Catalog Catch Up: Joe Budden – "The Future"

Chances are if you ask me to name my 10 favorite projects from 2000 – 2009, I feel confident in saying Mood Muzik 2 would be one of the selections. This was before the social media explosion took place, so your favorite artist still had a sense of mystery around them. I’m not saying they don’t now, but times have changed and artists are more accessible, which can (or cannot) be an excellent thing in many ways. In 2005, we all knew the story of Joe Budden. Buddy was neck deep in a beef with what seemed like the entire institution of music industry.  In turn, however, it helped spawn timeless music. At least, I like to this so.

I’ve listened to MM2 from front to back more times than I’d like to admit over the past five years. It’s riddled with classics like “Are You In That Mood Yet?,” “6 Minutes Of Death,” “Three Sides To A Story” and my personal favorite, “If I Die Tomorrow.” Joey laced venom on the entire project. I like to think it still ranks as one of the rare instances of what it’s actually like to hear someone’s heart speak over instrumentals. One of the rawest tracks and one I still readily identify with to this day is the cryptic tune, “The Future.”

At some point, we’ve all been skeptical of the coming days hold. It’s a natural emotion. When the uneasiness of the unknown and time mix together, it creates one hell of an potion that can drive a person up a wall. Joey pretty much explained his situation (and probably millions of others) in a nutshell with raw, pure honesty.

I wonder what I’ll become, or why am I overlooked
I want ‘em to understand,  but still I’m misunderstood
I keep on taking suggestions, I’m wondering if I should
I know you see the potential, I know you see that I could

As I wait patiently for Mood Muzik 4 (October 26), I can only hope Joey comes with this type of emotion. This is mood music.

DL: Joe Budden – “The Future”

Bonus: Turns out he is. I’m still confused as to how I’m just now hearing this.

DL:  Joe Budden feat. Emanny – “Short Summer”