Hip-Hop's Forum

By: Matias Manriquez (Editor & Writer: Hip-Hop’s Forum)

Joe Buddens delivers with 4th installment of mixtape series.

Joe Budden’s Mood Muzik mixtape series should be considered albums not free mixtapes. Each is a solid effort consisting of interesting beats complementing Budden’s raspy, from-the-gut rapping style. Mood Muzik 4 is no exception. It wastes no time in getting to the grit of things with Budden blasts off on the anxiety-driven/the walls are closing that touches from DJ AM’s death to feeling out of place and misunderstood. Even the casual fan will be sucked in.

“Remember the Titans” is a lyrical gang rape of the mic. Fabolous kicks things off with witty punchlines, and that signature fluid delivery. Lloyd Banks makes a strong appearance with some vintage reminiscent of his mixtape days before Rotten Apple, which lived up to its title. Royce Da 5’9″ cleans up with the malicious, vulgar, hypnotic delivery of rhymes that force you to listen closely so as to not miss a word.

The rest of the project follows a similar angle of melancholy mixed with controlled rage. For me Budden is a seamless fusion of conscious & gangster rap, which makes him a god to Hip-Hop heads. Mood Muzik contains a diverse mixture of beats with genuine sincerity. “Sober Up” featuring Crooked I, places both rappers in a self-analyzing/critiquing mode. Joey admits, “My inner thoughts are like an inner war”. Those bars sum up perfectly what Mood Muzik’s vibe is; a rapper battling with himself, fame, and stress caused by an industry of expectations.

Mood Muzik is a great example of what Hip-Hop purists point too when they reference real Hip-Hop. If you’re worried about hooks, melodies, and beats this probably isn’t for you. Regardless, Budden is beyond talented and can go up against any of today’s power players.

Props, Joey.

CLICK HERE to download Joe Budden’s Mood Muzik 4 (mixtape) for free!

“Remember The Titans”

“Dessert for Thought”

“No Idea”