Joe Budden Feat LL Cool J - Focus Remix

Review by Jason E

Alright, let’s get into this throwback joint—Focus Remix by Joe Budden featuring the legendary LL Cool J. This 2002 Hip Hop gem from the US, dropped under Island Def Jam, is one of those projects that feels like it came outta nowhere but still hits different. It’s not a full album, more like a quick hitter with remix vibes, but man, it packs a punch. First off, you gotta talk about the title track, "Focus (Remix) (Call Out Hook)". This one sticks with you because Joe Budden was just starting to carve his lane in the game, and LL Cool J sliding in with his classic cool flow? That’s straight fire. The beat has this gritty NYC bounce to it—perfect for both rappers to flex their skills. Joe brings that raw introspective energy he’s known for, while LL drops bars like he’s reminding folks why he’s an OG. The hook’s simple but catchy as hell, making it one of those tracks you can’t help but nod your head to. Honestly, I remember bumping this on some late-night drives back in the day—it just sets the mood. Then there’s "Focus (Remix) (Inst.)", which might seem lowkey at first glance, but don’t sleep on it. Sometimes instrumentals let the production shine without all the lyrics hogging the spotlight. The drum pattern here slaps hard, and the bassline gives off that early 2000s East Coast vibe. You could easily freestyle over this or just vibe out if you’re not feeling chatty. It’s kinda wild how they included multiple versions of the same song, but hey, back then, remixes were basically mandatory. Now, looking back, Focus Remix wasn’t trying to reinvent Hip Hop or anything, but it didn’t have to. It’s short, sharp, and effective—a snapshot of two eras colliding: Joe Budden bringing that new-school hunger and LL Cool J reppin’ the old guard like only he can. Funny enough, listening to this now makes me realize how much simpler music used to feel before streaming and algorithms took over. Like, we actually had time to sit with a track instead of jumping to the next playlist. Oh, and random thought: whoever decided to put “Call Out Hook” in parentheses must’ve been hella organized—or maybe just really into details. Either way, shoutout to them for keeping things tidy!

Download Joe Budden Feat LL Cool J - Focus Remix

Artist: Joe Budden Feat LL Cool J
Album: Focus Remix

Hip Hop

2002

Review
About Album
Download
Tracks
Video
Labels
Listen online
Formats
Companies
About Artist
Interesting fact
Comments
Related albums

Download

Filename: joe-budden-feat-ll-cool-j-focus-remix.zip

MP3 size: 16.2 mb
FLAC size: 150 mb

Download

Tracks

Track	Duration	Preview
Focus (Remix) (Radio)	4:10
Focus (Remix) (Inst.)	4:12
Focus (Remix) (Call Out Hook)	0:10

Video

Joe Budden - Focus

Labels

Island Def Jam

Listen online

online luisteren
lyssna på nätet
écouter en ligne
escuchar en línea
ouvir online
kuunnella verkossa
ascolta in linea
lytte på nettet
online anhören

Formats

CDr
Promo

Companies

Role	Company
Copyright (c)	Island Def Jam

About Joe Budden Feat LL Cool J

Born: August 31, 1980, Spanish Harlem, New York. Following some troubled teenage years, Budden cleaned himself up and focused his sights on hip-hop fame. He teamed up with producer (aka ) and began making demos, one of which ended up in the hands of DJ Clue. Soon afterward, Budden was a mixtape fixture, freestyling over popular beats on mixes by New York's leading DJs, most notably , , and Cutmaster C. In particular, his "Grindin'" freestyle turned heads, as did one of his White Boy productions, "Focus." It wasn't long before Budden joined On Top management and went to work with , one of New York's hottest producers of the moment. Indeed, a sure-fire hit resulted: "Pump It Up," a club-ready track that connected everywhere, from MTV to the streets. While all of this was going down, industry heavyweight Def Jam signed Budden and prepared his self-titled debut album, which charted well its opening week, earned some critical support. After label delays of his second album Joey left Def Jam and started his Mood Muzik mixtape/albums which showed a more ferocious but vulnerable MC which gained him a new group of supporters.

Real Name

Joseph Anthony Budden
Jr.

Name Vars

Budden
Buddens
J. Budden
J. Buddens
Joe
Joe Buddens
Joe Buddon
Joe Buddons
Joe Budduns
Joe Budeen
JoeBudden
Joey
Joseph Budden

Aliases

Joseph Anthony Budden, Jr.
Jumpoff

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know? Joe Budden's "Focus Remix" featuring LL Cool J is a hidden gem from 2002. It’s pure hip-hop gold, released under Island Def Jam in the US. The album keeps it simple but strong with just three tracks: the remix itself, an instrumental version, and a radio edit. Sometimes less really is more!