Joe Budden (born August 31, 1980 in Spanish Harlem, New York) is a rapper f… Read Full Bio ↴Joe Budden (born August 31, 1980 in Spanish Harlem, New York) is a rapper from Jersey City, New Jersey. In recent years he has come to prominence as one of the most skilled and sought-for rappers in the game, despite his best work being on the internet mixtape circuit.

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.

Inception
Joe Budden Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

The bars show you mad struggle
Along with detailed scriptures of my past trouble
That?s why they try to keep me quiet with a bad muzzle
Can?t take the same leaps and bounds as me
When they lack the hustle and the calf muscle
Words from a legend speaking from the heart
Said, if you going to war, weaponry is a start
Do your dirt all by your lonely, let it be in the dark

You givin birds bread then let it be in the park, Joey
Tip me wrong, mini mall when the semi?s warm
Bout my bread, so I spot it if a penny?s gone
And I?ll bet, learned that from the nets
If you tryna be a Billionaire get rid of any Thorn
Cause you?ll get f-cked if they shoot you, emptied on
It?s just they way of making a mini porn
I watch my haters get sick
If it?s that hard living in my shadow
Get off my silhouette?s d-ck
Tailor made suits, double breast fit
Set trip, get your name on the next clip
Sometimes before you can add you gotta minus
Some of y?all don?t get the math or the science
It means I?m aiming for wealth
Some say sky?s the limit I say you?re short changing yourself
So uh ha, uh ha, y?all aint the same as me, I get bread
You lose Jackson?s, Jermaine Dupri
BS about Joe, refrain it please
You?ll just untame a beast, he just became unleashed
All who defend are deceased, so the topic should pass
An assembly line would show em I?m not in they class
Had some alright jams, them fans came and left
And you ain?t know they was one night stands
Let em testify, witness?s, hearin is indicative
N-ggas is sick of it, let it go, and get a grip

(Hook)
I think I?m Sug? Ray, Ali
Joe Fraiz? who the f-ck gon stop me
He think he Holyfield, Iron Mike
Fo? fifth let em feel what the iron like
I think I?m Mayweather, Pacquiao
Screamin money ain?t a thing pullin stacks out
I think I?m Cotto, Shane Mosley
Slow death to anyone who oppose me

(Verse 2)
Sun I?m a always shine, yellow
Think I?m about to get up on that? HELL NO
Long as shorty keep my tip hard, shell toe
Certain I?m a stick to the script, velcro

Ringers?, fakers, thinker, faders, prosper
Without being linked to the majors
My only response is the finger to haters
Watch it get ugly, Mbenga, Lakers
So when they ask how I feel about hip hop
I sighed and replied take a lucky guess
Just being sincere, I ain?t talking pioneer?s
When I tell dudes I don?t think the Dougie?s fresh
Used to roll through the trenches, slept on cold benches
Holds on my expenses, smoke till I was senseless
Now the flow?s so relentless
F-ck CD?s it should be sold in syringes
I can?t explain it they love the sound
Subtle with the pound, you don?t want trouble clown
If I?m at the bar ordering a couple rounds
I?m in between 2 birds like a double down
Where I?m from they cock and shoot
Like it?s all logical, send a lot of work to them hospitals
Dress the AK up before they pop at you
Handgun?s, night scope, call it the Chopper suit
So if you tired of all the wack dudes, call me in
Rap historian, slash my class?s Valedictorian
Your future?s at a stand still
Must be a flat on that Delorean
I tried tellin them conceded the deals closed
They disagree they believe that they real close
Tough guys turn talk show like Steve Wilko?s
Scream f-ck em eat dildos with each pill dose
All the rap dudes they got highly regarded
Tell me they psyche might be slightly retarded
Nowadays before the shows I buy me a cartridge
Those them phony ass dudes they like me to start with
Peepin how the vets wanna stop me
Money where your mouth is Ted DiBiase
And he won?t be able to reach for a biscuit
With O?s on his head like a B-more fitted
Black hoody and black tux
Tearin stacks up, with a model and her rack tough
Gettin my Extreme Makeover on
Knock that bitch down and build her back up
Think twice before you act up
Around flames, wrong time to be gassed up
You never heard blowing smoke from a grass hut
9 times out of 10 it?ll be your last puff

(Hook)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Joe Budden's song "Inception" are an expression of his journey through life, along with his struggles and achievements. The bars reflect on his past troubles, with detailed scriptures that narrate his struggles. However, he remains undeterred, as the song is a symbol of his resilience and determination. Budden also takes time to address people who underestimate him, insinuating that he's always rising and striving for greatness.

