Joe Budden Mood Muzik 3 The Album cover art

Fueled by the hit single “Pump It Up,” Joe Budden’s self-titled debut enjoyed moderate success and he appeared to be the “next” to blow in 2003. Anticipation for his second album The Growth, was high among the rap community but has never seen the light of day. A change of leadership at Def Jam, along with a lukewarm single “Gangsta Party” left Joe understandably frustrated. Looking to keep his name and voice in the public’s ear he turned to the mixtape circuit with his Mood Muzik series. The first two, released in ’03 & ’05, have gained a cult-like following among his fans and kept them satisfied with dark production and lyrics to match. Having finally gained his release from Def Jam late last year, Budden wasted little time in getting Mood Muzik 3 out. Hooking up with Amalgam Digital, Mood Muzik 3: The Album is getting a proper release.

Just like the two prior installments, Budden keeps no bones hidden in his closet as he gives listeners a front row seat to his life. Girl problems, crew problems, baby momma drama, sickness, industry woes and whatever else is going at the time of recording all find a way into his lyrics. It wouldn’t be too far of a stretch to say that Joe is a “glass is half empty” type of guy. If his stream of consciousness flow wasn’t peppered with witty punchlines & references, he’d be a lot harder to digest.

“Dear Diary” is a perfect example as he manages to work Group Home, Thundercats, Ghost riding and Mini Me into a tale of relationships gone awry. Clocking in at just over five minutes, it definitely requires active listening skills. Length definitely becomes a theme of the album as 12 of the songs are over 4 ½ minutes long. Recording has to be therapeutic for him, because at times he just goes in and gets to work leaving song structure to the wind. On “Family Reunion” finds Budden reconnects with past collaborators Hitchcock, Ransom & Fabolous for a good east coast bragging session. Chemistry is evident as the four catch up over metaphors & punchlines. Seven minutes well spent, but a little over the top.

Surprisingly, Budden hooks up with Joell Ortiz on “Warfare” for the shortest track of the album. The two verbose emcees go back & forth for a brief three minutes. Budden settles down for the last part of the album and actually crafts songs instead of 100 bar odysseys. “Send Him Our Love” is a heartfelt tribute to Stack Bundles, while “Star Inside of Me” shows he still has the ability to make songs for the 106 & Park set. On “4 Walls,” he puts together all of his attributes for arguably the best song on the album. Backed by a haunting soul sample, Budden does what he does best: spit about trying to overcome his own personal demons. It leaves you torn because you want him to overcome them, but at the same time you wonder if his music will suffer from a sunnier disposition.

Five minute long, 100 bar verses work great on the mixtape circuit, but not on albums. As engaging as he is on the mic, at times it feels like he just went in the booth and hit record. It’s very easy to zone out during songs and some song structure would help in keeping the listener’s attention. The move up from mixtapes to albums is similar to going from welterweight to heavyweight. Competition is tougher and expectations are greater. As a former boxer, you’d think Joe Budden would remember that. Mood Muzik 3 is a great mixtape, but just an average album.

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