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.
Dessert 4 Thought
Joe Budden Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dark forces, get on the level
Cause you might see an iced out cross on the Devil
Illuminati and Masons, what are we facing?
See you at the crossroad, that's Vacation
Shit is like Fright Night, get you a Night Light
Two blunts, Zeitgeist, remind me it's Christ like
Now niggas wanna look like women
I guess their CEO might bend 'em
God bless Pac, but they ain't got thug like feelings
God bless Big, but they don't know the every day struggle
I keep it thorough, everywhere I'm bubbling, you bubble gum
Chew you up, spit you out, nigga, cause I'm troublesome
And if they lyrical then what the fuck am I?
The maker of miracles, every couple of lines
Parallel lines in my soul in my mind
Make the jewels unfold every time of the rhyme
Use respect, and I'm spectacular
Audio fucking up your cardiovascular
Lyrically spit shit, flip like a spatula
Married to the game, and you just a bachelor
SP and the Mouse in this bitch
And I want it quiet as a mouse in this bitch
Burn you in your car and your house is the shit
Don't ever say you hard if I ain't bout for the shit
[Pusha T:]
It's like a never ending story, I'm here for my glory
The engines too loud, these haters can't ignore me
Feeling like a legend, anyone that came before me
Drug dealer, posing all this mother fuckin' jewelry
Came from the crack house, back room, black out
Smoke hit they lungs, make 'em UFC tap out
No plan B, it was nothin' else to map out
So we throw stones while we living in this glass house
It's been a minute so they ask where the fire went
My kitchen clean, but I still got the Pilot lit
Made a fortune outta fumes, my Mcguiver shit
Reality TV, before Survivor bitch
Yuuuck, put our lives on display
Who's thinkin bout tomorrow we ain't promised today
This rap game fickle, we ain't promised to play
The last of the greats, pay homage to me
[Joe Budden:]
If my past had a encore, it be like a onslaught
A lot of niggas died, it's too many to mourn for
I'm thinkin bout my youth, us as little kids
Am I wrong for having thoughts Bishop Eddie would long for?
I got decade old wounds that are still bleeding
That chapter of my life is closed, yet y'all still read it
Straight face on, pretending to feel decent
Casket shopping for a loved one that is still breathing
Swear that shit got in the way of Summer
Avoiding calendars, since all your days were numbered
Laid out in the bed, can barely sit up
Those were your last breaths, I was mistaking for hiccups
Y'all don't get the picture, when your medicine is liquor
I'm talkin phone ringing, being too afraid to pick up
I know you in a better place and that joy is felt
I learned when death calls it won't leave a voice mail
You would be proud, I'm due to be caked up
Wanna make your dreams come true? Gotta wake up
Groupie niggas I don't see how you deal with it
Broke and starving, but clinging to your Meal Ticket
Broke hustlers debate that trash
Back and forth to they vacant stash
Still in all I know a few that'll make that cash
Quick flip, even Rex Ryan ain't lose the weight that fast
Y'all should treat me like royalty
Last of a dying breed that puts money and power behind loyalty
Careful, that bitch shit'll rub off
Me, I'd rather die with my balls than have to live with 'em cut off
Long winded, be patient enough to hear 'em
I'll give you the jewels if you brave enough to wear 'em
But know before you swallow it up
Food for thoughts only as important as what'll follow it up
The song "Dessert 4 Thought" is a collaboration between rappers Joe Budden, Pusha T, and Styles P. Each verse of the song deals with different thoughts and musings about life, ranging from conspiracy theories about the Illuminati and Masons to reflections on past traumas and losses. Styles P warns about the dangers of succumbing to dark forces and the insidiousness of consumerism and fashion trends, while Pusha T reflects on his rise from drug dealer to rap legend and the fleeting nature of success in the music industry. Joe Budden's verse is perhaps the most introspective, as he grapples with the emotional toll of losing loved ones to death and the difficulty of moving on from past pain.
