His music initially gained popularity on New York City's famous mixtape circuit in 2002. Although his biggest mainstream hit to-date is 2003's up-tempo "Pump It Up," Budden is known for his reflective and often insecure lyrics. He is widely considered one of hip-hop's most gifted lyricists, thanks largely in part to his numerous works on mixtapes by such DJ's as DJ Clue, Clinton Sparks, DJ On Point, and DJ Envy.
On one particular mixtape song, called "Crosscountry Connection", Joe started a feud with the G-Unit camp. The Game took offense to a line where Joe claims that gangsta rappers should "be in a G-Unit video with all the gangsta actors", obviously claiming G-Unit are fake gangstas. Unbeknownst to Budden, The Game had just recently signed with the G-Unit camp. The Game and G-Unit fired a few diss songs Budden's way; he replied in kind. The feud was ended when The Game and Budden met in a club in New York City and put the past aside.
During winter and spring of 2005, through Joe Budden mixtapes and hip-hop rumor mills, it was said that he departed from Def Jam to Roc-A-Fella Records with CEO Damon Dash. In reality, Budden was legally obligated to stay with Def Jam. In the beginning of Budden's career, it took him a long time to get public exposure, working more than three years from the first time his demo tapes were heard to the first time he was on the radio. He has appeared on many tracks with other artists including 112, Amerie, Brandy, Cassidy, Fabolous, Fat Joe, Freeway, Janet Jackson, Jay-Z, Jennifer Lopez, Jin, Kelly Rowland, Lil' Kim, LL Cool J, Marques Houston, Usher, and more recently a remix to the hit song "Hollaback Girl" with Gwen Stefani. Some of these were not official remixes, simply mixtape tracks where a Joe Budden verse was added to an existing song.
Though he is thought of as one of rap's most skilled lyricists, Budden's success outside of the mixtape circuit has been marginal purposely. He is known to have invested in real estate in North Jersey and instead of blowing up into the rap scene he decided to make money from other methods instead of getting a record deal. His music is usually more sensitive and thought provoking than that of gangsta rappers, but subsequently, it is also more explicit and unrelenting than most "conscious" or "backpack" rappers.
In late December of 2005, Joe released a mixtape after almost 5 months of being absent from the game. Mood Muzik 2 is considered by most to be a lyrical masterpiece and with so deep tracks such as "Dumb Out" and the emotional "3 Sides to a Story" (in which Joe harrowingly describes a disturbing situation), many wondered had these songs originally been scheduled to appear on The Growth.
In 2007, he was released by Def Jam. In December 2007, he released Mood Muzik 3, which many are calling the best mixtape of the year, with some even saying it's the album of the year since it contains all original material. Some have questioned this since the beat for 'Ventilation' is an edit of 'It's A Shame (Da Butcher's Mix)' by Kool G Rap.
In October 2008, Joe Budden released another highly-rated mixtape, Halfway House; featuring album cuts such as 'Touch & Go' and a snippet of 'Blood On The Wall', a diss to Prodigy of Mobb Deep.
In his career up to his 2nd album, he has worked with artists such as Busta Rhymes and Christina Milian, and has been involved in feuds with rapper The Game and G-Unit. He has since reconciled with The Game.
Since this reconciliation, Joe Budden signed to Amalgam Digital records, and both artists finalized the beef and have collaborated on the single 'The Future' for Joe Budden's now-released 2nd album, Padded Room. The album released February 24th in the U.S. and March 3rd in Canada.
Clothes on a Mannequin
Joe Budden Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Good Evening
[clears throat]
Ladies and gentlemen
I'd like to welcome everybody
Please take your seats
Please be seated
We have a great show lined up for everybody tonight
Joe Budden, J.Garden
Let's...GO
[Hook]
A wise man said we all wear a mask
At times keepin it on is too much of a task
Your face on the net, and your life's on blast
It might slip off, you gotta give me a pass
Sometimes I feel like a mannequin
But how they dress me don't make me the man I am
Not a rose dont hamper him
They just lookin' at the clothes on a mannequin
[Verse 1]
Look, look, look
I want the best cars and the best flow
I want the best broads thats how that go
I mean I want to be a star and collect dough
But even if I had it all it'd be just for show
I want the diamonds to make my neck glow (Yeah)
Lust for the next hoe a love will never let go (Talk to 'em!)
I want to run along from my shortcomings (BUT!)
But I smoke so my breath gonna be short running (OHH!)
I want to be in control, hands on
If I'm the pilot then we will never land wrong (NEVER!)
But I want to have faith, staying strong
Take the first step when I ain't got a leg to stand on
I got a lot to give but I want more
With numb thoughts, positive but i'm unsure
On the misplace, getaway and its disarray
And yall don't know the man just what he put on display (OHH!)
[Hook]
[Verse 2]
I'm too annoyed to cope, tryna make a livin
Given I dont think that being a dope boy is dope
Out of every story, only 2 end in glory
Who am I to think I'm different than every hustler before me?
