Joe Budden: Far From Average

Even if you’re not into underground rap, the general population knows about Joe Budden from his first single “Pump It Up” which debuted in 2003 and he was also featured in the movie “2 Fast 2 Furious.” You may even know him as one of the stars from the VH1 reality show “Love and Hip-Hop.” But I guarantee you that Joe Budden is more than just a one-hit wonder or a washed up reality TV star.

Many have dubbed Budden as one of the realest rappers in hip hop. And as with most artists that remains true to their original style, Joe Budden is highly underrated. Of course, true rap lovers know that Budden’s albums are worth more than what they’re given. Many have been critically acclaimed, but due to the nature of the music business, they have also been stifled. The music business has become politics and when an artist has the fire and the wit to say exactly how he/she feels, no sugar coating, no fluffy rhymes, it’s a threat to what rap has become. Budden still has the essence of what rap started as and evolved into, and from the feel of his music, he’s not conforming any time soon.

For some time, Budden was with Def Jam Recordings where he released his first album in 2003, “Joe Budden,” which became a certified gold album by the RIAA. He attempted to release a second album titled “The Growth,” but the relationship between Def Jam and Budden went awry and the two parties split ways before the release. Budden remains a solo act, but he formed the rap group, Slaughterhouse, with fellow artists Crooked I, Royce da 5’9”, and Joell Ortiz in 2007. Their first album was self-titled and peaked at #25 on the Billboard Charts.
As a solo artist, Budden has released “The Halfway House” (2008), “Padded Room”(2009), “Escape Route” (2009), and “No Love Lost.” All of which have charted on the U.S. Billboards. If that’s not enough proof that Budden is a phenomenal artist, all you have to do is listen to his music:
When did rappers start acting so fly?/ Say you top 5 they’ll grab it and ride/ me, I’m humble/ So even though I am legend/ I can say  Will Smith the best rapper alive.

If you don’t understand metaphors, maybe this is above your head. That may be the reason that your average Joe (no pun intended), isn’t a huge fan of Budden. His lines have a double meaning; it’s always more than what you hear at first. Only when you begin to listen for understanding versus listening for entertainment will you understand the depth of what Budden has to say.

But until that day when people understand that music is more than just a catchy beat and one “good” line that everyone knows (Popped a molly, yolo, etc.), Budden will stay underrated. Maybe it’s better that way; it seems as if stardom dilutes the lyrical genius. For now, I’m thoroughly pleased with “No Love Lost” and all his other albums and I would like for it to stay that way.
-Stormm Van Rooi