Escape Route

Last updated
Escape Route
Joe Budden - Escape Route.jpg
Studio album by
Joe Budden
ReleasedAugust 11, 2009 (2009-08-11)
Recorded2009
Genre Hip hop
Length49:25
Label Amalgam Digital E1
Producer
Joe Budden chronology
Padded Room
(2009)		Escape Route
(2009)		 No Love Lost
(2013)

Escape Route is the fifth studio album by American hip hop artist Joe Budden. It released in digital format exclusively on Amalgam Digital on August 11, 2009 and physical copies were released on October 6, 2009 through E1 Music. Two bonus tracks were given when the album was purchased online through Amalgam Digital. [1] The record features guest appearances from Slaughterhouse, Young Chris and Wale.

Contents

Commercial performance

Upon its release, Escape Route failed to make it onto the Billboard 200. With little promotion, it sold 1,700 copies in its first week. [2] The album debuted at #80 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and peaked at #47 on its sixth week. [3] It entered at #22 on the Top Rap Albums chart, as well as entering at #39 on the Top Independent Albums chart. [4] [5]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [6]
HipHopDX Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [7]
The KoalitionStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [8]
The Smoking SectionStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [9]

Escape Route received favorable reviews from music critics. AllMusic's David Jeffries gave the three and a half stars out of five, saying "Budden's years stuck in contract negotiation limbo gave him plenty of time to store up material, but his third release of the year is almost as strong as his first triumphs of 2009. Poll the hip-hop faithful for opinions on Escape Route, and Budden himself would be the only one underselling it as a minor release." [6] Rakeem Johnson of The Koalition gave the album a four out of five, saying "Escape Route stands as yet another stellar release in Joe Budden's ever-growing catalogue of quality (his [fourth] release since 2007's Mood Muzik 3). As fluid as this project is, had the album ended with the intense thrill ride that is "Freight Train," it would easily be a five-star release. The addition of the Young Chris-assisted "Connect 4" as well as the Wale-featured bonus "Tito Santana" slows the album's momentum though [ Royce da 5'9" ] and Budden's chemistry on "For You" is undeniable. [Escape Route] features the misunderstood mind of Joe Budden at his best: personable and honest, defiant yet focused and hungry as he's ever been. Billed as a mere appetizer before The Great Escape, [Escape Route] has a Mood Muzik-feel, Budden's own "release therapy" session and an apt escape route as Joe Budden maps out his way to daylight and his own salvation." [8]

HipHopDX reviewer, Andres Vasquez, gave the album a three out of five, saying "Gaining creativity from the dark clouds, he remains introspective and polished as a writer, demonstrating lyricism that's miles ahead of many in the genre. Acknowledging the fact that this release comes with defects, it seems it wasn't given the attention of an official album. In a press release, Budden noted that Escape Route is merely a precursor to "what may very well be the best Joe Budden album ever." That may or may not prove true but it does sound like this release wasn't a priority. It still delivers the goods for any fan of poetry on wax but the overall sound quality simply isn't up to par, making this nothing more or less than another solid effort." [7] J. Tinsley of The Smoking Section gave the album a 3.5 out of five, saying "Ultimately, Escape Route finds itself as one of Budden's best releases since 2007's Mood Muzik 3. In typical [Joe Budden] fashion, there's the occasional tedious moments as the appeal is his trademark lack of enthusiasm. But with the upcoming album, The Great Escape and Mood Muzik 4 supposedly in the making, his solo career could soon begin to receive the artistic recognition many have been clamoring for years. That is, if he doesn't drive himself crazy beforehand." [9]

