornalkaholik Veteran Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: belgium Posts: 5,366 Thanks: 2,991 Thanked 748 Times in 73 Posts	props............ __________________

06-09-2007, 07:06 PM	#6
Sole1 Still Versatile... Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: T.O. Posts: 1,467 Thanks: 170 Thanked 76 Times in 38 Posts	good rapper but hes probly not gonna blow. doesnt seem to have like a... universal appeal. nyc loves him tho __________________

06-09-2007, 07:24 PM	#7
gunit/bws/dipset -RJ- Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 1,067 Thanks: 422 Thanked 39 Times in 5 Posts	hey do me a favor by accidenttly step on ur white sunglasses we dont to that over here this is HIP HOP __________________

06-09-2007, 07:38 PM	#8
LadyValentine Veteran Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Throw A TV At You Crazy Posts: 3,502 Thanks: 82 Thanked 1,648 Times in 276 Posts	Joell May Not Blow Worldwide But NY Got His Back...He Won't Sell No 2 Mill But He's Dope And Everyone Has Love For Him Joell Is The Truth...On Respect Alone..He's Rich __________________ Why In The Hell Would You Let Your Fingers Type Such Absurdity? - Me

06-09-2007, 08:26 PM	#9
MC B STREETZ YAYO'S ADVOCATE/HYPE MAN Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: FIND ME IN YA CRIB WIT DA NINA WHERE DA MONEY AT Posts: 16,442 Thanks: 3,000 Thanked 21,367 Times in 1,914 Posts	"walking past those waiting outside, recognized a loyal fan he’d seen at several past shows. “I was like, ‘I’m pulling you in. You aren’t paying,’” says the 26-year-old Ortiz. “But he was like, ‘No, I’m paying!’ He got back on line and waited!” if dat wuz me & i wouldnt get back in line fuck dat i going on in free __________________ "I'M LOUDMOUTH NIGGA BUT MY RUGER SILENT" -TONY YAYO A.K.A TALK OF NEW YORK "ALL YAYO ENEMYS ARE ALL OF MY ENEMYS" - MC B STREETZ A.K.A YAYO'S NINJA

06-09-2007, 08:50 PM	#10
Dope Da Damaja ! OMG ! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: <3 Posts: 908 Thanks: 132 Thanked 274 Times in 87 Posts	where is he?................ __________________

06-09-2007, 08:59 PM	#11
wsXV3st b.EST on da w.EST Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Lost Angels Posts: 1,746 Thanks: 904 Thanked 7 Times in 6 Posts	Joel Is Is A Sick Rapper

06-09-2007, 09:00 PM	#12
alkasmolik43 tommy gunnz Join Date: May 2004 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 2,248 Thanks: 821 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	propz dude is nice

06-10-2007, 10:49 PM	#13
$$Madskillz$$ Christina Milian>>>>>>>>> Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Barbados Posts: 7,549 Thanks: 741 Thanked 475 Times in 109 Posts	propz on the info __________________ Christina Milian & Bria Myles!! AC MILAN~~LA LAKERS~~DALLAS MAVERICKS

06-12-2007, 04:46 PM	#14
sunhead Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 58 Thanks: 11 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	im on that bullshit man ortiz is striaght hip hop aint no amusement park snap yo fingers, camron bullshit this nigga work hard to where he is, he got lyrics n flow. GO COP THE BRICK

06-17-2007, 11:09 AM	#15
GangstaMusik Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 504 Thanks: 182 Thanked 29 Times in 4 Posts	Joell is tha truth __________________ Fuck livin positive, cause negativity spreads faster - Lloyd Banks

06-17-2007, 11:38 AM	#16
HoLLoW TiPZzZ -- Free Prodigy -- Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: -- Sky -- Posts: 3,561 Thanks: 593 Thanked 1,508 Times in 183 Posts	saw this a while back but propzzzzz __________________ "I'm a handsome shooter, I simply clutch the Ruger, And blow ya bumbaclott rat face to Burmuda" - P "Free P"

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