New Jersey-bred rapper Joe Budden's acclaimed Mood Muzik series and the Slaughterhouse project have earned him a rep for his lyrical skills. But in spite of his credentials, Budden said lining up next to esteemed MCs is a nerve-racking experience.
When pressed about his group Slaughterhouse (Budden, Royce Da 5'9", Crooked I and Joell Ortiz) potentially signing a deal with Eminem, Budden explained how daunting that thought is for him.
"It's scary to even fathom being on a record with Eminem or Royce or Crook or Joell," he told Sway during his appearance on "RapFix Live." "Just four guys who, when they wanna [black out they can]."
He compared the theoretical lineup to a real experience he had on his recently released Mood Muzik 4: A Turn 4 the Worst.
The track "Remember the Titans" featured Lloyd Banks, Fabolous and Royce. They announced the lineup prior to recording and releasing the song online. Fans had plenty of comments, and one in particular caused Royce to have one of those moments Budden fears.
"I've rapped with Fab a bunch of times," Budden said. "It was my first time getting with [Lloyd Banks]. And I always rap with Royce, so I just kind of know. But a bunch of fans said something that really ticked Royce off, like, 'You don't belong on that song.' And they seemed to think it was pretty funny. In my head, I'm like, 'Oh my god, Why are you making this incredible, incredible MC angry, to where now [he has] a point to prove?' So, Royce goes on there and tore that beat apart just like I knew he would. But that whole thing is scary to me."