Joe Budden Claims He Has Better Mixtapes Than Lil Wayne

In a bold statement during a recent episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, the media maven declared himself the greatest mixtape rapper of his era, igniting a fiery debate among Hip-Hop fans.

As the conversation shifted toward the greatest mixtape artists of all time, names like Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, and others were thrown around, but Budden confidently interjected, “Oh, that’s easy, me.”

Budden’s proclamation may raise eyebrows, especially when considering Lil Wayne’s legendary mixtape discography. Wayne, often hailed as one of the greatest rappers of all time, has an extensive catalog that includes pivotal mixtapes like his Dedication series and No Ceilings, which played a crucial role in shaping modern hip-hop.

Recording artist Lil Wayne attends Neiman Marcus x Young Money Launch at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills on February 16, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California.

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Neiman Marcus

Budden, however, isn’t one to shy away from a challenge; he has built a reputation as a skilled lyricist with a notable mixtape history, including projects like his Mood Muzik series.

The internet quickly erupted over Budden’s declaration. Reactions varied widely, with some social media users deeming his assertion “delusional.” One commenter on X (formerly Twitter) voiced disbelief, stating, “He’s out of his god damn mind,” while another admitted they were unaware of Budden’s mixtape contributions. Some attributed his comments to alleged drug use and other personal struggles.

On the flip side, a dedicated group of fans rallied to Budden’s defense, recognizing his lyrical prowess and the artistic quality of his work.

Joe Budden

Joe Budden speaks onstage during day 2 of REVOLT Summit x AT&T Summit on September 13, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Revolt

“He’s not wrong,” one supporter asserted. “More popular? No, not close. But BETTER? Absolutely.” This sentiment was echoed by others who noted Wayne’s rumored use of ghostwriters, a claim that remains unconfirmed.

One fan passionately argued, “F**king thank you. Joe can rap his f**king a** off. People don’t really know about Joe like that.” They continued, adding, “Hell ni**as run off of popularity like Gillie and other rappers wasn’t writing for Wayne.”

Budden’s assertion may be polarizing, but it does highlight an important conversation about the nature of Hip-Hop and what constitutes greatness in the genre.

Joe Budden

Joe Budden speaks onstage during the REVOLT Summit Kickoff Event hosted by Sean “Diddy” Combs, REVOLT, and AT&T at the Kings Theatre on July 24, 2019 in New York City.

Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Revolt

While Wayne’s mainstream success and impact are undeniable, Budden’s argument brings attention to the artistry and depth that can often be overshadowed by commercial appeal.

As the discussion continues to unfold, it’s clear that Budden’s self-assessment has sparked a renewed interest in his mixtape legacy and the broader conversation about lyrical skill versus commercial success in hip-hop.

Watch Joe Budden declare himself the greatest mixtape rapper of his time here.