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Joe Budden’s Critique of Drake’s ‘For All the Dogs’ Album: A Comprehensive Analysis

Joe Budden’s Critique of Drake’s ‘For All the Dogs’ Album: A Comprehensive Analysis

Joe Budden, a well-known rapper-turned-podcaster, recently shared his thoughts on Drake’s highly anticipated album, ‘For All the Dogs’, on Episode 664 of The Joe Budden Podcast. The conversation sparked a lot of discussion, with fans eagerly awaiting Budden’s critique of the album. While Budden has a complicated history with Drake, he has always maintained that he is a big fan of Drake’s music throughout his career.

In the podcast episode, Budden and his co-hosts delved into their thoughts on ‘For All the Dogs’, offering both positive and negative feedback. One of the standout moments from the podcast was when Budden called out Drake’s performance on the track “First Person Shooter” featuring J. Cole. This clip quickly went viral, catching Drake’s attention and reigniting their past issues. Drake responded by writing a lengthy Instagram caption aimed at Budden, criticizing his music career and questioning his credibility.

Budden’s Mixed Review of ‘For All the Dogs’

Despite the heated exchange between Drake and Budden, it’s important to note that Budden’s critique of the album was not entirely negative. Throughout the podcast episode, he shared his honest opinions on various aspects of the album, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a closer look at Budden’s thoughts on different tracks and elements of ‘For All the Dogs’:

“8am in Charlotte” – A Disappointment for Budden

Budden admitted to being a fan of Drake’s past entries in the time stamp series, but he found “8am in Charlotte” to be underwhelming. He expressed his disappointment, stating that the track didn’t live up to the rest of the series. While he acknowledged that Drake was “rapping well” on the song, he felt that it didn’t fit the mood or temperament he expects from the time stamp series.

Budden believed that “Virginia Beach” should have been a diss track directed at Pusha T, one of Drake’s long-standing rivals. He praised the beat of the song but questioned why Drake didn’t go all out in dissing Pusha T. Despite his disappointment in the missed opportunity, he still appreciated what Drake was talking about on the track.

Shots at Rihanna – Confusion and Criticism

Budden expressed confusion over Drake’s decision to seemingly take shots at Rihanna in the song “Fear of Heights”. He questioned why Drake would go after her and ASAP Rocky, the father of her children. He viewed it as petty and unnecessary, particularly since Rihanna hadn’t released an album in seven years. However, he did acknowledge the beat switch in the second half of the song as “insane.”

“First Person Shooter” with J. Cole – Budden’s Overall Issue with Drake

Budden pointed out that the song “First Person Shooter” with J. Cole exemplified his overall issue with Drake. He criticized Drake’s decision to let Cole’s voice be the first voice heard on the track, suggesting that it showed Drake trying to align himself with Cole when they aren’t actually close. Budden felt that Drake failed to rise to the occasion in comparison to Cole’s performance on the song.

Drake Rapping in Spanish – A Missed Mark for Budden

Budden made it clear that he never wants to hear Drake rap in Spanish again, particularly referencing the track “Gently” featuring Bad Bunny. He felt that Drake’s execution of rapping in Spanish was subpar and compared it to when Drake started singing “Happy Birthday,” suggesting that it was a low point in his career. He also described the second half of the album as “a mess.”

‘For All the Dogs’ as Drake’s Best Since ‘Scorpion’

Despite his criticisms, Budden acknowledged that ‘For All the Dogs’ is Drake’s best album since ‘Scorpion’, released in 2018. While his co-hosts argued that this may not be saying much, Budden expressed his disappointment with the current state of hip-hop albums in general. He believes that many rappers sound uninspired and lack the creative energy to innovate. He suggested that Drake could do with some time off to recharge and potentially bring fresh ideas to the table.

Missing Verses and Dominant Hooks

Budden questioned the absence of the verse that Lil Yachty praised on ‘For All the Dogs’. He couldn’t find the verse that Yachty claimed was one of Drake’s best, raising doubts about its inclusion on the album. He also expressed his disappointment in the lack of memorable hooks from Drake in recent times, as he believes Drake’s strength lies in his ability to create catchy and dominant hooks.

Drake Rapping for the Children

Towards the end of the podcast episode, Budden suggested that Drake’s album sounded like he was “rapping for the children” rather than his longtime fans. He felt that Drake should focus on creating music that resonates with adult audiences and tackles more mature topics. Budden compared Drake’s growth to that of J. Cole, stating that he wants to hear Drake rap for adult people.

