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Joe Budden Ventures into True-Crime Podcast Genre with "Crime in America"

Shonda RhimesShonda RhimesAug 04, 2026

Joe Budden, a prominent figure in the podcasting world known for his incisive cultural commentary, is expanding his creative endeavors into the true-crime genre. His new video podcast, titled "Crime in America," is a collaborative effort with Wolf Entertainment, the acclaimed production company behind "Law & Order," and Advance Local's Headline Studio. This venture promises a unique approach to true-crime storytelling, leveraging both Budden's distinctive voice and the investigative prowess of local journalists.

Scheduled to premiere on Tuesday, August 11, "Crime in America" will be accessible across all major podcast platforms. This series marks the inaugural offering from Prime Crime Productions, a new crime and news entity established by Budden and his long-standing business associate, Ian Schwartzman. Their decision to independently fund and develop the series underscores their commitment to innovation in content creation.

The podcast aims to combine Budden's personal interest in true crime with Wolf Entertainment's established reputation for impactful crime narratives and Advance Local/Headline Studio's extensive network of journalists nationwide. Each episode will delve into a currently developing or recently revealed national case. This format allows the program to highlight local incidents early on, track their progression weekly, and revisit stories as new information emerges.

A key feature of the podcast will be Budden's collaboration with Advance Local journalists. Together, they will explore the intricacies of each case, examining the events, their broader implications, and potential future developments. This partnership emphasizes the critical role of journalistic rigor in presenting compelling and well-researched true-crime content.

Elliot Wolf, Executive Vice President of Digital for Wolf Entertainment, highlighted the importance of local journalists in uncovering significant true-crime stories. He expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that "Crime in America" will provide these journalists with a national stage. Richard Diamond, President of Headline Studio, further elaborated on the distinctive aspect of this collaboration, emphasizing its blend of national reach with in-depth local reporting. He noted that the series will offer audiences an intimate look at unfolding stories, supported by authentic reporting, credible sources, and profound local insights, thereby showcasing the vital role of journalism in community understanding.

Joe Budden, a Grammy-nominated artist, entrepreneur, and podcaster, initially gained recognition as a recording artist before transitioning into media. He successfully built "The Joe Budden Podcast" into a cornerstone of the Joe Budden Network, cultivating a dedicated audience across various platforms, including Patreon. Earlier reports indicated that top podcasters on Patreon, including Budden, have the potential to earn over $1 million monthly.

The forthcoming true-crime podcast, "Crime in America," represents a significant new chapter for Joe Budden, allowing him to explore his passion for investigative narratives through a collaboration that promises both compelling storytelling and journalistic integrity, further solidifying his diverse presence in the media landscape.

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