If I took my anger, became a gangbanger
I would aim to aim my anger at every stranger
Shawty wanna leave, honestly I can't blame her
Say the ones you love the most are always in the most danger
I talk a little slower so you have to hear
Dead man walkin, no tatted tears
Or realest to ever do it, cavalier
Hundred thousand dollar car, with rabbit ears
I don't welcome change even if it help 'em gain
Fuck a handout, I'd rather be self contained
L.V everything, lookin' well arranged
Y'all would never know that I'm practicing self restrain
[Hook]
[Verse 3]
I been different, never mind I'm just indifferent
Ain't an old timer that would blame it on a skin pigment
Is it my imagination or a slim figment?
Or is gent ignant, probably why im indignant
Look at haters like 'why is it an issue?'
Is it because I'm sober but I'm on a high they can't get to?
God ?? fightin with his pride and his pitbull
God I was lied as it get to
Cursin' God out "why he decide to pick dude?"
I big bulls but when I try its abyssmal
Die and keepin everythin inside me a riddle
But they blinded by the condo size and it's sick view
Whys, try and answer the whys
What good is havin eyes when everything you look at
you despise? (can anybody hear me?)
Or do you need ears when you dont believe anything you hear?
Maybe it's just something in the air
[Hook]
The song "Clothes on a Mannequin" by Joe Budden explores the concept of masks and appearances in society. The intro sets the stage for a show and introduces Joe Budden as the special guest. The hook starts off by quoting a wise man who says that everyone wears a mask, but sometimes it becomes too difficult to keep it on. It refers to the masks we wear online and how our lives are often exposed for all to see. The lyrics suggest that even though the mask might slip off, we should be given a pass because it's not who we truly are. The chorus relates the feeling of being like a mannequin, dressed up in certain clothes and judged solely based on appearance. It emphasizes that the clothes we wear do not define us as individuals, and people should look beyond the surface.
In the first verse, Joe Budden expresses his desire for material wealth like cars, money, and fame. However, he recognizes that even if he had all of these things, they would only be superficial and would not make him the man he truly is. He mentions wanting diamonds and multiple romantic partners but acknowledges the emptiness that comes with such desires. He also discusses his struggle with smoking and the temporary relief it provides for his shortcomings. Joe Budden desires control and success but realizes that true strength comes from having faith and taking the first step even in the face of adversity. He suggests that people only know what he presents to them, not the true nature of who he is.
In the second verse, Joe Budden contemplates the realities of the choices he could have made, such as becoming a gangbanger. He acknowledges that many stories end in tragedy and questions why he would be any different. He reflects on the danger that loved ones often face. He speaks about slowing down his words to ensure they are heard and raps about his own struggles with mental health and self-restraint. He mentions his desire for luxury and status symbols but implies that these are just a facade to mask the deeper issues within.
The third verse delves into Joe Budden's feelings of being different and indifferent to societal norms. He questions whether it is his imagination or a mere illusion that makes him feel this way. He criticizes those who hate on him and wonders if it is because he is sober and on a higher level that they cannot reach. He also wrestles with his own internal conflicts, including a sense of pride and questioning why God chose him. He describes feeling like he's keeping everything inside, hidden and complex. He observes that society is often blinded by material possessions and appearances, which can lead to despising everything they look at.
Overall, "Clothes on a Mannequin" provides a deep and introspective exploration of the masks we wear, the desires we have, and the complexities of human nature.
Line by Line Meaning
A wise man said we all wear a mask
There is a saying that suggests that everyone hides their true selves behind a facade
At times keepin it on is too much of a task
Sometimes it becomes difficult to continue pretending and maintaining the mask
Your face on the net, and your life's on blast
Your online presence exposes your personal life to public scrutiny
It might slip off, you gotta give me a pass
Occasionally, your true self may accidentally be revealed and you should overlook it
Sometimes I feel like a mannequin
There are moments when I feel emotionless and disconnected from my true identity
But how they dress me don't make me the man I am
The way others perceive and judge me based on appearances doesn't define who I truly am
Not a rose dont hamper him
External circumstances and material possessions don't hinder him
They just lookin' at the clothes on a mannequin
People only focus on superficial aspects and judge based on appearances
I want the best cars and the best flow
I desire luxury vehicles and exceptional musical ability
I want the best broads thats how that go
I want attractive women as companions, that's an expectation
I mean I want to be a star and collect dough
I aspire to achieve stardom and accumulate wealth
But even if I had it all it'd be just for show
Even if I attained all those things, it would only be superficial and lacking true meaning
I want the diamonds to make my neck glow
I desire expensive jewelry to enhance my appearance and status
Lust for the next hoe a love will never let go
I have a strong desire for new romantic interests despite never being satisfied
I want to run along from my shortcomings
I desire to escape from my personal flaws and weaknesses
But I smoke so my breath gonna be short running
Unfortunately, my smoking habit hinders my physical endurance
I want to be in control, hands on
I want to have complete control and involvement in all aspects of my life
If I'm the pilot then we will never land wrong
If I am in charge, then I will guide us to success without making any mistakes
But I want to have faith, staying strong
However, I also desire to have faith and remain resilient in challenging times
Take the first step when I ain't got a leg to stand on
I want to have the courage to take action even when I feel vulnerable and lacking support
I got a lot to give but I want more
I have many talents and generosity, but I still crave additional success or possessions
With numb thoughts, positive but i'm unsure
Despite having positive intentions, I often feel emotionally detached and uncertain
On the misplace, getaway and its disarray
I often feel lost and attempt to escape from the chaos and confusion in my life
And yall don't know the man just what he put on display
People only judge me based on what they see and don't truly know the real me
I'm too annoyed to cope, tryna make a livin
I'm overwhelmed and frustrated while trying to earn a living
Given I dont think that being a dope boy is dope
Personally, I don't find the lifestyle of a drug dealer to be desirable
Out of every story, only 2 end in glory
Only a few stories out of many achieve success and recognition
Who am I to think I'm different than every hustler before me?
