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Joe Budden Warns of Dire Future for Hip-Hop Artists: "All Musicians Are Broke"

In the latest episode titled "Means to an End" of The Joe Budden Podcast, the 43-year-old delved into his predictions for the future of the hip-hop genre, painting a sobering picture of its trajectory.

Budden expressed concerns about the industry's shift towards streaming and artificial intelligence, suggesting that there's a growing focus on replacing artists with technology. He lamented what he perceives as a sidelining of rap in favor of other genres like Latin and country, indicating a decline in attention and opportunities for hip-hop artists.

I think there's a focus on streaming, AI. I think there's a focus on just replacing you guys, the artists, I think there's a focus on the world music, Latin and country and all of whatever their hot genre is. I just think rap is cast aside.

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- Joe Budden

Reflecting on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, Budden voiced disappointment, citing factors such as dwindling album releases and the dominance of a select few artists in the mainstream. He highlighted the scarcity of hip-hop albums reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in recent years, underscoring a concerning trend in the genre's commercial success. 

Budden drew attention to the financial struggles faced by many musicians, particularly those signed to major labels. He criticized the deceptive nature of record contracts and the layoffs within the industry, suggesting that artists are being exploited and misled by those in power.

I'm saying all of the musicians are broke—relatively. Relative to what you bring in. My conversation is about what's going on in the majors. They tricking y'all with the words in these contracts. They tricking y'all into thinking y'all are real partners. They tricking y'all with the, 'Hey, you own your stuff.' The recent layoffs tell me that.

”
- Joe Budden

Joe Budden Predicts Financial Hardships for Hip-Hop Artists: "The Musicians Are Broke"

Joe Budden GOES OFF on Hip Hop and the music industry being in bad shape

"there's 7 rappers they focus on... this music sh*t is a wrap! the musicians are broke!"pic.twitter.com/4BWnsxL8Ou

— SOUND (@itsavibe) March 6, 2024

Touching on the globalization of music, Budden remarked on the Americanization of international artists and the implications for record labels repurposing their catalogs. He expressed apprehension about the direction in which the industry is headed and the potential consequences for both artists and labels.

• Related Stories: Joe Budden Declares: 'The Girl Rapper Wave is Over,' Thinks Cardi B's New Single Marks the End of the Female Rap Wave

In the episode, Budden clarified that his critiques extend beyond individual artists like Cardi B and encompass the entire hip-hop ecosystem. He warned of impending challenges and urged listeners to take heed of his warnings.

Ultimately, Budden's insights shed light on the complex dynamics at play within the hip-hop industry and raise important questions about its future trajectory. As he concludes, the road ahead may be fraught with challenges, signaling a need for vigilance and adaptation within the music industry.

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