A wise woman once said that if an artist releases an extended play with any filler, that artist failed.  Beyond an instrumental introduction that serves little purpose more than an impediment, Joe Budden’s official return as a solo act arrives in one of his strongest efforts to date.  Some Love Lost thrives, both due to its relative brevity and Budden’s consistent penmanship.  Six records, all clocking in at more than four minutes apiece, of a dreary walk through his take on real life rap.  “Only Human” is the apex of SLL, showing Broadway Joe at his most emotionally exposed.

Showing his penchant for vivid storytelling, he reflects on his darkest hour, staring down depression, pill addiction and suicidal thoughts, shedding light on mental health, an issue that is often disregarded in the black community.  The heartfelt standout “Poker In The Sky” touches on the irony of the pain echoed in his art is what has brought him fame and success, but also captures a bittersweet moment in time, playing poker with his ailing grandfather, who’s slowly succumbing to cancer.  Thankfully, it is far from all doom and gloom.

Whereas the third act in his “Ordinary Love S—t” series slowly unveiled a tumultuous relationship with Esther Baxter, marked by adultery, the fourth makes a case for reconciliation with longtime love, Tahiry Jose.  With nine years of history in the bank, their relationship has been well documented, both in his music and in the media alike.  With many artists faking their lifestyles and adopting false personas in pursuit of fame, it is refreshing when an artist the caliber of Joe Budden lays his truth on wax, for better or for worse.  Weaving vibrant tales of personal hardships, Joe Budden ups the ante with Some Love Lost, an impressive after a hit or miss prequel, renewing expectations for the forthcoming closing chapter, All Love Lost.

Highlights—Only Human/Ordinary Love S—t, Pt. 4/Poker In The Sky

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