Joell Ortiz – Iron On You (VIDEO)

Joell Ortiz takes a moment from rocking with the rest of his Slaughterhouse crew to drop the video for “Iron On You,” his interpolation of Pusha T’s “Exodus 23:1” complete with gritty, black and white New York City scenery to match the mood.

A marked escape from the glittery life featured in the recent Slaughterhouse video for “My Life,” featuring Cee-Lo Green, Joell Ortiz takes it back to the streets, speaking introspectively over the slow, ominous Rico Beats-produced track, backed by wailing police sirens and solemn synth sweeps. In a clear attempt to keep close to his rugged background, despite the relative success offered by signing to Eminem’s Shady Records, Ortiz lights into proverbial phony thugs and fake gangsters, proclaiming his own authenticity, his verses a thinly veiled threat to those who might test him.

Whether or not it’s typical hypothetical rap, aimed at an imaginary target, or directed at anyone in particular (as was the original, causing a bit of a ruckus in the rap gossip world) is unclear, but “Iron On You” definitely maintains the grimy getting-at-someone feel of the original, punctuated by Ortiz’s always-tight flow and sharp lines.

“Iron On You” is not as monumental as many of Joell Ortiz’ prior solo works, but should be a welcomed addition to his catalog, especially if he’s your favorite from the Slaughterhouse camp.

Joell Ortiz was named one of Birthplace Magazine’s “5 Reasons Why New York Hip Hop Doesn’t Suck” back in 2010.

Check out the video for Joell Ortiz “Iron On You” below.