Joe Budden’s $3.3 million Edgewater, New Jersey mansion is nearly as famous as the rapper himself, though not always for positive reasons. The luxurious 11,000-square-foot home along the Hudson River has been at the center of multiple legal battles, including a bizarre sleepwalking incident and ongoing noise complaints from frustrated neighbors.
From late-night podcast noise to a bizarre sleepwalking incident, Budden’s mansion has seen endless drama. Let’s take a closer look at the property that’s now almost as controversial as its outspoken owner.
Inside $3.3 Million Edgewater House
Budden’s mansion sits in affluent Edgewater, New Jersey, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan. The location balances NYC access with suburban calm—close enough for work, far enough for privacy.
The mansion’s specs mirror Budden’s bold persona. With 10 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms spread across 11,000 square feet, the mansion provides plenty of space for both living and working. The home features several luxury amenities:
- A private swimming pool overlooking the Hudson River
- A fully equipped gym
- A library with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves
- Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase stunning Manhattan skyline views
- Multiple entertainment lounges
Edgewater has become a hotspot for celebrities and entertainment figures looking for luxury homes near NYC without Manhattan price tags. The area offers privacy while still providing easy access to the city, making it ideal for someone balancing a public persona with private life.
Budden bought the mansion after his podcast success, a major upgrade from his earlier homes. The mansion represents his transformation from rapper to podcast mogul, symbolizing his rising status in the media world.
December 2024’s Sleepwalking Scandal
In December 2024, Budden’s home became the center of an unusual legal controversy that quickly grabbed headlines. According to court documents and TMZ reports, a neighbor filed a lawsuit claiming they witnessed Budden completely naked outside their door in the middle of the night.
Ring camera footage captured Budden wandering disoriented through shared hallways. When confronted, Budden offered an unexpected explanation: he was sleepwalking.
“I have a medical condition,” Budden stated on his podcast shortly after news broke. “Anyone who knows me knows I sometimes sleepwalk. This whole thing is being blown out of proportion.”
The neighbor wasn’t convinced. Their lawsuit alleged that the incident wasn’t an accident but part of what they described as an ongoing pattern of harassment. The lawsuit claimed Budden’s behavior had created an “uncomfortable living environment” and sought damages for emotional distress.
The sleepwalking defense generated mixed reactions. Some supporters stood by Budden, while others questioned the plausibility of his explanation. While sleepwalking can cause strange behavior, critics questioned the timing and Budden’s history of disputes.
The case took another turn in May 2025 when an injunction hearing was scheduled to determine whether Budden would face restrictions on his movements within the building’s common areas during nighttime hours.
Noisy Podcast Studio Complaints
Beyond the sleepwalking controversy, Budden’s home has been the subject of numerous noise complaints. The problem stems from his at-home podcast studio.
Budden, who transitioned from rapping to podcasting after his “Pump It Up” days, converted a section of his home into a professional recording space. While convenient for his work, the studio has become a persistent problem for neighbors who claim the noise disrupts their daily lives.
Neighbors cite late-night shouting, fake gunshot noises, and blaring music during recordings. The condo association has reportedly sent multiple warnings about noise violations, citing the building’s quiet hours policy.
One neighbor’s statement in legal documents reads: “The walls shake when they get into heated debates. It’s impossible to sleep or focus when they’re recording.”
Adding to the tension, some residents have complained about marijuana smoke drifting through ventilation systems and common areas during podcast recordings. While recreational marijuana is legal in New Jersey, the building has policies against smoking in shared spaces.
Budden has publicly dismissed these complaints on his podcast, suggesting some neighbors are “too sensitive” and arguing that his success shouldn’t be penalized. This response has only intensified the friction between the media personality and the condo community.
From Rap to Podcast Powerhouse
Understanding Budden’s home controversies requires context about his career trajectory. He first gained fame as a rapper with his 2003 hit single “Pump It Up,” which became his signature song. He later joined the hip-hop supergroup Slaughterhouse alongside Royce da 5’9″, Joell Ortiz, and KXNG Crooked.
As his music career faced challenges, Budden pivoted to media, finding his true calling as a podcast host and cultural commentator. His sharp opinions and willingness to speak candidly about industry issues quickly built him a dedicated audience.
The Joe Budden Podcast became one of the most successful independent podcasts in hip-hop culture, allowing him to purchase his Edgewater mansion. The home itself represents this career transformation – from struggling artist to media entrepreneur with waterfront property.