A Break for Drake

Budden expressed his happiness that Drake is taking a break from music, referring to Drake’s recent announcement that he will be stepping away from the studio to focus on his health. Budden and his co-hosts even suggested that Drake could benefit from taking a year or two off between albums. They emphasized that Drake has already accomplished so much in his career, and it shouldn’t be solely on him to set the standard for the music industry moving forward.

In conclusion, Budden’s critique of ‘For All the Dogs’ was mixed. While he had several criticisms and disappointments with the album, he still considers himself a fan of Drake. He acknowledged the album as Drake’s best since ‘Scorpion’ but questioned whether that’s saying much given the current state of rap albums. Budden hopes to see Drake take some time off and return with a refreshed perspective and innovative ideas.

In the end, it’s clear that Joe Budden’s critique of Drake’s ‘For All the Dogs’ album is multifaceted. He presents both positive and negative feedback, highlighting specific tracks and elements that left an impression on him. While his comments may have sparked controversy, it’s important to recognize that Budden’s opinions come from a place of deep knowledge and experience in the music industry.

Bas Releases Latest Visual for “Ho Chi Minh” 

Bas Releases Latest Visual for “Ho Chi Minh” 

On a recent Tuesday, Bas took to the music scene with a fresh visual for his track, “Ho Chi Minh“. The track, produced by Kel-P, showcases Bas’s transparent exploration of his struggles and how they impact his wellbeing. 

Diving into Ho Chi Minh 

“She asked me, ‘Aren’t you exhausted?’ I said, ‘That’s what they make drugs for isn’t it?’ Please don’t judge, I need your love while I’m still in it, vision blurrin’, that’s how I know that I’m feelin’ it, are you hearin’ it? God whispers, guide me to a higher plane, how I came down back to earth and got high again, I done gained nothin’ but pain in this form, I could find warmth, but I stayed in the storm…” 
 

The lyricism, raw and intense, unveils Bas’s journey through self-destruction and redemption. 

The Visual Narrative: A Glimpse into Bas’s World 

The music video for “Ho Chi Minh” was directed by Ryan Doubiago. It paints a vivid image of Bas immersing himself in the electric energy of a crowded rave, seeking a fleeting high through liquor. In what seems like a brief spell of revelry, the New York-based artist finds a moment of enlightenment, leading him to abandon his drink and exit the party scene. 

Anticipating Bas’s Upcoming LP 

Ho Chi Minh” is one of the tracks featured on Bas’s soon-to-be-released album, We Only Talk About Real St When We’re Fked Up. Other notable songs from the album that have gained positive reception include “Diamonds” and “Passport Bros”, a collaboration with J. Cole. However, fans are still eagerly waiting for the official release date of this fourth studio album. 

Looking Back: Bas’s Previous Works 

In 2018, Bas gifted his fans with the 14-track album, Milky Way. This album featured an array of collaborations with artists like J. Cole, Ari Lennox, A$AP Ferg, and LION BABE, among others. Following this, Bas continued to make waves in the music industry by joining forces with his Dreamville team for their 2019 album, Revenge of the Dreamers III, and their 2022 mixtape, D-Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape

Bas: A Constant Presence in Music 

Despite his high-profile collaborations, Bas has also managed to keep his solo career afloat. He stayed under the spotlight with his EPs, Spilled Milk 1 and Pick Me Up, which featured collaborations with artists like JID, EARTHGANG, Lil Tjay, KDDO, and Gunna. 

Wrapping Up: Bas’s Unwavering Journey 

As we await the release of Bas’s latest album, we can’t help but revisit the captivating visual of “Ho Chi Minh.” It’s a testament to Bas’s ability to use music and visuals to tell a compelling story about his personal struggles and journey to self-discovery. 

In the world of music news, Bas continues to be a dominant force, using his artistry to push boundaries and address issues often left unspoken. Whether it’s through his music videos or his tracks like “Ho Chi Minh,” Bas’s raw and candid storytelling continues to resonate with his audience, further solidifying his presence in the music industry. 

Miguel releases the new single “Give It To Me”

Miguel releases the new single “Give It To Me”

It has been a brief time since Miguel last appeared in the music industry, but he is now back in the spotlight and ready to take over the summer Ahead of Art Dealer Chic 4, a four-part series that will follow up 2021 Art Dealer Chic 4, the R&B veteran released “Give It To Me” on Monday (May 1). A new single produced by Scoop Deville takes a sonic risk with its resonating bass and striking lyrical content.