Budden urges fans always to go for the topmost position in whatever path they choose to tread. He suggests that those who aim too low are mainly shortchanging themselves. He further indicates that he has always been working hard, even if people try to limit his accomplishments. Budden's lyrics also sway between serious issues and his trademark humor. He takes jabs at his haters, who he's sure are sick of his continued success, all while acknowledging his position as a rap historian.

Line by Line Meaning

The bars show you mad struggle
The lyrics demonstrate the difficulties and challenges I have faced in my life

Along with detailed scriptures of my past trouble
I provide in-depth stories of my past struggles and experiences

That?s why they try to keep me quiet with a bad muzzle
People attempt to silence me and prevent me from speaking out about my experiences

Can?t take the same leaps and bounds as me
Others cannot achieve the same level of success and growth as me

When they lack the hustle and the calf muscle
Their lack of determination and perseverance holds them back from achieving their goals

Words from a legend speaking from the heart
I, as a respected artist, am speaking honestly and sincerely

Said, if you going to war, weaponry is a start
When facing difficulties or challenges, it is important to have the necessary resources and tools

Do your dirt all by your lonely, let it be in the dark
Handle your problems and face your challenges alone, without seeking attention or assistance

You givin birds bread then let it be in the park, Joey
If you provide assistance or support, do so without expecting recognition or gratitude

Tip me wrong, mini mall when the semi?s warm
If you disrespect or betray me, be prepared for the consequences

Bout my bread, so I spot it if a penny?s gone
I am particularly cautious about my finances and will notice even the slightest discrepancy

And I?ll bet, learned that from the nets
I have gained this knowledge and perspective from past experiences and mistakes

If you tryna be a Billionaire get rid of any Thorn
To achieve financial success, eliminate any obstacles or hindrances

Cause you?ll get f-cked if they shoot you, emptied on
You will face severe consequences if you become a target and are attacked

It?s just they way of making a mini porn
This is just their way of enjoying and reveling in someone else's downfall

I watch my haters get sick
I take pleasure in seeing my adversaries suffer

If it?s that hard living in my shadow
If they find it difficult to live in the shadow of my success

Get off my silhouette?s d-ck
Stop trying to imitate or mimic my style and success

Tailor made suits, double breast fit
I wear expensive, customized suits that fit perfectly

Set trip, get your name on the next clip
Be careful, because you might become the target of the next diss track

Sometimes before you can add you gotta minus
Sometimes you need to subtract or remove certain elements in order to progress

Some of y?all don?t get the math or the science
Some people fail to understand the principles and logic behind success

It means I?m aiming for wealth
This indicates that I am striving for financial success

Some say sky?s the limit I say you?re short changing yourself
While some believe there are limitations, I believe you are selling yourself short

So uh ha, uh ha, y?all aint the same as me, I get bread
I'm different from the rest, I am successful and make money

You lose Jackson?s, Jermaine Dupri
You are not financially successful like me, losing money like Jermaine Dupri

BS about Joe, refrain it please
Stop spreading false rumors or negative information about me

You?ll just untame a beast, he just became unleashed
Attempting to challenge me will only provoke a fierce and unstoppable response

All who defend are deceased, so the topic should pass
Anyone who tries to defend against my attacks will ultimately fail

An assembly line would show em I?m not in they class
If we were to compare our skills, it would be obvious that I am superior

Had some alright jams, them fans came and left
I have had some moderate successes, but my fan base has fluctuated

And you ain?t know they was one night stands
You were unaware that these brief moments of success were not long-lasting

Let em testify, witness?s, hearin is indicative
Allow others to speak and share their experiences, listening to them provides valuable insight

N-ggas is sick of it, let it go, and get a grip
People are tired of the drama and negativity, it's time to move on and find stability

I think I?m Sug? Ray, Ali
I believe I am as skilled and successful as Sugar Ray Leonard and Muhammad Ali

Joe Fraiz? who the f-ck gon stop me
I am confident in my abilities and believe no one can hinder my success

He think he Holyfield, Iron Mike
Others may have a false sense of greatness, comparing themselves to Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson

Fo? fifth let em feel what the iron like
I will use my firearm to make them understand the consequences of their actions

I think I?m Mayweather, Pacquiao
I see myself as talented and successful as Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao

Screamin money ain?t a thing pullin stacks out
I flaunt my wealth and show that money is not an issue for me

I think I?m Cotto, Shane Mosley
I compare myself to skilled boxers like Miguel Cotto and Shane Mosley

Slow death to anyone who opposes me
I will bring about a gradual and painful downfall to anyone who dares to challenge me

Sun I?m a always shine, yellow
I will always stand out and shine brightly like the sun

Think I?m about to get up on that? HELL NO
No, I am not going to participate or engage in that activity

