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.
Focus )
Joe Budden Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Salutation, Joe Budden here (WOO!)
I be your host tonight for this evening, you know (WOO!!!)
Dubb be with the banger, Webb, Nitty, holla (WOO!!!)
Shouts is stupid let that bass knock
[Verse 1]
Still on your block with it (WOO!!!)
Ballin war to the crackpot crackspt with it (WOO!!!)
Gat cop with it, white tee black socks fitted
Pop the trunk let the bass knock with it (WOO!!!)
Like, no team could beat us
We pump diesel I ain't talkin 'bout jeans or sneakers
Raid, man we gettin it harder
All day dog I live in the carter, take your time with it
Jump off that nigga
Nona seen me with at least two birds like Jack Tripper
Jerse, true that I'm a rep, new jag on the set durag on my neck
Breathe, and then hide your bait
Cause all my heat stay dirty like a project vent
Whoa, on the lowdown bring the hook it's about to go down, ladies!!!!
[Chorus]
If you focused man would you please rock with it if you overstand
You know!! Get focused man cause whether hoopty or rover man we doin us (WOO!!!)
If you focused man would you please rock with it if you overstand
You know!! sing the track now pause, stop playin man bring it back now
[Verse 2]
Pause, man I tell 'em whatever
Say I got a little X they think I know the director
Ma, that's just how the game go
Never burberry but you could splurge with rainbow
Trick, I know how a groupie do
Yeah I tell 'em I'm dead broke don't let the jewelry fool you (WOO!!!)
Ho! Sing the track now pause, stop playin man bring it back now(WOO!!!) All
this paper is the only reason why shorty want to call me later
No! I won't see ya tomorrow
how we goin out to eat I thought you ain't swallow
Think cause I rock jeans and sling rocks
That I'm a wife beater I don't mean tank top
You think I'm a start actin new I got enough beef
Not to start slappin you but back to it (WOO!!!)
No, funds comin over tonight
She fell for the yank unfitted over my eyes
Cause Joe, get up in the choch and slide
Taxi never rove or a five that's how I do, thugs
[Chorus]
If you focused man would you please rock with it if you overstand
You know!! Get focused man cause whether hoopty or rover man we doin us (WOO!)
If you focused man would you please rock with it if you overstand
You know!! sing the track now pause, stop playin man bring it back now
[Verse 3]
Crates, I keep the pump out
Park the V jump out when I need to dump out
Cain, y'all don't know a thing
Jump off make it snow or spring but anyway (WOO!!!)
Clubs, if y'all don't yet
I skips the pat down, cashier, and coat check (WOO!!!)
Sing the track now pause, stop playin man bring it back now
(Friday) Fridays I might stay home
Might run up in a lounge or I might play on
(Saturday) Saturdays P. Caliwood
With his thugs in the whip they follow me from the hood
(Sunday) Sunday I'm gettin right with a broad
That I probably met the night before y'all know my style (WOO!!!)
Wait, y'all know that's right
Low cut like so what with the throw back nikes (WOO!!!)
I'm good with somebody's bill
Tell 'em to holla at somebody real ain't nothin change (WOO!!!)
Let's, go, sing the track now pause
Stop playin man bring the track now (WOO!!!)
[Outro]
Jump off (WOO!!!) Doug be , Fame (WOO!!!)
Devin, on top, (WOO!!!)
The song "Focus" by Joe Budden, featuring Dub B and Nitty is a typical hip-hop track, with a catchy beat, and braggadocious lyrics. The song opens with Joe Budden introducing himself as the host for the night, with Dub B and Nitty on the beat. The first verse is about staying true to the block, taking up streetball, and being the best in whatever they do. They also talk about carrying guns, and arriving with the bass knocking from the trunk of their car. Budden also references the hit sitcom "Three's Company," and how he's always seen with at least two women like Jack Tripper. The chorus emphasizes the importance of staying focused and being true to oneself.
The second verse starts with Budden talking about how people assume he knows the director of a movie because of the little X he has. He then talks about groupies and how he makes them believe he's broke despite his expensive jewelry. Budden then goes on to talk about his lifestyle, with references to slinging rocks and fighting with people, but he's not acting new because of that. The last verse has Budden speaking about running up club tabs, and not having to wait in line because he skips the pat-down and cashier. Sunday is for chilling with new people, and he's always dressed well and everybody should respect his bill.
Line by Line Meaning
Salutation, Joe Budden here (WOO!)
Joe Budden introducing himself with enthusiasm
I be your host tonight for this evening, you know (WOO!!!)
Joe Budden establishing his role as host for the evening with excitement
Dubb be with the banger, Webb, Nitty, holla (WOO!!!)
Acknowledging the presence of Dubb, Webb, and Nitty for their contribution to the music
Shouts is stupid let that bass knock
Encouraging the bass to be loud and noticeable
Still on your block with it (WOO!!!)
Joe Budden is still in the streets, doing what he does with excitement
Street ball and the black top with it
Playing basketball on the streets and blacktops
Ballin war to the crackpot crackspt with it (WOO!!!)
Playing basketball wherever possible
Gat cop with it, white tee black socks fitted
Carrying a gun while wearing a white t-shirt and black socks
Pop the trunk let the bass knock with it (WOO!!!)