Throughout the song, there is a focus on the power of words and the importance of using them wisely. Each rapper emphasizes their lyrical prowess and ability to create meaning through their rhymes. They also caution against taking words for granted, and stress the need to follow through on the ideas and concepts that are expressed through language.
In many ways, "Dessert 4 Thought" is a meditation on the complexities of human experience, and the ways in which we try to navigate the world through language, culture, and personal history. The song is a powerful testament to the creative potential of hip hop music and the enduring relevance of the genre in charting the course of social and cultural change.
Line by Line Meaning
Dark forces, get on the level
We need to be aware of and prepared to face the negative influences and powers that exist around us
Cause you might see an iced out cross on the Devil
These dark forces are so powerful that even the Devil may appear to be adorned with wealth and luxury
Illuminati and Masons, what are we facing?
These powerful, secretive organizations are a part of the dark forces that we must be wary of
See you at the crossroad, that's Vacation
We are at a turning point where we must choose the right path, or face the consequences, which can be as drastic as death
Shit is like Fright Night, get you a Night Light
The world can be a scary place, so we should be prepared with something to provide comfort and safety
Two blunts, Zeitgeist, remind me it's Christ like
Smoking marijuana can help one reach a Christ-like state of mind or spiritual enlightenment
Now niggas wanna look like women
Men are now interested in more androgynous fashion, which blurs the lines between masculine and feminine attire
Tight pants, costume jewels
These fashion trends involve fitted clothing and cheap jewelry as a fashion statement
I guess their CEO might bend 'em
It is assumed that these choices are made because of their record label or mentor's influence rather than their own personal style
God bless Pac, but they ain't got thug like feelings
Musicians like Tupac have a certain level of authenticity that is hard to replicate, which is not present in some modern-day artists who try to mimic their persona
God bless Big, but they don't know the every day struggle
Artists like Biggie Smalls had a deep understanding of the hardships and struggles of everyday life which some modern-day artists may not fully comprehend
I keep it thorough, everywhere I'm bubbling, you bubble gum
Joe Budden is genuine and authentic, while other artists may not be as real or may be more commercialized and superficial
Chew you up, spit you out, nigga, cause I'm troublesome
Joe Budden can handle himself and is a force to be reckoned with, despite any trials or struggles he may face
And if they lyrical then what the fuck am I?
Joe Budden's lyrical ability far surpasses his peers and stands out as a unique talent
The maker of miracles, every couple of lines
Joe Budden is able to craft verses that are so powerful and poetic that they could be seen as miraculous
Parallel lines in my soul in my mind
Joe Budden has a deep and complex inner world, with different aspects that do not always align
Make the jewels unfold every time of the rhyme
Joe Budden's music is so profound and thought-provoking that it unlocks a deeper understanding of the world and oneself
Use respect, and I'm spectacular
If people treat him with respect, Joe Budden can be an amazing and impressive force, both on and off the mic
Audio fucking up your cardiovascular
Joe Budden's music is so powerful that it can affect the listener's physical health and wellbeing
Lyrically spit shit, flip like a spatula
Joe Budden can rap effortlessly, and has a unique style and flow
Married to the game, and you just a bachelor
Joe Budden has made a full commitment to his craft, while other artists may be less dedicated or not fully committed
If my past had a encore, it be like a onslaught
If Joe Budden were to relive his past, it would come back fiercely and relentlessly
A lot of niggas died, it's too many to mourn for
Joe Budden has lost too many friends and acquaintances, to the point where it is overwhelming to grieve for each one
Am I wrong for having thoughts Bishop Eddie would long for?
