Disco de Joe Budden: “Padded Room”

I have always known that there was something special and spectacular about this Joe Budden gentlemen. Even since I first saw him and heard his song, I was enthralled by his confident swagger. He has never been too popular in the rap community, but that's not because he doesn't deserve to be; it's just that the music industry has their picks and, unfortunately, he is not one of their picks. He was dropped from Def Jam, but I don't know what they were thinking because they had one of rap's elite. Oh, well, it is truly their loss because this masterpiece, "Padded Room", could have been on their record label.

You know, rappers usually say things in their songs for shock value so that the listener will like them more, however, not many rappers shock me much with their one-liners. Joe Budden, on the other hand, has shock value on each and every song. He is extraordinary! This album has a very eerie feel, and he's talking about stuff other rappers haven't even fathomed, trust me. "Pray for Me" is the album's most powerful track, but it's also the album's most controversial. In this song, he is enraged. You may listen to this song over 100 times just to completely understand what he's saying. Some would consider it disrespectful. "Happy Holiday" is really creative lyrically. Budden is saying that although most people become festive during holidays, he isn't fazed by them one way or another. The Game is featured on "The Future." The hook is a bit weak, but the two of them together is a nice collaboration.

I highly recommend this album to those who like rappers who actually talk about something of substance on their records. But, buyer beware, this album is not your typical hip-hop album as far as production is concerned. Joe Budden has raised the bar very high with this one. It won't be out of my iPod/CD player for a very long time. A rap classic.

Mikeisha's Top 5

1. "In My Sleep"

2. "Do Tell"

3. "Angel in My Life"

4. "Pray for Me"

5. "Happy Holidays"

Lyrics... great

Production.... pretty damn good

Delivery ... definite plus.

It doesn't seem like it has really been 6 years since we kept listening to the Mood Muzic series in anticipation. I don't know why he keeps choosing whack singles though. That "Future" track is not a "smash" ...

I only dislike one of these tracks; the adrenaline track wasn't hot to me but I may like it more around basketball season. Tracks 6-8, 10,12,and 13 are killer! It's worth the $11 and more.

So we've been waiting for this one for a while now! Joe has been putting in work on the mixtape circuit for years, getting much more hype with his Mood Muzik series and Halfway House tape than he ever did with his first CD. This one dropped today on Amalgam Digital, his new label and the same one that released Halfway House.

So what's the verdict? Dope. Joe brought the heat on the lyrical tip as he always does. The man gets deeply personal on plenty of tracks, especially towards the second half of the album. The only real wack track on here is "The Future" which was the lead single and sounds like it's a forced attempt at a radio hit. The production on here is nice and soulful, if a little glossy. Joey could have done better with a nicer beat selection, but they definitely don't take away from the album.

Overall, definitely worth a purchase and the first big quality album of 2009.

Album is fire, Joe Budden continulously proves he is the realest rapper alive. Spits lyrics straight from the heart and always seems to relate things to his personal life. The only track that I don't really like on the album is "Happy Holidays". Doesn't seem to fit the mood of the rest of the songs. I would say my favorite song is probably "Do Tell", but every track finishes a close second. Also the production on this album is top notch, and Joe Buddens flow and lyrics are simply ridiculous.

Album deserves some recognition and people need to go out there and buy it quick, you won't be disappointed.

THIS IS A GREAT CD. BEATS ARE AMAZING, AND HIS FLOW AS USUAL IS ON POINT. HES BEEN KINDA LOW KEY FOR A BIT, DIDNT EXPECT HIM TO COME OUT WITH SUCH HEAT, BUT I GUESS MIXTAPES KEEP HIS PENCIL SHARP.