Turn up the music and let the bass be heard
Like no team could beat us
Feeling unbeatable like no team could defeat them
We pump diesel I ain't talkin 'bout jeans or sneakers
Making a lot of money but not from selling jeans or sneakers
Raid, man we gettin it harder
Getting more money than before
All day dog I live in the carter, take your time with it
Spending time in the street and living like a hustler
Jump off that nigga
Leaving someone behind
Nona seen me with at least two birds like Jack Tripper
Being seen with two women at the same time
Jerse, true that I'm a rep, new jag on the set durag on my neck
Representing New Jersey and driving a new Jaguar with a durag around his neck
Breathe, and then hide your bait
Calm down and hide what you have so others do not try to take it from you
Cause all my heat stay dirty like a project vent
Always carrying a weapon and keeping it hidden
Whoa, on the lowdown bring the hook it's about to go down, ladies!!!!
Getting ready for something exciting with the ladies
If you focused man would you please rock with it if you overstand
Asking people to focus on the music and understand what is happening
You know!! Get focused man cause whether hoopty or rover man we doin us (WOO!!!)
Encouraging people to stay focused and do what they do, regardless of their car
Sing the track now pause, stop playin man bring it back now
Asking the DJ to replay the song from the beginning
Pause, man I tell 'em whatever
Pausing to tell someone the truth
Say I got a little X they think I know the director
Having drugs makes people think you have connections
Ma, that's just how the game go
Explaining that it is part of the game
Never burberry but you could splurge with rainbow
Not wearing expensive brands, but still spending money
Trick, I know how a groupie do
Knowing how groupies act
Yeah I tell 'em I'm dead broke don't let the jewelry fool you (WOO!!!)
Telling people that he is not rich despite his jewelry
No! I won't see ya tomorrow
Not planning to see someone the next day
how we goin out to eat I thought you ain't swallow
Asking someone who previously refused to go out to eat if they have changed their mind
Think cause I rock jeans and sling rocks
People assume he is a drug dealer because he wears jeans and carries rocks
That I'm a wife beater I don't mean tank top
People think he is abusive, but he is not
You think I'm a start actin new I got enough beef
Not changing his personality despite having conflicts with others
Not to start slappin you but back to it (WOO!!!)
Not wanting to start a physical fight, but continuing with the conversation
No, funds comin over tonight
Someone is coming over to give him money
She fell for the yank unfitted over my eyes
A woman was attracted to Joe's style
Cause Joe, get up in the choch and slide
Joe will ride in the car and listen to music
Taxi never rove or a five that's how I do, thugs
Joe prefers to drive a car instead of taking a taxi, especially with his friends
Crates, I keep the pump out
Keeping a gun in a crate
Park the V jump out when I need to dump out
Parking a vehicle and leaving quickly to throw something away
Cain, y'all don't know a thing
People do not know everything about Joe's life
Jump off make it snow or spring but anyway (WOO!!!)
Getting off a vehicle and starting a fight or selling drugs
Clubs, if y'all don't yet
Going out to the club or partying
I skips the pat down, cashier, and coat check (WOO!!!)
Skipping the security check and paying for items at the club
Fridays I might stay home
Staying home on Fridays
Might run up in a lounge or I might play on
Going to a lounge or staying home and relaxing
Saturdays P. Caliwood
Hanging out on Saturdays with P. Caliwood
With his thugs in the whip they follow me from the hood
Going out with P. Caliwood and his friends who follow him from their neighborhood
Sunday I'm gettin right with a broad
Spending time with a woman on Sunday
That I probably met the night before y'all know my style (WOO!!!)
Meeting women and spending time with them frequently
Low cut like so what with the throw back nikes (WOO!!!)
Wearing low-cut clothing and throwback Nike shoes
I'm good with somebody's bill
Willing to pay for someone else's bill
Tell 'em to holla at somebody real ain't nothin change (WOO!!!)
Telling someone to talk to him because he is still the same
Jump off (WOO!!!) Doug be, Fame (WOO!!!) Devin, on top, (WOO!!!)
Shouting out Doug, Fame, and Devin for their contributions to the music
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOSEPH ANTHONY BUDDEN, JOSEPH E. KULESZYNSKI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Keith Morris
I remember playing Def Jam Vendetta and hearing this song. Made me go get the album when it dropped a few months later. A banger!
Keith Manigat
Newark, we stayed blasting this.
ME Davis9719
TIME TO GO HOME!!!!!!!!!!
Gabriel-Charles 🌹
o k t o b e r 💔 This song is only on Def Jam Vendetta not Fight For NY 🤦🏾♂️
Frederic Lapointe
@Gabriel-Charles 🌹 you wrong its fight for new york for sure
Gabriel-Charles 🌹
@Frederic Lapointe NOPE ! VENDETTA
Nick Rod
This song went hard in 2003. Shout out to 2000-2004 high school cats. Hip hop and R and B were at its prime back then!
Ronald Edge
Word 2003 was still crazy time because we all killing it.
the77
Ayyyyeeee😂😂😂😂 same
Tanika Robinson
R.I.P to my brother LP he put me on Joe Budden years ago when he first came out and this is one of the songs that makes me feel closer to him 🖤