Track listing

No.TitleProducer(s)Length
1."Intro"The Worxxx3:29
2."Anti"Young McFly3:38
3."Never Again"Jared F.4:36
4."World Keeps Spinnin'"Deli Beats3:58
5."Forgive Me"Jared F.4:35
6."State of You"Jared F.4:59
7."Good Enough"Jared F.5:22
8."No Comment" J. Cardim 4:03
9."We Outta Here" (featuring Royce da 5'9", Joell Ortiz & Crooked I)Streetrunner4:42
10."Clothes on a Mannequin"J. Cardim4:23
11."Freight Train"Jared F.3:08
12."Connect 4" (featuring Young Chris)Chad West2:32
Total length:49:25
Amalgam Digital bonus tracks
No.TitleProducer(s)Length
13."Tito Santana" (featuring Wale) 9th Wonder 2:18
14."For You" (featuring Royce da 5'9") Bink! 3:17
Total length:55:01

Charts

Charts (2009–10)Peak
position
U.S. Billboard Top Independent Albums [5] 39
U.S. Billboard Top Rap Albums [4] 22
U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums [3] 47

Related Research Articles

Joe Budden American broadcaster, media personality, songwriter, and former rapper from New Jersey

Joseph Anthony Budden II is an American broadcaster, cultural critic, media personality, and former rapper. He first gained recognition as a rapper, best known for his 2003 top 40 single "Pump It Up" and as a member of the hip hop supergroup Slaughterhouse. In 2018, he retired from rap, and found success as a broadcaster, having a much publicized run as a co-host on Everyday Struggle for Complex. He currently hosts The Joe Budden Podcast, released twice a week through Spotify and YouTube, and State of the Culture on Revolt. He has been described as "Howard Stern of Hip-Hop".

<i>Joe Budden</i> (album) 2003 studio album by Joe Budden

Joe Budden is the eponymous debut studio album by American rapper Joe Budden. It was released on June 10, 2003, by On Top, distributed by Def Jam. Recording sessions took place from 2002 to 2003, with production by Dub B aka White Boy, along with the other high-profile producers such as Just Blaze and Lofey. The album features guest appearances from Lil' Mo, Busta Rhymes and 112. Upon the record's release, it was met with favorable reviews from music critics. Joe Budden debuted at number 8 on the US Billboard 200, selling 95,000 units in its first week, although the record sold 420,000+ copies in the United States. It also entered at number 55 on the UK Albums Chart.

<i>Padded Room</i> (album) 2009 studio album by Joe Budden

Padded Room is the fourth studio album by Joe Budden, released February 24, 2009. Recording for the album took place from 2007 to 2008; at Bennett Studios in Englewood, New Jersey, Glenwood Place Studios in Burbank, California and Sundance Studios in Jersey City, New Jersey, and it was mixed and mastered at Cyber Sound Studio in New York City. The record features guest appearances from Emanny, Drew Hudson and The Game. The album's release was supported by the single "The Future" featuring The Game, and two promotional singles – "In My Sleep" and "Exxxes".

<i>Mood Muzik 3: The Album</i> 2008 studio album by Joe Budden

Mood Muzik 3: The Album is the second studio album by American hip hop artist Joe Budden, released on February 26, 2008, under Amalgam Digital. It is the retailed version of Mood Muzik 3: For Better or for Worse. This album marked Budden's first official studio album in five years following label drama with Def Jam and the shelving of his album The Growth.

Joe Budden discography

This is the discography of the American rapper Joe Budden.

<i>Halfway House</i> (album) 2008 studio album by Joe Budden

Halfway House is the third studio album by American rapper Joe Budden, released on October 28, 2008 exclusively in digital format through Amalgam Digital. Halfway House was released when Joe Budden's fourth studio album, Padded Room, had been pushed back. Its release marked Joe Budden's first return to the Billboard 200 in five years, and approximately 3,000 downloads were sold in its first week of release. The album is notable for featuring the first collaboration between the four members of Slaughterhouse on the track, "Slaughterhouse."

Slaughterhouse is a hip hop supergroup consisting of rappers Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, Kxng Crooked and Royce da 5'9". They have released two studio albums as a group, the independent Slaughterhouse and the Shady Records/Interscope-backed Welcome to: Our House.

