Joe Budden Preps Lyric Book

Jay-Z is prepping the release of a book dubbed 'Decoded' that breaks down his lyrics, and his former Def Jam label mate, Joe Budden, is attempting a similar feat. The rapper is set to release a limited edition run of 'Enter the Mind of Joe Budden,' a collection of handwritten lyrics that invite the reader into the intimate workings of the emcee's mind as he pens his tracks.

The book, which is available for pre-order ahead of its August 10 release, will receive a limited pressing of 300 copies, each being sold for $30 and including an autograph from the emcee. The collection also features an introduction from MC, Senior Writer at The Source Magazine. Budden will celebrate his first book on the night of its release with a performance at the New York City venue S.O.B.'s, featuring an opening set from The Doppelgangaz.

Budden is currently prepping the release of his third retail full length, 'The Great Escape,' slated for release on September 14 and featuring production from J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, J. Cardim, Sean C & LV, Black Milk, Nottz and more. The album has been a long time coming, following a public spat with his label Amalgam Digital after Joe refused to turn in the album. The emcee claimed that he would not hand over the album until contract snags were ironed out -- a matter that appears to have been cleared up.

The emcee is also negotiating a contract between his super group Slaughterhouse and Eminem's Shady Records. Announced in September 2009, the deal would bring Royce Da 5'9, Crooked I, Joell Ortiz and Budden to the imprint. The group recently performed alongside Em at NYC's Emsee Battle last week, fueling further speculation that a deal could soon be finalized.