Long as shorty keep my tip hard, shell toe
As long as the girl I am with keeps me sexually satisfied, I will be content

Certain I?m a stick to the script, velcro
I will remain faithful and committed to my principles and values, just like Velcro sticks together

Ringers?, fakers, thinker, faders, prosper
There are imposters and opportunists who will rise to the top

Without being linked to the majors
Despite not being associated with major labels or companies

My only response is the finger to haters
My only reaction towards those who dislike me is to give them the middle finger

Watch it get ugly, Mbenga, Lakers
Things will turn unpleasant and chaotic, just like the struggles faced by DJ Mbenga while playing for the Lakers

So when they ask how I feel about hip hop
When people inquire about my opinion or feelings towards hip hop music

I sighed and replied take a lucky guess
I responded with frustration, implying that they should figure it out themselves

Just being sincere, I ain?t talking pioneer?s
I am speaking genuinely and honestly, not referring to early influencers or pioneers

When I tell dudes I don?t think the Dougie?s fresh
When I express my opinion that I do not find the Dougie dance style to be impressive

Used to roll through the trenches, slept on cold benches
I used to navigate through difficult circumstances, sleeping in uncomfortable places

Holds on my expenses, smoke till I was senseless
I had to be cautious with my spending, and I used to smoke until I lost consciousness

Now the flow?s so relentless
Now my rapping style is relentless and unstoppable

F-ck CD?s it should be sold in syringes
I dislike physical CDs and believe music should be distributed digitally

I can?t explain it they love the sound
I cannot comprehend why people are drawn to my music

Subtle with the pound, you don?t want trouble clown
I may carry a weapon discreetly, so you should avoid crossing me

If I?m at the bar ordering a couple rounds
If I am at the bar buying a few drinks

I?m in between 2 birds like a double down
I am with two attractive women, like a sandwich

Where I?m from they cock and shoot
In my hometown, people are quick to use weapons

Like it?s all logical, send a lot of work to them hospitals
Using violence is seen as a logical solution, causing many people to end up in the hospital

Dress the AK up before they pop at you
Be prepared and ready to use a firearm before someone attacks you

Handgun?s, night scope, call it the Chopper suit
I use handguns equipped with night vision scopes, referring to them as my 'Chopper suit'

So if you tired of all the wack dudes, call me in
If you are tired of mediocre artists, turn to me for quality music

Rap historian, slash my class?s Valedictorian
I am knowledgeable about the history of rap and consider myself the top student in my class

Your future?s at a stand still
Your future is not progressing or moving forward

Must be a flat on that Delorean
This refers to the car in the movie 'Back to the Future', implying that your future is stuck in the past

I tried tellin them conceded the deals closed
I attempted to inform them that the opportunity for collaboration or negotiation is no longer available

They disagree they believe that they real close
They do not agree and still believe that there is a chance for success or partnership

Tough guys turn talk show like Steve Wilko?s
People who portray themselves as tough suddenly become talk show hosts, like Steve Wilkos

Scream f-ck em eat dildos with each pill dose
They express their hatred by suggesting that others should consume dildos with every pill they take

All the rap dudes they got highly regarded
All the other rappers are highly respected and well-regarded

Tell me they psyche might be slightly retarded
I believe their mental state or mindset may be slightly impaired

Nowadays before the shows I buy me a cartridge
Before my performances, I purchase a cartridge (presumably for a vaporizer)

Those them phony ass dudes they like me to start with
Those are the fake individuals who want to provoke me into reacting

Peepin how the vets wanna stop me
I notice how established artists want to hinder or prevent my success

Money where your mouth is Ted DiBiase
If you truly believe in what you say, back it up with money and actions, just like Ted DiBiase

And he won?t be able to reach for a biscuit
They will not have the opportunity to grab a weapon

With O?s on his head like a B-more fitted
Signs of death ('O's on the head) are present, similar to how a fitted hat from Baltimore would have the city's logo on it

Black hoody and black tux
I wear a black hoodie and black tuxedo, symbolizing both street and formal wear

Tearin stacks up, with a model and her rack tough
I am making a lot of money, surrounded by a beautiful woman with an impressive physique

Gettin my Extreme Makeover on
I am in the process of drastically changing and transforming myself

Knock that bitch down and build her back up
I temporarily bring down a woman to rebuild and improve her

Think twice before you act up
Consider the consequences before engaging in reckless behavior

Around flames, wrong time to be gassed up
In a dangerous situation, it is not the right time to be overly confident or boastful

You never heard blowing smoke from a grass hut
You have never heard me being dishonest or deceitful

9 times out of 10 it?ll be your last puff
Most likely, it will be the final chance for you to indulge in something risky or dangerous

Contributed by Jackson K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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