<i>No Love Lost</i> (Joe Budden album) 2013 studio album by Joe Budden

No Love Lost is the sixth studio album by American rapper Joe Budden. The album was released on February 5, 2013, under E1 Music. The album features guest appearances from French Montana, Fabolous, Lil Wayne, Lloyd Banks, Juicy J, Slaughterhouse, Tank, Kirko Bangz, Wiz Khalifa, Twista, and Omarion among others. The album's release was supported by two singles: "She Don't Put It Down" featuring Lil Wayne and Tank, and "NBA" featuring Wiz Khalifa and French Montana.

<i>Slaughterhouse</i> (Slaughterhouse album) 2009 studio album by Slaughterhouse

Slaughterhouse is the self-titled debut studio album by hip hop supergroup, Slaughterhouse, consisting of members Crooked I, Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz and Royce da 5'9". The album was released on August 11, 2009 on E1 Music and sold 18,600 copies in its first week.

Amalgam Digital

Amalgam Digital is an independent record label based in East Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 2006 by Anyextee, the privately owned label had been home to a variety of artists throughout the decade before significantly downsizing in its later years. The label's online store was the first genre-specific digital download store specializing in hip hop music. It focuses on independent labels and artists through the implementation of a new user-generated content module that allowed artists to upload content directly to the site for immediate purchase. Amalgam Digital also houses an exclusive independent record label by the same name, specializing in hip hop music and distribution. In an April 2008 issue, The Source proclaimed that Amalgam Digital has "its finger on the pulse of hip-hop's future."

<i>Slaughterhouse</i> (EP) 2011 EP by Slaughterhouse

Slaughterhouse is the only extended play by hip hop supergroup Slaughterhouse. It was released on February 8, 2011 through E1 Music. The album debuted at #132 on the Billboard charts, after having sold 5,100 copies.

<i>Ambition</i> (Wale album) 2011 studio album by Wale

Ambition is the second studio album by American hip hop recording artist Wale. It was released on November 1, 2011, by Maybach Music Group and Warner Bros. Records. It is the follow-up to his debut album, Attention Deficit, which was released in 2009. The album features guest appearances from Rick Ross, Lloyd, Ne-Yo, Big Sean, Miguel, Meek Mill, Kid Cudi, and Jeremih. The album was supported by five official singles— "Chain Music", "Bait", Lotus Flower Bomb", "Focused" and "Sabotage". Ambition received generally positive reviews from music critics. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 164,000 copies in its first week of release. As of June 2013, the album has sold over 482,000 copies in the United States.

<i>Welcome to: Our House</i> 2012 studio album by Slaughterhouse

Welcome to: Our House is the second and final studio album by hip hop supergroup Slaughterhouse, consisting of Crooked I, Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz and Royce da 5'9". The album was released on August 28, 2012 via Shady Records and Interscope Records. This would also be their only major label album before disbanding on April 26, 2018.

<i>The Album About Nothing</i> 2015 studio album by Wale

The Album About Nothing is the fourth studio album by American rapper Wale. It was released on March 31, 2015, by Maybach Music Group and Atlantic Records. Recording sessions took place between 2013 and 2015. The album serves as a continuation of Wale's Seinfeld-themed mixtape series. The album was supported by two singles: "The Body" featuring Jeremih, and "The Matrimony" featuring Usher. The Album About Nothing received generally positive reviews from music critics. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, selling 88,000 copies in its first week.

<i>The Gifted</i> (album) 2013 studio album by Wale

The Gifted is the third studio album by American rapper Wale. The album was released on June 25, 2013, in the United States by Maybach Music Group and Atlantic Records. The album features guest appearances from Meek Mill, CeeLo Green, Yo Gotti, Lyfe Jennings, Nicki Minaj, Juicy J, Rihanna, Ne-Yo, Rick Ross, Wiz Khalifa, 2 Chainz, and Tiara Thomas among others. The album was supported by four official singles— "Bad", "LoveHate Thing", "Bad (Remix)" and "Clappers". The Gifted received generally positive reviews from music critics. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 158,000 copies in its first week of release. As of March 2015, the album has sold 367,000 copies in the United States.

