On December 18, Joe Budden confirmed that he left his wildly successful Complex Hip Hop show Everyday Struggle. After the show tried to spin Budden’s absence as him simply being on paternity leave, he lashed out and told his side of the story in a string of tweets.
One day later, he gave more details on his podcast.
Almost immediately, the show’s legions of fans began questioning the future of the popular series, noting how Budden was an instrumental part of the show’s runaway success. One Twitter user even said, “Everyday Struggle with no joe budden is equivalent to cavs with no [LeBron James]”
Though the New Jersey star definitely brought a lot of charisma and knowledge to the table, there are many rappers who would love to take his place and would excel in the position. Here are five rappers who could replace Budden and maybe even make Everyday Struggle a stronger show.
Spoiler Alert: None of these guys are named DJ Whoo Kid.
Twista
This Chicago rapper’s flow is distinct and legendary and his guest verse on Kanye West’s “Slow Jamz” pretty much stole the show. As a host, this dexterous rapper would bring this knowledge and expertise in crafting questions to artists. Given that his latest album Crook Country wasn’t his strongest effort, he could probably stand to use a high-profile gig like hosting Everyday Struggle to get his creative juices flowing again.
Lil Wayne
Not only is Lil Wayne one of the most talented rappers out there, he’s incredibly telegenic and charismatic in interviews (when he’s not phoning it in) and in appearances on shows such as First Take. If he were to join Everyday Struggle, the New Orleans rapper would bring his goofy and improvisational style to the show. While he continues to battle it out with Birdman over the release of Tha Carter V, he’d be probably happy to have a regular job that would allow him to let loose. However, a possible downside could be his notorious unpredictability and short fuse.
Fat Joe
After dropping a joint album with Remy Ma, this New York rap legend has been taking it easy save for his summer heater, “So Excited” with Cool & Dre. The Terror Squad co-founder would bring his years of experience to the show, giving guests the ins and outs of how the industry works as well as financial literacy. And like his potential predecessor Budden, he has zero qualms in interjecting his opinion to be the dominant one. A drawback could be his refusal to clearly take a stand when it comes to ongoing Hip Hop feuds.
Papoose
Last year, New York rapper Papoose called comedy juggernaut Kevin Hart out on Sway In The Morning for his rapper alter-ego Chocolate Droppa. He agreed with Sway’s suggestion that the two should do a rap battle. This type of audacity and self-aware humor would make for excellent entertainment. Plus, having him as a host of Everyday Struggle could bring even more Love & Hip Hop fans to the show. Who knows, maybe Remy Ma could co-host every now and then? But given that Everyday Struggle has been caught up in the ongoing controversy, they might want to go with a less risky and more reliable host.
The Game
Hate it or love it, The Game surely knows how to command the attention of a room. After years of dropping numerous albums and doing everything from taking a stab at acting to reality TV, the Compton rapper is now teasing his grand exit from Hip Hop. What could be next? Landing a hosting gig at Everyday Struggle would be a perfect retirement for this Hip Hop veteran. A possible drawback would be his evasiveness to share details about his ongoing feuds in interviews.
Lil Wayne wouldn’t do it! If they can’t afford joe couldn’t afford any those guys except maybe pappose, who would be good and the game.
Whoever they pick. I’m pretty sure the fans have spoken. everyday struggle is now the Titanic. Rooting for Joe! Fuck complex!
Hell no! Not bum ass Papoose
Twista might be a good idea tho
it’s going to have to be Lord Jamar or no one lol
Word! We need a host that isn’t scared to talk that talk. I think all the candidates have some yes men in their DNA except for maybe Paps.
Give it to Game he’s as blunt as Joey
all of those suggestions suck
What about Gillie the Kid? He’s really been involved lately on social media.
Another good idea besides Lord Jamar. He does speak his mind. We need that.
All 5 are trash
Boosie please pick Boosie those Vlad interviews though!!
Get PETE ROCK!!!!!!!!!! Soul brother #1….
They all suck. Lil Wayne has such a terrible drug addiction he would never show up and if he did no one could understand him. Just end the show.
This list just proves how clueless they are at complex. good heavens.
Worst list ever Id say either 50 , Busta, or Jada
Busta and Jada??? This ain’t the 90s no more. They’d be boring. And what world would 50 abandon having his Starz shows?
