Joe Budden vs. Method Man?

This is a couple of days after the fact however i am going to outline and dissect a one sided quarrel between Method Man and Joe Budden. I say one-sided because there is really only a problem on one end.

For those currently unaware Joe Budden has a vlog or video blog, which he calls Joe Budden TV. VIBE Magazine recently released a "Best Rapper Ever" bracket done NCAA style and Joe was unhappy with the bracket's details and many of its participants, he was pegged a #32 seed, the lowest seed in the bracket. Amidst his displeasure he happened to say this about Method Man, "Love Method Man to death, he's number NINE! You mean to tell me if Method Man was standing in front of my face right this second and we had to RAP, back and forth that Method Man would be the victor, against me!". Additionally he stated how he was better than half the list, as any rapper would. A lot of the hip hop fans were debating with Budden through Twitter and the debate grew larger.

The radio station talked to Budden about it and he clarified further Joe Budden Pt.1, Joe Budden Pt.2. No disrespectful words were said, Budden simply feels that in his craft he can rap better than Method Man.

Sand passes through the hour glass and Method Man winds up on the radio: Meth's Interview. Meth is clearly perturbed, agitated, and disgruntled. However, for what? A rapper can't feel like he raps better than you?

Here is where I come in. This matriculates and preserves the ignorant mindset that rappers have, everyone is so quick to get offended by the words of their peers. Also Meth mentions how his people were calling him in an uproar and boisterous hoopla, this is also a problem. Rappers will forever have posse's, and these are the people who pump rappers up to ignorance. Meth is dang near 40 and still letting his friends pressure him into foolishness! Meth is suppose to be a well matured man, been rapping for over 13 years, has a family and kids, well over 30 probably closer to 40, and you get your panties in a bunch because another rapper said they can rap better than you!? He was so "offended" he starts talking reckless violence, stating "I got people that live in his building...we can make it lyrical or physical or whatever!" Then he says something about don't put him in my face (as if that would undoubtedly lead to violence). His friends Redman and Busta Rhymes have chimed in, all because a dude said he was better than you and he would cut your head off in a battle? The machismo in hip hop has got to go. Get on the mic and prove it if you feel that strongly about it or sit down, shut up, and move on with your life. This is totally uncalled for. I have lost all respect for Method Man and Busta Rhymes (although this isn't about him, lol).

If Ray Allen said im a better basketball player than LeBron and i would punish him in a one on one game, LeBron would probably say i disagree but that's his opinion, i can guarantee you it wouldn't get violent. Anyone indulged in a particular craft is supposed to feel like they are the best if you don't then you shouldn't be in the arena. As you can tell i was quite cajoled by this ordeal. When can we finally mature? I need to know, not now, but right now.

My Joe Budden Interview

Hey 'Sofa this is going to be quick, I recently did a phone interview with gold selling artist Joe Budden and i think everyone should check it out. Most people are familiar with him from his song a while back entitled "Pump it Up". He has a new album Padded Room coming out Feb. 24th and i was fortunate enough to get a few questions in. Anyone who knows me is aware that he is one of my favorite artist, period. I did it for my other job Hypetrak.com. Click Joe Budden to listen to it. You can also go back through my blog and search Joe Budden to get familiar on him if you feel inclined.

The Best Albums of 08

This is the second installment of my annual "best of " album assessment. Things you need to know include:
1. the albums are selected from what i have personally heard
2. with the lack of quality music volume i have dwindled my list to 4 instead of 5, a "decent" album doesn't get you on the list
3. There is no arguing because my opinion is what i deem to be the total after tax, nothing else needs to be added

First i must start with an honarable mention, Common - Universal Mind Control. He's one of the major players in my lineup but the album just came out in December and its just solid not exceptional. Now lets start the show (shout out to Finding Forever)

4. Joe Budden - Halfway House

This album is technically classified as a mixtape, however i make the rules. Joe veered slightly from his Mood Muzik series and put together a compilation that took over listener's emotions but not in the somber fashion of the MM songs. As usual he saturates the microphone with his witty opinions and perceptions. He took the time to seek new production and compose theme oriented songs, an occurence usually reserved for actual albums, and some artist don't even do it then. So he gets praise for his laudable efforts.

3. John Legend - Evolver

As far as R&B is concerned i am a stickler for songs that excavate below the surface and detail the many emotions and feelings involved with romance and things of that nature. I have a hard time enduring "sex songs". Legend put forth his best effort to date on this one, a mix of breezy, light-hearted songs and demanding, aggresive tunes. Also i was pleasantly surprised once i thoroughly listened, as i expected the run of the mill John Legend. He took a step outside of his traditional formula with the help of many, nonetheless exceptional album that i will replay for a long time.

