Joe Budden Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth, Height, Podcast, Albums, Songs

Joe Budden is a prominent American rapper, broadcaster, and media personality best known for his hit single “Pump It Up” and his influential role in hip-hop media through podcasts like The Joe Budden Podcast.

A former member of the supergroup Slaughterhouse, he has transitioned from music to a leading voice in entertainment commentary.

Profile

• Full Name: Joseph Anthony Budden II
• Stage Name: Joe Budden
• Born: August 31, 1980
• Age: 44 years old
• Birthplace: Harlem, New York, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Rapper, Broadcaster, Media Personality, Podcaster
• Height: 6’0″
• Parents: Joseph Budden Sr. (father), Fay Southerland (mother)
• Siblings: One older brother (name undisclosed)
• Spouse: Shadée Monique
• Children: Joseph Budden III (Trey, born 2001), Lexington Budden (born 2016)
• Relationship: Engaged
• Net Worth: $6 million

Early Life and Education

Joe Budden, a prominent rapper, was born on August 31, 1980, in Harlem, New York, to Joseph Budden Sr. and Fay Southerland. Raised in a working-class family with an older brother, he moved to Jersey City, New Jersey, at age 13.

His childhood was marked by struggles with substance abuse, leading to time in rehab at 17, where he honed his rap skills. He attended Lincoln High School in Jersey City but dropped out to pursue music, later earning a GED.

Influenced by New York’s hip-hop scene and artists like LL Cool J, Budden’s early life shaped his raw, introspective lyrical style. His ethnicity is African-American, and his religion is not publicly disclosed.

Career

Joe Budden began rapping in the late 1990s, gaining attention with mixtapes and freestyles. Signed to Def Jam Recordings in 2002, he released his self-titled debut album, Joe Budden (2003), featuring the Grammy-nominated single “Pump It Up,” which peaked at #38 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song appeared in films like 2 Fast 2 Furious and You Got Served. Despite critical acclaim, his second album was shelved due to label disputes, leading him to leave Def Jam in 2007. He joined Amalgam Digital, releasing Mood Muzik 3 (2007), a critically praised mixtape, and albums like Padded Room (2009) and Escape Route (2009).

In 2008, he co-founded Slaughterhouse with Joell Ortiz, Royce da 5’9″, and Crooked I, releasing Slaughterhouse (2009) and Welcome to: Our House (2012) under Shady Records. His solo albums include No Love Lost (2013), All Love Lost (2015), and Rage & The Machine (2016).

Transitioning to media, Budden hosted Everyday Struggle on Complex (2017–2018) and launched The Joe Budden Podcast in 2015, which became a leading hip-hop commentary platform, previously known as I’ll Name This Podcast Later. He also appeared on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: New York (2013–2018) and Couples Therapy (2014–2015).

Awards and Nominations

Grammy Awards Nomination (2004): Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for “Pump It Up” Vibe Next Award (2003): Recognized as a breakout artist Ozone Awards Nomination (2008): Best Mixtape for Mood Muzik 3

No major individual awards won, but his work with Slaughterhouse and podcasting has earned industry respect.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @joebudden
• Facebook Handle: Joe Budden
• Twitter Handle: @JoeBudden
• YouTube Channel: Joe Budden TV

Personal Life

Joe Budden, a prominent rapper, is engaged to Shadée Monique, a social media influencer and entrepreneur, as of 2022. He has two sons: Joseph Budden III (Trey), born in 2001 with ex-partner Angela Velazquez, and Lexington Budden, born in 2016 with ex-girlfriend Cyn Santana, a Love & Hip Hop star.

His relationships, including high-profile romances with Tahiry Jose and Santana, were featured on reality TV, often highlighting personal struggles. Budden has been open about his battles with substance abuse, depression, and mental health, using his platform to advocate for awareness.

He resides in New Jersey, maintaining close ties with his children and family. In 2019, he faced allegations of domestic abuse from past partners, which he denied, and no charges were filed.

Filmography and Discography

Filmography:

• Hip Hop Babylon (2003) – Documentary, self
• Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap (2012) – Documentary, self
• Love & Hip Hop: New York (2013–2018) – Reality series, main cast
• Couples Therapy (2014–2015) – Reality series, with Tahiry Jose
• Everyday Struggle (2017–2018) – Web series, co-host

Discography:

Solo Albums:

• Joe Budden (2003)
• Padded Room (2009)
• Escape Route (2009)
• No Love Lost (2013)
• Some Love Lost (2014)
• All Love Lost (2015)
• Rage & The Machine (2016)

With Slaughterhouse:

• Slaughterhouse (2009)
• Welcome to: Our House (2012)

Mixtapes:

• Mood Muzik: The Worst of Joe Budden (2003)
• Mood Muzik 2: Can It Get Any Worse? (2005)
• Mood Muzik 3: For Better or for Worse (2007)
• Mood Muzik 4: A Turn 4 the Worst (2010)
• A Loose Quarter (2012)

Notable Singles:

• “Pump It Up” (2003)
• “Fire” feat. Busta Rhymes (2003)
• “Whatever U Want” feat. Christina Milian (2004)
• “She Don’t Put It Down” feat. Lil Wayne, Tank (2013)

Net Worth

Joe Budden, a prominent rapper, has an estimated net worth of $6 million. His wealth derives from his music career, with Joe Budden and Slaughterhouse albums generating significant revenue, and his media ventures, particularly The Joe Budden Podcast, which reportedly earns substantial ad revenue and sponsorships.