Joe Budden

From mixtape fixture to Def Jam marquis artist, NYC's Joe Budden steps out with his self-titled debut album. His verses incorporate grim street science and his well-publicized drug addict past, set to beats that are alternately dark and triumphant. Guests include Busta Rhymes, 112, and Lil Mo.

Joe Budden's rhymes have two things many round-the-way rappers could use: wit and
pathos. A depressive kid turned king of the mix-tape freestyle, he's got ample experience
to draw from on both counts as well as a keen eye for detail. On "Ma Ma Ma," he impresses a
new friend by getting her into a club for free, telling her, "Now you ain't gotta pretend that
you like the promoter." Even better are the songs where Budden excavates his... More >