Joe Budden has had some very taboo or inappropriate thoughts, similar to how some religious leaders may have sinful or perverse desires
I got decade old wounds that are still bleeding
Joe Budden has gone through traumatic experiences that have left deep emotional scars which have not yet healed
That chapter of my life is closed, yet y'all still read it
Joe Budden has moved on from his past, but people continue to bring it up or focus on it
Straight face on, pretending to feel decent
Joe Budden puts on a brave face and acts like he is doing okay, even though he may be struggling internally
Casket shopping for a loved one that is still breathing
Joe Budden has seen a loved one in such a dire medical state that he has had to prepare for their eventual passing, even though they are still alive
Swear that shit got in the way of Summer
Joe Budden's personal issues and struggles have affected his energy and mood, preventing him from fully enjoying life
Avoiding calendars, since all your days were numbered
Joe Budden has been avoiding keeping track of time or planning for the future because he feels like he and his loved ones may not have much time left
Y'all don't get the picture, when your medicine is liquor
Joe Budden is frustrated that people do not seem to understand the severity of alcoholism or substance abuse and how it affects mental health
I'm talkin phone ringing, being too afraid to pick up
Joe Budden has experienced extreme anxiety, to the point where he avoids answering phone calls and interacting with others
I know you in a better place and that joy is felt
Joe Budden has come to terms with the passing of a loved one and knows that they are now at peace and in a happier place
I learned when death calls it won't leave a voice mail
Joe Budden has learned that death can come unexpectedly and suddenly, without warning or a chance to say goodbye
Wanna make your dreams come true? Gotta wake up
One must be proactive and work hard to make their dreams a reality, rather than just waiting for them to magically happen
Groupie niggas I don't see how you deal with it
Joe Budden does not understand how people can be so obsessed with celebrities or other famous people that they become groupies
Broke and starving, but clinging to your Meal Ticket
Some people are willing to endure hardship and suffering as long as they have the possibility of making it big in the entertainment industry
Broke hustlers debate that trash
People who are struggling financially often argue or debate over superficial or irrelevant things, rather than focusing on improving their life situation
Back and forth to they vacant stash
People who sell drugs or engage in other illegal activities have to constantly travel back and forth to places where they hide their goods or stash their money
Still in all I know a few that'll make that cash
Despite the risks and challenges, Joe Budden knows some people who are able to make a significant amount of money through illegal activities
Quick flip, even Rex Ryan ain't lose the weight that fast
Some people are able to quickly and effortlessly make money through non-illegal means, such as making a profitable investment, which is faster than Rex Ryan losing weight
Y'all should treat me like royalty
Joe Budden deserves to be treated with respect and admiration, like a king or royal figure
Last of a dying breed that puts money and power behind loyalty
Joe Budden is one of the few remaining people who prioritize loyalty, integrity, and human connection over money and power
Careful, that bitch shit'll rub off
People should be careful about the negative attitudes and behaviors of those around them, as they can easily influence and spread to others
Me, I'd rather die with my balls than have to live with 'em cut off
Joe Budden would rather face the consequences of his actions and take risks, than to compromise or give up on his beliefs and values
Long winded, be patient enough to hear 'em
Joe Budden has a lot to say, and people should be willing to listen and give him the time to fully express himself
I'll give you the jewels if you brave enough to wear 'em
Joe Budden's music has deep and profound insights that can be transformative, but it takes courage and strength to fully embrace and live by his message
But know before you swallow it up
People should be cautious and thoughtful before fully accepting and applying Joe Budden's wisdom and insights in their own lives
Food for thoughts only as important as what'll follow it up
Joe Budden's lyrics and ideas are only valuable if people can take action and make meaningful changes in their own life as a result
Contributed by Ella L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
ggjones2517
This shit still gives me chills after all these years 🥶
One of the realest songs you ever herd. 👊🏽💯
don c
"Dark forces, get on a level, cos you might see a iced out cross on a devil, Illuminati and Masons wot r we facing, see u at the crosswords, deaths vacation" Styles P hardest ever!
Sy Jeanlouis
🔥🔥🔥
UnoFuego
Still one of tha best rap songs ever made. All 3 of em murked it
sdotlondonkid
Calm Down
Bigt908
sdotlondonkid lol
Marco Paniro
Word 🗣GHOST
bill M123
Super factz
ukessko
this joe budden verse gives me chills every time i hear it
caspar
So hard, that chapter closed that yall still reading