Joe Budden Receives His “Pump It Up” Gold Plaque, Thanks To LL Cool J

Years after the feud with Def Jam ended, Joe Budden finally received the plaque for his biggest record, thanks to LL Cool J. 

Over the weekend, LL was a guest on Budden’s podcast.  During their chat, LL and Budden both recounted their time with Def Jam.  However, Budden was unaware that LL had brought his gold plaque from his 2003 hit, “Pump It Up.” The gesture visibly moved Budden when an assistant brought out the package.  His cohosts cheered and congratulated Budden on the move. 

🎙️| LL Cool J brought Joe his gold plague for “Pump It Up”. Awesome stuff man

pic.twitter.com/dlPCYjxfmn

— OPINIONATED_TRUTHS_PODCAST™️ (@O_Truths) August 20, 2024

“Pump It Up” was the lead single from Budden’s self-titled debut album.  The track peaked at number 38 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.  Despite the album going gold, the track only received its RIAA certification last August.  At that time, Budden and his cohosts discussed how the record should have sold way more, considering its popularity at the time. The rapper-turned-podcaster shared that he hadn’t received his accolade and didn’t seem optimistic that he would. 

Budden released “Pump It Up” while still signed to Def Jam.  However, their relationship soured when it was time for Budden to release his second album, “The Growth.” The label refused to back the project, which caused a nasty feud with Budden and Def Jam.  He also took issue with Jay-Z becoming president of the company in 2004.  Budden felt slighted that the label would not put out his music, which led him to release the first two installments of his “Mood Muzik” mixtape series on his own.  He was finally released from his deal in 2007. 

With LL once having ownership in Def Jam, the gold plaque was a way to further mend things between Budden and his former label.