<i>Self Made Vol. 3</i> 2013 compilation album by Maybach Music Group

Self Made Vol. 3 is the third compilation album by MMG. The album was released on September 17, 2013, by Maybach Music Group and Atlantic Records. Like the two previous albums in the Self Made series, the album features contributions from members signed to the MMG label including Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Wale, Stalley, French Montana, Omarion and Rockie Fresh along with Gunplay, Young Breed and Torch of Triple C's. The album features additional guest appearances from Yo Gotti, Lil Boosie, Birdman, J. Cole, Fabolous, Pusha T, Hit-Boy, and Lupe Fiasco among others.

<i>All Love Lost</i> 2015 studio album by Joe Budden

All Love Lost is the seventh studio album by American rapper Joe Budden. The album was released on October 16, 2015, by eOne Music. The album features guest appearances from Katelyn Tarver, Jadakiss, Marsha Ambrosius, Emanny, Felicia Temple, Eric Bellinger and Yummy Bingham. The album was supported by two singles; "Broke" and "Slaughtermouse".

<i>Some Love Lost</i> 2014 EP by Joe Budden

Some Love Lost is the first EP by American rapper Joe Budden. The EP was released on November 4, 2014, by Mood Muzik Entertainment and E1 Music.

<i>House Slippers</i> 2014 studio album by Joell Ortiz

House Slippers is the third studio album by American rapper Joell Ortiz. The album was released on September 16, 2014, by Penalty Entertainment. The album features guest appearances from Lee Carr, B.o.B, Mally Stakz, Royce da 5'9", Joe Budden, Crooked I, Sahlance, Maino and Kaydence. The album was supported by the singles "House Slippers" and "Music Saved My Life".

<i>Rage & The Machine</i> 2016 studio album by Joe Budden

Rage & The Machine is the eighth and final studio album by American rapper Joe Budden. It was released on October 21, 2016, by Mood Muzik Entertainment and Empire Distribution. The album was entirely produced by AraabMuzik.

References

  1. ↑ Shake (13 Jul 2009). "Joe Budden to Release Escape Route & The Great Escape LP". 2dopeboyz. Retrieved 15 Feb 2012.
  2. ↑ Mancini, Elan (19 Aug 2009). "Slaughterhouse Push 18K CDs in First Week, Joe Budden Fails to Chart - XXL". XXL . Retrieved 14 Nov 2013.
  3. 1 2 "Joe Budden - Chart history | R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard.com. Retrieved 3 Dec 2012.
  4. 1 2 "Joe Budden - Chart history | Rap Albums". Billboard.com. Retrieved 14 Nov 2013.
  5. 1 2 "Joe Budden - Chart history | Independent Albums". Billboard.com. Retrieved 14 Nov 2013.
  6. 1 2 Jeffries, David (Aug 2009). "Escape Route - Joe Budden | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards | AllMusic". AllMusic . Retrieved 4 Oct 2009.
  7. 1 2 Vasquez, Andres (24 Sep 2009). "Joe Budden - Escape Route EP | Read Hip Hop Reviews, Rap Reviews & Hip Hop Album Reviews | HipHop DX". HipHopDX . Retrieved 25 Dec 2009.
  8. 1 2 Johnson, Rakeem (15 Aug 2009). "Joe Budden: Escape Route (Album Review) - The Koalition". The Koalition. Retrieved 22 Aug 2009.
  9. 1 2 Tinsley, J. (18 Aug 2009). ""Good Enough" - Review Of Joe Budden's Escape Route | The Smoking Section". The Smoking Section. Retrieved 25 Dec 2009.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.