Joe Budden's Padded Room Review (Ballerstatus.Com)

The man who was dubbed the "Pump It Up" guy has entered a psychiatric ward. Why? Joe's candid lyrics, and ruminative testimonies has enabled him to be hip-hop's martyr. With the culture allergic to in depth lyricism, Joe has decided to play doctor, and proceed with the arduous task of trying to find the cure on Padded Rooms.
The intro titled "Now I Lay" finds an upgraded Joe Budden. With slicker flows, and seamless verses eligible for the New Testament, Budden shows he has reinvented himself for haters as Joe Budden 2.0. The precocious songwriter would also showcase his storytelling abilities on "In My Sleep" and "Exxxes". Joe's vivid imagination on "In My Sleep" provides a Vanilla Sky-esque outlook on life, while "Exxes" finds him in predictments with a female. Knowing Budden, this song has a deeper meaning which he leaves for the listeners to think about. Budden's honesty goes on a different level when he reveals his desire of having his son aborted on "I Couldn't Help It." While the lyrics are undeniably on par, Budden's biggest flaw has been, and remains, his lack of production. With lackluster production, Joe was better off using Soundclick beats to complete this album. The hook on "If I Gotta Go" is harsh on the ears, while "Adrenaline" sounds out of place in Joe's quest for a masterpiece.

Overall, Joe's second effort after 6 years shows a well-groomed lyricist capable of paddling in the streams off success. With stronger producers, Budden has the ability to be mentioned in the same breath as Jay-Z. For now, Joe can be looked upon as the Phantom with worn-out rims ready to be polished.

3.5/5.0
http://www.ballerstatus.com/article/reviews/2009/02/6403/

Musical Menu Short On Hip-Hop(BlackCollegeView.Com)

By Carl Lamarre
Howard University News Service


The all-star line-up for the kick-off concert Sunday celebrating the inauguration of Barack Obama is a musical stew heavy on R&B blended with country, rock, classical and pop. But there’s a missing ingredient.

President-elect Obama had Jay-Z on his I-Pod.e feigned flicking Dirt off Your Shoulders at a campaign rally in Raleigh, N.C. and told Vibe that he is a fan of Kanye West. But not one Hip-Hop artist is on a list of scheduled performers that includes Beyonce, Usher, Stevie Wonder, Garth Brooks, Mary J. Blige, John Legend, soprano Renée Fleming and U2’s Bono.

“Nah. I don't feel it’s a slight toward hip hop... Barack has been seen with numerous hip hop artists during his campaign,” said rapper Joe Budden. “ Never mind music, we’re witnessing history as well as being a part of it. For once can we take the attention off our selfish [expletive]… and think like adults..... Everything ain’t about rap.”

Detroit Rapper Trick Trick said he understood why artists like him were not invited to the stage for the free concert at the Lincoln Memorial. “I know I wouldn't be able to do it because my music is too hard for that kinda activity.”



The Hip Hop community’s affection for the president-elect did create a stir during the campaign when Atlanta rapper Ludacris’ released Politics, a song with these lyrics: “Hillary hated on you so that B---- is irrelevant.” The Obama campaign disavowed the song and labeled it offensive.