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.
Follow your Lead
Joe Budden Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Uh, I got bitches on my dick, I don't want'em there.
Closet full of brand names, I don't wanna wear.
Everybody got advice that I don't wanna hear, world in ya palm,
But you don't wanna share, still, I'm followin' you.
Are you leadin' me with the weapons drawn?
Co-dependent on her, but got me in bed alone.
You say if you love it, let it go.
I use as a stepping stone.
Got questions, say the answers better left unknown.
No I may not never see you, I should know you never gone.
So I break the mirror cause, everything it's showin' me is wrong.
Grab your hand and go along, cause I'm followin' you.
Say I should be pleased, what if I'm saddened?
Always say I been through worse, what if I haven't?
But if that holds true, here's the lesson,
If you keep your head down, you might miss out on the blessing.
Sing!
[Chorus:]
I don't need the money, I don't need the fame.
I don't need the lifestyle, I don't need the pain.
I don't need the clubs, I don't need the cars.
None of that really matters to me.
I don't want the bad bitch, I don't want the strain.
I don't want the high, enough shit on the brain.
I don't want whatevers gonna help me be sane,
I just wanna follow your lead.
[Verse 2:]
You sayin', "follow my lead, follow, follow my lead"
Brought me to my knees, she must wanna holla at me.
When the world feel like swallowin' me,
When every decision costly, and I ain't got a dolla on me.
Check it, I don't wanna pretend, I don't wanna live a lie.
I don't wanna be judged,dont wanna be criticized.
I dont wanna talk, if nothin' I wanna say,
Boy, I let'em get to know me, the more they just runaway.
And that, must be your way of sayin' we should stay together.
I know how to fuck it up, more then I can make it better.
I figured folk around me would learn to take it better,
Instead of tryna change me, I been this way forever.
Time will reveal, more will be shown.
You pushed it, I thought the door closed on it's own.
But uh, nevermind what caused it, livin' a dream,
Nothin' in this world powerful enough to pause it.
Sing!
[Chorus:]
I don't need the money, I don't need the fame.
I don't need the lifestyle, I don't need the pain.
I don't need the clubs, I don't need the cars.
None of that really matters to me.
I don't want the bad bitch, I don't want the strain.
I don't want the high, enough shit on the brain.
I don't want whatevers gonna help me be sane,
I just wanna follow your lead.
[Verse 3:]
Sayin' "follow my lead, follow, follow my lead."
Cig in my mouth, perscription bottle by me.
And even when I think you might be making a mistake,
I may not know the destination but I make it there safe.
Check it, when I feel like I can't get weaker, uh
You always come and make a cameo or feature.
I'm good with my insanity and fevers
Cause Pac's looking from heaven saying "They ain't understand me neither"
Alotta times you leave me exposed,
And laugh at me, still thinking I could be in control.
Help me weather the storm, altogether I ain't norm.
Cause I always disagree, though you aint never been wrong.
Listen, I was feeling nearly unstoppable,
And now I'm facing what appeared to be impossible.
Feeling unimportant enough to have to bother you.
But I'm down here alone nigga, all I got is you.
[Chorus:]
I don't need the money, I don't need the fame.
I don't need the lifestyle, I don't need the pain.
I don't need the clubs, I don't need the cars.
None of that really matters to me.
I don't want the bad bitch, I don't want the strain.
I don't want the high, enough shit on the brain.
I don't want whatevers gonna help me be sane,
I just wanna follow your lead.
[Female voice:]
Uh, follow my lead.
Ohhh, follow my lead.
[Joell Ortiz:]
(Check it, YAOWA)
I can't fit it all in a 16,
The night that I was tipsy,
And all them bullets just missed me.
The day they rushed the block,
I was strapped, but they didn't frisk me.
Why I ain't fuck that stripper?
Don't ask, and now she sick B.
The drop on that jewelry store for 50.
And I backed out last minute like "nah, this shit look risky"
One of my mans dead, the other one in pikipsy?
'nother one in the feds, he'll be there until he's sixty.
I wanna thank you for the blessings and the gifts.
And the lessons and the messages they left, I get the drift.
Fuck the cheddar or whatever, it don't measure up to this.
I mean, never did I ever not remember you exsist.
When I hop up out my bed, here's together,
And our wish, is what you is from the heart,
Inside my chest, you let it tick.
I love you from my soul, with every spiritual molecule.
Fuck twitter, all a nigga gotta do is follow you.
[Chorus:]
I don't need the money, I don't need the fame.
I don't need the lifestyle, I don't need the pain.
I don't need the clubs, I don't need the cars.
None of that really matters to me.
I don't want the bad bitch, I don't want the strain.
I don't want the high, enough shit on the brain.
I don't want whatevers gonna help me be sane,
I just wanna follow your lead.
In Joe Budden's song "Follow Your Lead," the artist reflects on his struggles with the various pressures of fame, wealth, and societal expectations. Joe paints a picture of a life he does not want, with women at his disposal and brand names filling his closet. He expresses a desire to follow someone else's lead, someone who can anchor him and guide him through the physical and emotional turbulence he experiences. This person, he suggests, is his significant other, who provides him with comfort and stability in the midst of his worldly chaos.
Joe also acknowledges the co-dependence he has on this person, who seems to hold the key to his happiness, yet is not always present when he needs them. Ultimately, he learns to trust the journey, to take the highs with the lows, and to trust the process when things are uncertain. He knows that even in the midst of chaos, he can follow his partner's lead, and allow them to guide him to a place where he can find peace.
The lyrics are laid over a melodic beat, with smooth harmonies that underscore the emotional weight of the song's content. Joe's flow is introspective and honest, as he navigates the complexities of his relationships and his love for someone who is able to keep him grounded. The song is a powerful reflection on the pressures of fame and the need for human connection in the midst of it all.
