Joe Budden

Joe Budden, born on August 31, 1980, is an influential American broadcaster and former rapper who first captured the public's attention with his hit single "Pump It Up" in 2003. This track not only peaked in the top forty of the Billboard Hot 100 but also set the stage for his self-titled debut studio album, which achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching the top ten of the Billboard 200. Despite this achievement, it remained his sole major label release under Def Jam Recordings.

Following his debut, Budden continued to evolve as an artist, releasing seven independent albums that garnered ongoing critical praise. He also became a prominent member of the hip-hop supergroup Slaughterhouse, which signed with Eminem's Shady Records in 2012 and released two studio albums during their tenure.

In 2018, Budden made a significant career shift, retiring from recording to focus on broadcasting. He had already begun hosting The Joe Budden Podcast three years earlier, a show that has impressively run for over nine hundred episodes. His engaging style and candid opinions have made him a notable figure in the podcasting world.

Additionally, Budden co-hosted Complex magazine's web show Everyday Struggle alongside DJ Akademiks in 2017, further solidifying his presence in the media landscape. He also hosted State of the Culture on the Revolt network from 2018 to 2020. Known for his outspoken views on various hip-hop personalities, Budden has earned the moniker "the Howard Stern of hip-hop," reflecting his impact and influence in the industry.