This week, Joe Budden did more than release his latest mixtape,A Loose Quarter. He also declared that it would be the “mixtape of the year” to HipHopDX. Meanwhile, Pharoahe Monch gave DX the scoop on what it’s like to ghostwrite for Diddy. Elsewhere, this week also allowed for HipHopDX’s annual Turkey Awards, which featured Lupe Fiasco, DMX and 50 Cent getting awards. 

Pharoahe Monch Details Ghostwriting For Diddy, Respect For Eminem

In his interview with Slava Kuperstein, Pharoahe Monch shared an intriguing story about ghostwriting for Diddy. Monch explained how he took on the project, hoping to learn from it like a “case study.” 

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“I was feeling great in my career,” Monch shared. “And so, the opportunity came from the publishing company: ‘Yo, [Diddy] is interested in you writing for his project.’ Being the crackpot that I am, I saw it as a case study: an opportunity to see what it would be like to be in the studio working on a project—possibly a three million dollar project, a learning opportunity and a challenge.” 

According to Monch, the process took some time in order for Diddy to get it right. In his interview, he explained that he called Diddy to share a few tips on delivery. 

“They sent me the song and we played it on the big speakers in Detroit, and everybody looked at me like, ‘Uhhhh…’ I was like, ‘Alright, I gotta call him.’ He said I could call him: ‘Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid. If there’s anything that you needed to tell me, then tell me.’ So I’m like, ‘Gimme 10 minutes, so I’ma call him.’ And it’s like, ‘Pharoahe on line three!’ [Laughs] ‘Who is this?’ ‘It’s Pharoahe for Diddy.’ ‘Alright, hold, hold, hold…’ ‘Hello?’ ‘Hey, it’s Pharoahe, I’m holding for Puff.’ You know, like four different people. Finally, I’m like, ‘Hey man,’ and he’s like ‘Hey, whaddup?’ I’m like, ‘Hey, I’m in Detroit. I heard the song, and I just feel like, maybe, you might wanna…’ [Laughs]” 

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Joe Budden Drops “A Loose Quarter,” Says “It’s Like A New Joe Budden” 

With a surprise to fans, Joe Budden decided to drop A Loose Quarter this week. But before doing that, the emcee spoke with Edwin Ortiz for his interview with HipHopDX. In the piece, Budden explained that this tape would showcase “a new Joe Budden” and that he’s grown into “a real state of happiness.”  

“For me, it’s been a long, long journey. I’ve met a lot of people, some I’ve pissed off. I’ve been public about some things, I’ve been immature, I’ve been a dickhead, and some people have been those things to me. The title just symbolizes being in a real state of happiness. I don’t have any malice toward anyone, no grudges, just being in a real pain-free type of state. I wouldn’t say free of pain, but a different type of pain. It’s like a new Joe Budden.”

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HipHopDX’s Turkey Awards Go To Lupe Fiasco, DMX, 50 Cent 

With Thanksgiving taking place this week, it was only right to showcase HipHopDX’s annual Turkey Award winners. This year, Lupe Fiasco, DMX, 50 Cent and others got their awards for various reasons. For instance, Lupe Fiasco got his “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” after sharing a story about how he was visited by extra-terrestrials in the past. DMX got the Clubber Lang award after threatening to beat Drake up & 50 Cent joined Floyd Mayweather for “The Take Back The Night” award after their feud/friendship made the news. 

Other items of note 

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-Rappers Thank Lauryn Hill, Dr. Dre, The Notorious B.I.G. & Radiohead For Thanksgiving 

-Drake Copes With The Loss Of His Grandmother On Thanksgiving Day

-Lil Wayne Says He’s Taking Seizure Medication After Incident

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