Joe Budden’s self-titled debut album went gold in 2003, earning him a Grammy nomination for best male rap solo performance (”Pump It Up”).  Despite his successful debut, Budden’s sophomore album sat on the shelves at Def Jam for nearly four years; a setback that most artists would not have survived; but most artists are not Joe Budden.

Despite numerous setbacks, Jump Off Joe Budden kept very busy during those years, besides years of legal wrangling and politicking very loudly for his release from Def Jam (which resulted in a very public feud with Def Jam’s then president Jay-Z) Joe was forced to rely on a then new unproven method (Internet) to release music to his very loyal fan base and did so by releasing the critically acclaimed and highly buzzed about “Mood Muzik” mixtape series collaborating with artists such as Fabolous, Clinton Sparks and Joell Ortiz; and in the process engaging in highly publicized feuds with The Game, Prodigy and Ransom. continue reading...

On Thursday, August 21, 2008, Hip-Hop fans will have the opportunity to chat with Joe Budden before watching the Grammy-nominated rapper live in studio as he puts the finishing touches to his highly anticipated album “Padded Room”.

Budden’s new record label, Amalgam Digital is responsible launching Hip-Hop’s first digital retail store and is recognized for employing highly innovative new media marketing initiatives. continue reading...