Why should I believe I can achieve success when countless others have tried and failed?
If I took my anger, became a gangbanger
If I let my anger consume me, I might resort to joining a violent street gang
I would aim to aim my anger at every stranger
I would direct my anger and frustration towards innocent people
Shawty wanna leave, honestly I can't blame her
My romantic partner wants to end the relationship, and I understand her reasons
Say the ones you love the most are always in the most danger
It is often the people we care about the most who face the greatest risks and hardships
I talk a little slower so you have to hear
I intentionally speak more slowly to ensure that my message is understood
Dead man walkin, no tatted tears
I feel emotionally numb and unable to express my pain through visible tears
Or realest to ever do it, cavalier
Some may perceive me as one of the most authentic individuals, but I may be perceived as arrogant
Hundred thousand dollar car, with rabbit ears
I possess a luxurious car worth a significant amount of money, and it even has unique features
I don't welcome change even if it help 'em gain
I am resistant to change, even if it could bring about positive growth and development
Fuck a handout, I'd rather be self-contained
I prefer to rely on my own abilities and hard work instead of receiving assistance from others
L.V everything, lookin' well arranged
I own many items from the luxury brand Louis Vuitton, presenting a well-coordinated and fashionable appearance
Y'all would never know that I'm practicing self restraint
Despite appearances, you wouldn't realize that I am actually exercising self-control
I been different, never mind I'm just indifferent
I have always been unique, but now I find myself apathetic and unconcerned
Ain't an old timer that would blame it on a skin pigment
I don't attribute my indifference to age or race-related factors like older generations might
Is it my imagination or a slim figment?
I question whether my indifference is a product of my imagination or a slight trace
Or is gent ignant, probably why im indignant
Maybe it's due to ignorance or lack of understanding, which could explain why I am easily provoked
Look at haters like 'why is it an issue?'
I perceive my critics with confusion, wondering why they find fault with me
Is it because I'm sober but I'm on a high they can't get to?
Do they resent me because I am sober and experiencing a personal fulfillment that they cannot comprehend?
God ?? fightin with his pride and his pitbull
I struggle with my ego and internal battles, similar to how God might grapple with his own pride and conflicts
God I was lied as it get to
I feel deceived or misled by God, causing me distress
Cursin' God out "why he decide to pick dude?"
In my frustration, I express anger toward God and question why I was chosen or dealt this hand
I big bulls but when I try its abyssmal
I boast about my skills and abilities, but in reality, my attempts often result in failure or disappointment
Die and keepin everythin inside me a riddle
I feel like I'm slowly dying while keeping my inner thoughts and emotions concealed, creating a sense of mystery
But they blinded by the condo size and it's sick view
However, others are fixated on the size and luxurious view of my condominium, oblivious to my internal struggles
Whys, try and answer the whys
I constantly ask why, seeking answers and understanding
What good is havin eyes when everything you look at you despise?
What is the point of having the ability to see when everything you observe arouses feelings of dislike and disgust?
Or do you need ears when you dont believe anything you hear?
Is the sense of hearing necessary when you are unwilling to trust or accept any information you receive?
Maybe it's just something in the air
Perhaps there is an intangible factor or energy in the environment contributing to these feelings
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Frank Hughes
Coming back to listen to this album got me realizing how deep down the depression path I was back then, now I listen to it and smile and know that I’m in a better space. Thank You Joey
nothing
same man, same.
Andre Barnes
Facts
bawws
His best album
moodmuzik
I really feel and vibe to this shit. Been listening for years. This shit is so deep and way over the average rap fans head. Joe goes to emotional depths other's just can't, won't and wouldn't dare travel to.
Joshua Brown
song never gets old...CLASSIC!!!
Rainbow Baby Blog
Favorite track on this album. How many people miss out on Budden because of pump it up and The Game? A LOT, I feel bad for them.
TBH Witchall
Pump what up? What game??
jay 1
man he smoked the game
K Johnson
@jay 1
Poor Game, trying to stand up for 50 got him smoked, in a beef that had nothing to do with him! 😂