Some interesting facts about the song "Follow Your Lead" include:
Line by Line Meaning
Uh, I got bitches on my dick, I don't want'em there.
I am popular with women, but I don't desire them.
Closet full of brand names, I don't wanna wear.
I have many expensive clothes, but I don't care for them.
Everybody got advice that I don't wanna hear, world in ya palm, But you don't wanna share, still, I'm followin' you.
People have opinions, but I trust your guidance despite your reluctance to share.
Are you leadin' me with the weapons drawn?
Are you guiding me with force or intimidation?
Co-dependent on her, but got me in bed alone.
I am in a relationship, but still feel lonely.
You say if you love it, let it go.
You believe in letting go of what you love if it's for the best.
Nothin' set in stone, plus every rock they throw, I use as a stepping stone.
Nothing is certain, but I use criticism as motivation.
Got questions, say the answers better left unknown.
I have questions, but some answers are better off unknown.
No I may not never see you, I should know you never gone.
I may not see you again, but I know you will always be there spiritually.
So I break the mirror cause, everything it's showin' me is wrong.
I break the mirror because I don't like what I see in myself.
Grab your hand and go along, cause I'm followin' you.
I trust you enough to follow your lead.
Say I should be pleased, what if I'm saddened?
People think I should be happy, but what if I'm not?
Always say I been through worse, what if I haven't?
People assume I have experienced worse, but maybe I haven't.
But if that holds true, here's the lesson, If you keep your head down, you might miss out on the blessing.
Even if things have been tough, don't give up because you could miss out on something great.
I don't need the money, I don't need the fame. I don't need the lifestyle, I don't need the pain. I don't need the clubs, I don't need the cars. None of that really matters to me. I don't want the bad bitch, I don't want the strain. I don't want the high, enough shit on the brain. I don't want whatevers gonna help me be sane, I just wanna follow your lead.
Materialistic things and vices don't matter to me- I just want to follow your lead.
You sayin', "follow my lead, follow, follow my lead" Brought me to my knees, she must wanna holla at me.
Your request to follow your lead is important enough to make me drop to my knees in submission.
When the world feel like swallowin' me, When every decision costly, and I ain't got a dolla on me.
When the world overwhelms me, and I am financially struggling.
Check it, I don't wanna pretend, I don't wanna live a lie. I don't wanna be judged,dont wanna be criticized. I dont wanna talk, if nothin' I wanna say, Boy, I let'em get to know me, the more they just runaway.
I don't want to pretend to be someone I'm not, and I fear being judged or criticized. I only want to speak when I have something important to say, but the more people get to know me, the more they leave.
And that, must be your way of sayin' we should stay together.
I interpret that as your way of suggesting that we should stay together.
I know how to fuck it up, more then I can make it better.
I am more likely to mess something up than to improve it.
I figured folk around me would learn to take it better, Instead of tryna change me, I been this way forever.
I assumed people would accept me for who I am, and that I won't change.
Time will reveal, more will be shown. You pushed it, I thought the door closed on it's own.
The future will reveal more information, but I thought a door had closed naturally, not because of your influence.
But uh, nevermind what caused it, livin' a dream, Nothin' in this world powerful enough to pause it.
I won't dwell on what caused an issue because I am living a great life, and nothing can stop me now.
Cig in my mouth, perscription bottle by me.
I smoke and have prescription drugs nearby.
And even when I think you might be making a mistake, I may not know the destination but I make it there safe.
I trust you even if I think you are wrong, and I get to my destination safely despite being unsure of where we're going.
You always come and make a cameo or feature.
You always appear and make a significant appearance.
I'm good with my insanity and fevers, Cause Pac's looking from heaven saying "They ain't understand me neither"
I am comfortable with my craziness because even Tupac wouldn't be understood by most people.
Alotta times you leave me exposed, And laugh at me, still thinking I could be in control.
You leave me vulnerable sometimes, and laugh at me while I still try to be in control.
Help me weather the storm, altogether I ain't norm. Cause I always disagree, though you aint never been wrong.
Help me get through difficult times even though I am abnormal. I tend to disagree with you despite you never being wrong before.
Listen, I was feeling nearly unstoppable, And now I'm facing what appeared to be impossible.
I felt confident before, but now I am dealing with something seemingly impossible to overcome.
Feeling unimportant enough to have to bother you. But I'm down here alone nigga, all I got is you.
I feel like I am not important enough to bother you, but I am alone and need your guidance.
I can't fit it all in a 16, The night that I was tipsy, And all them bullets just missed me.
I can't condense everything into one verse, but I remember the night I nearly got shot.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@leftylucious8280
forgot about this shit. his mood muzik shit is undeniable. helped me out in dark times no doubt.
@ItsJustTrav
Joe Budden is one of the most underrated rappers ever. This dude storytelling is something serious.
@whittpreslarii2567
The most underrated rapper of all time.. Do your research his catalog is phenomenal lol.
@JessicaMartinez-ry9lf
Whitt Preslar II well said . is a lyrical beast... Like they underestimate him like no other
@Sponsorship4u2
Agreed 💯
@evtheschon
HE AINT DONE SHIT FOR TEN YEARS
@angelserrano9049
@@evtheschon 5 years...and that's cause he retired
@dramahawkpromotions9621
@@evtheschon He doesn't need to. And Please he has retired from Rap
@daddymobuks
JOE BUDDEN I GOT MAD RESPECT FOR YOUR MUSIC AND WHAT YOUR SAYIN HITS DEEP BRO. REAL TALK
@Neptunee1991
Joel ortiz's verse was sooo sick in this OMG !!!!