Budden isn’t worried that his stint on reality television will eclipse his hip-hop career. And he isn’t pressed that his romantic life has become fodder for watercooler conversations. “I don’t view myself as wearing all these different hats — the rapper, the reality star — I’m a human first,” he says. “I just happen to be able to rap very well. And people happen to wanna see me on TV. It’s really just that simple for me.”
Viewing his world through its simplest prism is what helps Budden deal with the lifestyle that he says once overwhelmed him; as well as trusting his own mind, regardless of naysayers. He admits that, in the past, his stubbornness has been a double-edged sword. But it’s also been his greatest asset. “It’s helped me because I can sleep well at night. I went through a period where I second-guessed everything I did and took advice from other people. And I didn’t sleep well. I decided that I didn’t wanna live that way anymore,” he says.
And that’s who Joe Budden remains; through it all, a headstrong guy from Jersey City who’s still going to do what he wants to do.
“Has it hurt the process? Yeah — you get in your own way sometimes and that stubbornness takes its toll. But there’s no reward without any risk. And that’s a risk I’ll always be willing to take,” he affirms.
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