By that you mean they don’t dye they hair wear spandex and have goofy tats on they ugly ass face and they don’t get they cheap chain snatched in front of they lame ass security
I feel you but who then I only mention them cause it would have to be someone that knows their history in hip hop & who is still kinda relevant
lmao wtf man hell naw man
Seriously, how much did Noah bribe y’all to write this article? The show is done without Joe, it was good while it lasted.
Noah’s not at Complex anymore
This list sucks dick
The only person on that list with anything to say is Fat Joe, but you can’t replace One joe for the other. Fuck out of here. You out of touch? Is this a complex magazine?
No disrespect….. Neither MC can match up to Mouse’s intellect. Sorry
Willie D would be a good replacement but he’s prob too old and irrelevant for the younger crowd.
It needs to be 50 CENT!!!!
the game. I can actually see this
Where is the integrity on this website…. first, it says lash out? He didn’t lash out, see his tweets. Second, how yal going to put this post up while the man is still negotiating his contract? Yal pretty much playing with his money at this point. Yal couldn’t wait a few weeks? Getting the story is more important tho. I can’t wait to give a list of people that can fill in for this writer the day they don’t show up a couple days to negotiate their contract. #YouInThatMoodYet
Um…he’s gone. Did you not see the statement? My vote goes for Da Brat. Love listening to her down in the A.
From the comments, Gillie da kid, Lord Jamar. Perhaps Dame Dash? Irv Gotti? We just need a non sugar coating host that addresses the white elephant in the room, is openly opinionated and can call out wack ish. Shoot. I should be doing this job for them…making a list of candidates.
Irv, Dame, Lord Jamar or Gillie da kid.
FUCKING lord Jamar should be the new host
The suggestions are terrible
Is this Joe?
They seem to hire just about anybody up at HHDX it seems. Either that, or they promote employees internally from janitor to head writer. This “journalism” is beyond amateur and pathetic.
this is dumb as hell
Lil wayne perfect but complex needs him where he doesn’t them, The game would be great but he’d bully everybody into agreeing with him lol. honestly no one can replace Joe Budden especially creatively, plus if it was not for him unintentionally making beef with migos complex wouldn’t be known as much.
Uh oh lord Jamal ? is ringing right now as we comment
This is a terrible list of people. None of them are as openly opinionated(most times with valid points and outlooks) and manic/passionate as Budden. The chemistry between hosts would be weird.
Papoose. Anything to get him to stop rapping, even if only for a moment.
List is lame maybe Cam’ron, but they’ll need someone salty with a dying rap career (50cent!) lol!
“Not only is Lil Wayne one of the most talented rappers out there..” I stopped reading this BS article right after this line.
Safaree
Bumpy knuckles, someone who’s not afraid to speak their mind,Joe always straddled the line, the few times I struggled to watch,change the other people too while their at it.
Really None of these people have the Joe Budden…stop.
Without Joe it’s a wrap. You would have to get good mood only Meth… Or Mos Def when he is in the country. Even with that Joe is those two gifts re-wrapped. No pun intended.
The difference between Joe Budden and them, is He isn’t a sell out.
no.he’s a drug addict tht uses mind games on ppl/he even got fired from a reality show
Lord Jamar is opinionated but you’d lose white audience. NORE is already on Revolt. 50 Cent is great but how can you afford him if they can’t pay Joe. Pete Rock is opinionated against the new school, Questlove too but he’s got a decent gig.
No one can replace Joe…he’s the best at acting joe. Lord Jamar or Uncle Murda. But it still won’t be the same.
This list is bullshit. The only one that I see that could bring the heat and controversy that Joe Budden did is Lord Jamar
public does not like ppl tht act as tho they are entitled,especially when he isn’t.
First of all whoever had the idea for this article should be fired. Twista? Come on man.
Second of all the list should’ve been:
1. Dylan
2. Dylan
3. Dylan
4. Dylan
5. Dylan
It was funny 16 years ago, not now son. Get my dick outcha mouf.
nadeska: what do yall think about nicki’s comment about white rappers? ak: salute to the white rappers i’m a fan of all of them lord jamar: this is not your fucking house, ynaramean?
The Game is the only one I could see doing this show no matter what you think about him he will stand his ground and tell it like it is if its wack or whatever
50 would be good for it
All five of these options are trash choices.
No one on this list will risk their relationships with anyone in the industry and speak the truth. Joe spoke the truth at the risk of his well being and safety. That is what makes him unique and his opinions valid. All we would get is the Whoo Kid style of tap dancing around the truth.
Buddden can’t be replaced, anyone who “fits” with similar personality traits, is another clear sing of that fact. Immitation is the best form of flattery.