Joe Scudda

For Georgia-born artist Joe Scudda, there is no such thing as not rapping. In his words, “If I ain’t rappin’ then you probably gonna see me on the news somewhere.” Influenced by artitsts such as Big L, Prodigy, Boot Camp Click, and Jay-Z, Scudda had always been a hard-core hip-hop fan. He first knew he could make the transition from fan to featured artist after freestyling for a crowd of thousands. The crowd reaction coupled with the feeling of being on stage cemented his destiny. Meeting fellow Hall of Justus artist 9th Wonder that same night not only makes for a great story, but also led to friendship and a creative partnership.

So, how does one categorize Joe Scudda as an MC? Don’t even try it. Ask him and he’ll tell you he’s underground. He’s southern (albeit not your average canned variety). He’s straight hip-hop. Listening to alternative, crunk and even some Sinatra, Scudda refuses to be limited as an artist, going as far as appearing on an episode of FX’s “The Sheild.” One day, Scudda hopes to work with the likes of Beanie Siegel and Ice Cube. Until then, he has enjoyed success teaming up with fellow Hall of Justus artists like Khrysis and Little Brother on his mix-tape “The Authentic” and “The Minstrel Show” respectively. Always grinding, Joe Scudda is currently in the studio working with 9th Wonder, Khrysis, Evidence of Dilated Peoples, Don Cannon and more on a yet untitled album due out in early 2007.

As dedicated to the mic as he is passionate about University of Georgia football, Joe Scudda points to his opening line in Little Brother’s “Lovin’ It” to describe his style; “I wake up every mornin’ holdin’ my dick/goin’ through life like I know I’m the shit.” Call it cocky, confident, or whatever, “I can do anything I want to do,” he says, “I’m the man today.”