The last full-length album Miguel released before Art Dealer Chic 4 was War & Leisure, which he released back in 2017 and was followed by Viral. A good number of rappers have contributed to the body of work, including Travis Scott, Rick Ross, J. Cole, Kali Uchis, and Salaam Remi. This critically acclaimed LP went on to land within the Top 10 of the Billboard 200, which eventually led to him receiving a Gold plaque for his work.

Previously, Miguel the singer of “Sure Thing” was asked what he’s experiencing right now in his career and in the music industry and he shared some candid comments about how he feels about it. The process of expressing yourself is easier today than ever before. He said, “I think there are a lot of ways to do it, but there is a lot more repercussion now, and the reception isn’t always positive.” “I know there are a lot of songs that would not surface today on the radio if they had been released 10 years ago. I am sure that the song ‘How Many Drinks’ has been well received by the public, but would I release it today? I don’t think so.”

The Undeniable Business Empire of Jay Z

The Undeniable Business Empire of Jay Z

The Rise of Roc Nation: From Humble Beginnings to a Global Empire

When we think of entrepreneurship, we often imagine the stories of those who went from rags to riches – the underdogs who defied the odds and built empires from nothing. Few tales embody this spirit of hustle and resilience, like the journey of Shawn Corey Carter, better known as Jay Z. Born and raised in Brooklyn’s Marcy Houses, Jay Z’s early life was anything but glamorous. But he had a gift – an innate talent for wordplay and storytelling that would become his ticket out of the projects.

From Marcy to Madison Square: The Birth of Roc-A-Fella Records

In 1995, after being turned down by several record labels, Jay Z co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records with Damon Dash and Kareem “Biggs” Burke. It was a bold move, and one that would change the course of his life forever.

Despite the odds stacked against them, Roc-A-Fella Records quickly became a force to be reckoned with. Jay Z’s unique style of rap, infused with clever wordplay and a hustler’s mentality, resonated with audiences across the country.

The Blueprint: Building Roc Nation

But Jay Z wasn’t content to rest on his laurels. He had a vision – a blueprint for an entertainment company that would break the mold and revolutionizes the industry. In 2008, Roc Nation was born.

More than just a record label, Roc Nation was a one-stop shop for artists, encompassing talent management, music publishing, touring, and more. Jay Z’s goal was to create an ecosystem where artists could thrive, free from the constraints of traditional music industry structures.

The Birth of a Vision: Roc Nation Today

Fast forward to today, and Roc Nation has become a global empire, representing some of the biggest names in music, sports, and entertainment. With a roster that includes Rihanna, J. Cole, Big Sean, and athletes like Kyrie Irving and Skylar Diggins-Smith, Roc Nation’s influence knows no bounds.

But Roc Nation’s impact extends far beyond music and sports. Its film and television division has produced critically acclaimed content like the Emmy-nominated series “Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story,” cementing Roc Nation’s status as a cultural powerhouse.

The indomitable spirit of entrepreneurship is exemplified by the success stories of those who have risen from humble beginnings to build empires. Jay Z‘s journey to Roc Nation stands as a paragon of inspiration, a testament to the power of hustle, resilience, and vision.

Smino performs a new rendition of “Ole A** Kendrick”

Smino performs a new rendition of “Ole A** Kendrick”

There was a time back in October of 2022 when Smino unveiled his album Luv 4 Rent. There was a number of features across this body of work, including those from Lil Uzi Vert, J. Cole, Fatman Scoop, Doechii, Lucky Daye, Phoelix, Ravyn Lenae, Kal Banx, as well as many others across the 15 tracks. There were several well-received singles prior to the release of the album, including the singles “Louphoria,” “Matinee,” and “Modennaminute.”

As of yesterday (April 10), the Missouri-born artist took the time to release a new rendition of “Ole A** Kendrick” that appears on the album. I believe that the newly released offering follows closely on the heels of his bar-heavy “Wyoming (Freestyle)” single which was released earlier this month. On “Ole A** Kendrick,” the rapper spits some bars about how K Dot played a huge part in capturing some of his most memorable moments.

It has been reported previously that Smino has spent the past several months out on the road with Dreamville mainstay JID as part of their joint tour dubbed “Luv Is 4Ever Tour.” Taking place in Seattle, Washington from January 22 until March 29, the tour began in Seattle on January 22 and ended in Nashville on March 29. In addition to being honored with his very own Smino Day in St. Louis, the singer has also been honored with a very own Smino Day that will be celebrated in that city every year on December 18 in honor of the singer.