What Is Joe Budden's Net Worth?
Joe Budden, an influential American hip-hop artist, boasts a net worth of $6 million. Recognized for his 2003 hit single "Pump It Up" and his membership in the hip-hop supergroup Slaughterhouse, Budden earned the moniker "Howard Stern of Hip Hop." Though he retired from rap in 2018, he triumphed as a broadcaster, notably hosting "The Joe Budden Podcast."
Early Life
Born on August 31, 1980, in Harlem, New York, Joe Budden relocated to Jersey City, New Jersey, at 13 with his mother and older brother. Despite his troubled youth characterized by behavioral issues, he found solace in music. Though his father was absent, Budden later channeled these experiences into his music. At the Laurinburg Institute in North Carolina, he polished his rap skills. Upon returning to Jersey City, he struggled with drug addiction but voluntarily entered rehab at 17. Fathering a child at 20, Budden vowed to take his music seriously, partnering with producer Dub-B in 2001, which led to the release of several mixtapes and demos.
Music Career
A demo reaching Hot 97's DJ Clue catapulted Budden into the spotlight. By 2002, Budden secured a deal with Def Jam Recordings. His single "Focus" spent 17 weeks on the US "Billboard" Hot R&B chart. The breakthrough hit "Pump It Up," released on May 8, 2003, made significant waves, leading to Grammy recognition and usage in "2 Fast 2 Furious" and "Madden NFL 2004." His eponymous debut album debuted at #8 on the US Billboard 200, selling over 420,000 copies. Despite internal conflicts with Def Jam that resulted in continuous delays and an unreleased second album, Budden's resilience saw him signing with Amalgam Digital in December 2007, releasing multiple albums including "Padded Room" and "No Love Lost," which topped the US Rap and R&B charts.
As part of the supergroup Slaughterhouse, Budden contributed to albums "Slaughterhouse" and "Welcome To Our House," both achieving high chart positions. Collaborating with artists like Royce da 5'9, Crooked I, Joell Ortiz, and others, Budden cemented his place in the rap industry. He also featured in singles like "Clubbin" by Marques Houston and "Whatever U Want" by Christina Milian.
(Photo by Brian Ach/Getty Images)
Broadcasting Career and Other Appearances
In April 2017, Budden co-hosted "Everyday Struggle" with DJ Akademiks and Nadeska Alexis. By 2018, he signed with Revolt TV, owned by Sean "Diddy" Combs, creating and producing "State of the Culture." Simultaneously, he launched "The Joe Budden Podcast," retiring from rap to focus on broadcasting. His podcast's success on Spotify catapulted him to a notable media presence. Despite parting ways with Spotify in 2020 over financial disagreements, Budden's influence remained strong. He also appeared on VH1's "Love & Hip Hop," and documentaries like "Hip Hop Babylon" and "Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap," and "Couples Therapy."
Personal Life
Joe Budden is a father of two sons, Joseph Budden III and Lexington, born in December 2017 with his then-fiance, model Cyn Santana. Though their engagement ended, Budden remains a dedicated father.
