Published: Tuesday - October 9, 2007
Words by Maya "The Brasilianaire" Medena
Joe Budden (Photo: Def Jam)
If you visited DefJam.com recently, you'll notice one of their most wavering but still promising acts, Joe Budden, has been stricken from the artist roster.
Although it is unclear as to his official status with the label, it seems that Joe finally had enough of the label's politics, album delays or could it be that Def Jam just couldn't find that door to push him through?
Nevertheless, a rep at Universal Music Group, the parent company of Island Def Jam, who wished to remain anonymous told BallerStatus.com that the rapper is "looking for a new home."
Another Def Jam executive tells us, "it's probably true."
Internet hip-hop geeks have posted on several message boards that Budden himself has confirmed his departure from the label in a post on his unofficial fan website (JoeBudden.org) under his longtime username, "cheah!!!" where he responded to a post by a fan who asked if he was on or off of Def Jam by simply posting "off."
Maybe the personal vendetta between Joe and the Def Jam despot, Jay-Z, never healed properly or appropriate amends weren't made steaming from the string of "Pump It Up" remixes, causing bitterness between the two artists.
The streets were also talking about an alleged battle between Joe and Cassidy -- scheduled to go down during a Fight Klub episode. No word on if that battle will ever catch fire, but this move wouldn't be surprising since both artists have champion reputations with beefs.
Arguably one of the most talented MCs in the game -- maintaining a 90s style of rap with heavy punch lines and ingenious metaphors -- Joe Budden seems not able to find that void to fill in order to make himself a relevant player in the game.
Lyrically he can compete with the best, but in a world of ringtone jingles and dance infused records, is he built to sustain the force of temperamental youths that fuel sales? That's the unvarying pace of the game. While someone's making an entrance, another is making an exit.
Whether it be forced or voluntarily, Joe Budden is no longer listed on the label's online roster. So the question remains: Where is he now?
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