2. Nas - Untitled

Some of you may refer to this as the Nigger album, but no matter what you title it the product is great. The concept and depth of the content is informative, riveting, and incredible. It is an art to teach and educate in an enjoyable and eloquent fashion. I suppose only a veteran could have pulled this off and i applaud Nas for taking the bold stance, as he states "people are afraid of criticism, but i always put myself in a sacrificial position". He nailed it, nuff said

1. N.E.R.D. - Seeing Sounds

This is one of my top 6 albums of all time, period. Although they are often categorized as experimental rock, i like to refer to this album as just pure music. Each song features a break down that any musician or artist would kill for. The melodic range of the album is off the charts, the verses are so poetic and alluring. This is what happens when you give ardent, bold, and insanely talented artist the liberty to do as they please. Its such a rare mix of peculiar talent amongst the three members that has progressed with each album they make and it has come to a temporary apex (they may get even better next time). If you aren't familiar just do yourself a favor and listen to "Love Bomb". It was impossible for me to not give these guys the top spot.

Joe Budden- Star Inside of Me

I wasn't going to put this up, however i was urged to do so. This is a rendition from one of my most enamored music artists, Joe Budden. The song is called "Star Inside of Me". The cinematography was done by a stellar individual as well by the name of Rik Cordero (shout out to my cousin MIKE and 10th Planet Productions). Its a song that has a lot of meaning and a cool concept behind it, one that i presume people need to hear. Besides this guy is essentially the other Wallo, him and I share quite a bit of ideas and thoughts. I contend that more encouraging messages need to be brought to the forefront and im going to assist in that endeavor. Everything in hip hop isn't the greatest but some things are for universal ears and everyone should hear it. The regulars know how we do it on the sofa.

Only for "REAL" hip hop lovers

They sarcastically ask me "when you're cd droppin son"!

I hate to say it but hip hop is fighting me right now. Recently i had the pleasure of indulging in the latest joe budden mixtape "Mood Muzick 3" and it is very introspective. Budden is one of the most legitimate story tellers in his craft (hip hop). If you wrap poetry up with emotion and give it a rhythm then it would be called Joe Budden. He puts things together that most brains wouldn't let touch the same hemisphere. I have concluded that what makes musicians music greatly coveted and sought after is when people feel connected with the person or song, therefore it makes the music more personal and not just another good song. With that said, Joe never gets the love he deserves for that talent that he shares. It makes me wonder then would we rather view musicians on a higher plateau than ourselves because Budden gives you the music from a regular guys perspective. With that said I don't put anyone above myself, we all bleed red! Matter of fact one of his monikers is "Regular Joe". When he raps he paints the picture so vivid. I feel like i know everyone that he knows, its almost like i grew up with him. He's like the character in the movie that you want things to go right for, but they just never do and it hurts you just like it hurts him.

If you ever listen to him he is a very personal and revealing emcee. One of Budden strengths is his ability to release plenary emotion into a track and it comes through uncompressed. His trials and tribulations are laid out like an adolescents clothes before the first day of school. What im trying to say is that he has substance in his rhymes and not just everyday egostatistical "im the man" raps (although he can do that too if necessary, if thats what gets you in the "mood"). Joe puts himself in a vulnerable position letting everyone into his life but he ends up with the upper hand because it makes you fiend for more, i don't know how he does it. I almost cried when he rapped about not being able to see his son when he wants to because of the relationship that he has with his child's mother. Think about how most rappers want to be viewed, they make everything cool and give you the impression that they are "that guy". Nobody in hip hop has real problems it seems. And maybe i utilize music differently than others, perhaps others use it as a getaway and i use it as therapy just like Joe Budden the difference is he talks it and i listen to it. However after talking to my significant other I was reminded that some people just hear music and it grooves them or it doesn't, then there are people that actively LISTEN for the content. There are plenty of instances where I have had to stop my mother from singing a song and I've said "Mom do you know what they are saying" and she usually responds "no". I always did find that mind boggling.

With that said, all this talent is being subdued. His one and only album came out in 2003. And he still has a current record deal but cannot get an album put out through a major record label. It makes me wonder what record execs and record labels really value. Any of the higher ups on the label have to realize that he is a very talented individual. He notes on this mixtape that he is often pressed to fit into a particular mold. But in the words of Joey "why try to fit in when you a stand-out".

Are you in that mood yet!