In the span of a few months, Joe Budden has managed to turn himself into one of the most controversial members of hip-hop media. Joe has been in the game for nearly 20 years, yet he's at arguably his highest peak in popularity. Joe has turned off a number of newer fans with his blunt and harsh personality on "Everyday Struggle". If you've been following his career like me, you know that he's the same Joe Budden from the early 2000's. Whether you love him or hate him, he's must see TV providing us classic moments with Lil Yachty and the Migos. Being labeled a hater by a number of viewers, I feel as though Joe doesn't get the respect he deserves. He's done more for hip-hop than a lot of rappers, and any rapper today should aspire to have a career as long as his. While I don't agree …show more content…
Influence on Music No matter the level of popularity you think Joe has, he has shaped a lane in hip-hop that wouldn't be the same without him. If you think about it, he's influenced artists like Drake, Kid Cudi, and others who make what some refer to as "Emo rap". His "Mood Musik" series is one that saw Joe pouring his heart and soul into each project. A song like "Off to the Races" find Joe spilling his feelings on his bad relationship with Tahiry. Referencing Tahiry dealing with other men, him threatening her with suicide, is part of the reason many love his particular rap style. While not the first rapper to vent in his music, he definitely made a lane for rappers to be transparent with what is going on in their life. Lyrics of relationships, drug abuse, depression, are all examples of topics that we praise artists today for speaking on. Joe was rapping about taking drugs and loneliness during an era where gangsters were dominating. Below is one of my favorite songs by him titled "Truth or Truth" as he raps over Rick Ross "Tears of Joy" instrumental. If you've never heard the song listen to the 14 minute version with Slaughterhouse as it's an absolute classic. 3. Joe Budden