The podcast that paid for the mansion now fuels its controversies. The studio that produces his income is the same facility, causing friction with neighbors, creating a complicated situation that balances career needs against community harmony.
Like many creators, Budden’s home office blurs personal and professional lines. However, few have homes as expensive or as public as Budden’s.
Social Media and Viral Moments
Budden’s housing drama went viral during an April 2025 X Spaces debate with media personality Raqi Thunda. During the heated exchange, which drew thousands of listeners, Budden’s housing situation became a central topic.
“You can’t even walk around your own house without causing problems,” Thunda remarked during the viral argument, referencing the sleepwalking incident. “Maybe spend less time naked in hallways and more time being a decent neighbor.”
Budden fired back: “My house, my rules. Don’t worry about where I sleep or how I sleep.”
Clips from the argument racked up millions of views within hours. This public airing of his private housing disputes only intensified interest in the Edgewater mansion.
Adam22, another podcast host with whom Budden has a complicated history, mockingly referenced the situation on his show: “Man’s got 11,000 square feet but somehow ends up naked outside someone else’s door? That’s talent.”
These social media moments have kept Budden’s housing situation in the public conversation, making his personal property disputes a recurring topic in hip-hop media circles.
Retaliation Claims and Racial Bias Allegations
The legal issues surrounding Budden’s home extend beyond the naked incident and noise complaints. Court documents reveal additional allegations of retaliation after neighbors voiced concerns about disturbances.
Residents accuse Budden of targeting complainants with loud music and hallway confrontations, including playing music louder when specific neighbors were known to be home. One filing alleged that Budden and guests would congregate in hallways near complainants’ units, creating uncomfortable encounters.
Budden fired back, alleging racial bias drives some complaints. “There’s a pattern here,” he stated on his podcast. “When successful Black men move into certain neighborhoods, suddenly everything we do becomes a problem.”
The condo association has attempted to mediate the disputes, holding special meetings to address the tensions. However, with lawsuits now filed, the situation has moved beyond internal resolution to the court system.
Legal experts note that cases involving celebrity residents often become complicated as public personas and private behavior collide. The outcome of these lawsuits could potentially impact Budden’s ability to continue operating his podcast from home or even force changes to his living situation.
Edgewater
Budden’s choice of Edgewater follows a pattern among celebrities seeking proximity to New York City without Manhattan prices or density. The waterfront community has attracted numerous entertainment and sports figures over the years.
The town offers spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline while providing more space and privacy than city living. High-end condos and single-family homes line the Hudson River, creating an exclusive atmosphere that appeals to wealthy professionals.
Edgewater’s rising home values make Budden’s $3.3 million purchase a smart investment, despite the drama, making Budden’s $3.3 million investment potentially sound from a financial perspective, despite the legal troubles.
Local real estate agents report that celebrity-owned properties can influence market perception of neighborhoods, sometimes attracting buyers interested in living near famous figures. However, highly publicized disputes can have the opposite effect, causing potential buyers to question community harmony.
For Budden, Edgewater represented an upgrade that matched his rising status in media. The mansion serves as both home and workspace, blending his personal and professional lives in ways that have created both opportunities and challenges.
What’s Next for Budden’s Edgewater Estate?
As legal proceedings continue, questions remain about the future of Budden’s residence. Will the podcast host be forced to find an alternative recording space? Could the mounting complaints and lawsuits eventually drive him from the property altogether?
Some industry observers speculate that Budden might ultimately convert his podcast operation to a commercial space outside his home, preserving his residential peace while addressing neighbor concerns. Others suggest the publicity from these disputes might benefit his brand, which has often thrived on controversy.
Court hearings scheduled throughout 2025 will likely determine whether Budden can continue operating as usual or must make significant changes to his living and working arrangements. The outcome could set precedents for other content creators who work from residential properties.
For now, the mansion remains a luxury home, podcast studio, and courtroom drama rolled into one. Like its owner, Budden’s Edgewater estate continues to generate conversation, controversy, and cultural interest that extends far beyond its impressive square footage.
Whether viewed as a symbol of success, a neighborhood disruption, or simply an expensive home with extraordinary problems, Budden’s mansion has become almost as famous as the man himself, proving once again that in celebrity culture, even real estate rarely stays private for long.
