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.
Inseparable
Joe Budden Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If I had a choice I rather my higher power decide to take me first,
I think the other way around would only make me worse,
Rarely was I ever trusted without the suspicions,
And very few could ever love me without the conditions.
Those are the ones I care to treasure, ones I wouldn't dare sever,
A bunch of my peers efforts been fair weather,
The deaf have great vision and the blind man could hear better,
I'm not the social type, nothing about him socialite,
Designed the prototype, how to unloved overnight.
Flip side, I die for my niggas, put it the simplest,
You give me your all and I'm a send it back with interest.
This is for my niggas that helped me before I suggested,
I'm just trying to send the flowers before you could jest it.
The man in fact that I've become you had a hand in that,
And I'll give ya'll the world but I'm sure that ya'll would hand it back.
[Chorus:]
We will never be apart,
It's like two bodies livin' with one heart
Together like a lock and key,
Without you, there is no me.
Things will never be the same,
If you weren't here with me, I couldn't see,
Livin' in a nothin' place,
Wherever you go, you know I'm goin' with you (with you, with you...)
[Verse 2]
I mean... She was on the phone tryin' to sound relaxed,
But the words comin' out her mouth ain't have the sound to match.
Voice tremblin' as if you were barely holding on,
Meanwhile trying to be strong to protect your second born.
Shit was scary to me, if something happened to you,
What'll happen to us, like I'm living vicariously.
I seen your life flash, right past, my reaction buried deep inside,
If you go, they'll have to bury me alive.
How would I survive, fuck 'em mum you meant more
Life coach and mentor, just a grim thought makes skin crawl,
Single mother, held it down when my pop was locked away,
Cried every time I gave my mom a gift on Father's Day.
But I'll be here for you, like you were there for yours,
And she was layin', decayin' all the days spent prayin',
Gospel music playin', a few days from death,
But always felt us on our way in, we were like her safe haven.
You always thought you were her least favorite child,
Only sibling that showed up, you at least make her smile.
At least make her proud, not an obstacle that's too hard,
True stars strive to be half the person you are.
Ain't never neglect, so I'll forever respect,
I more than owe my life to you, I'm forever in debt (CHECK!),
I mean my mother got cancer in her neck,
But I'll be behind you every step, what the fuck did you expect.
[Chorus:]
We will never be apart,
It's like two bodies livin' with one heart
Together like a lock and key,
Without you, there is no me.
Things will never be the same,
If you weren't here with me, I couldn't see,
Livin' in a nothin' place,
Wherever you go, you know I'm goin' with you (with you, with you...)
[Verse 3:]
I'm like... Damn, how you always know better than me,
Amazes me when you show me what I never could see,
So the break up never really was a plan to me,
In retrospect I think I was complacent with insanity.
We were so exhausted, bored with, tortured,
But since I couldn't picture my life without you I fought it.
Like we could get through anything too much pride in us,
Better off without each other, Id've been depriving us.
At times you see people in ways you shouldn't portray 'em,
Cause they ain't living up to a title you shouldn't of gave 'em.
Headshot pointblank range committed murder,
Honestly thought I couldn't move on, then went further.
Used to want to see you suffer for the pain you caused,
Now when I see you gain, I applaud.
What I'm tryin' to say is,
don't complain about your path and where it took you,
'Cause you might end up with somebody to sing this hook too.
[Chorus:]
We will never be apart,
It's like two bodies livin' with one heart
Together like a lock and key,
Without you, there is no me.
Things will never be the same,
If you weren't here with me, I couldn't see,
Livin' in a nothin' place,
Wherever you go, you know I'm goin' with you (with you, with you...)
The song "Inseparable" by Joe Budden is an emotionally charged track that delves deep into the complexities of relationships, both romantic and familial. The first verse speaks to Budden's desire to have his "higher power" take him first, as he feels the alternative would only make him worse. He recognizes that he wasn't often trusted without suspicion and that few loved him without conditions, but he treasures those who do. Budden also touches on his loyalty to his friends, saying he would die for them and that he owes his life to them. The chorus speaks to the idea that he and his loved ones are inseparable, that they live with one heart, and that without them, he wouldn't be the same.
In verse 2, Budden reflects on his mother's battle with cancer in her neck and how he will be there for her every step of the way. He reminisces about the hard times she went through when his father was locked away, but she always held them down. Budden recognizes his single mother's strength, how she made every father's day special, and how she was his life coach and mentor. He acknowledges that he owes his life to her and that he's forever in debt to her. The final verse touches on relationships and how sometimes it's hard to let go, but it's better to be without someone who isn't good for you. Budden urges listeners not to complain about their path, as it might lead them to someone they're inseparable from.
Overall, "Inseparable" is a powerful song that speaks to the themes of unconditional love, loyalty, and the bond between people, whether they're romantic partners or family members.
Line by Line Meaning
If I had a choice I rather my higher power decide to take me first,
I prefer to be taken by my higher power first before anyone else.
I think the other way around would only make me worse,
If someone I care about passes before me, it will be harder for me to cope with my loss.
Rarely was I ever trusted without the suspicions,
People often doubted and suspected me even when I was trustworthy.
And very few could ever love me without the conditions.
Most people only loved me when I met certain conditions and expectations.
Those are the ones I care to treasure, ones I wouldn't dare sever,
I value the people who love me unconditionally and will never let them go.
A bunch of my peers efforts been fair weather,
Many of my peers only stuck around when things were going well and abandoned me during tough times.
The deaf have great vision and the blind man could hear better,
Sometimes those who are not able to see or hear physically can sense things in a deeper way.
Figured since I lost all my senses that I would fear better.
Since I have lost trust in my senses, I have become more perceptive and aware of my surroundings.
I'm not the social type, nothing about him socialite,
I'm not the kind of person who enjoys socializing or going to social events.
Designed the prototype, how to unloved overnight.
I have created a blueprint on how to suddenly fall out of love with someone.
Flip side, I die for my niggas, put it the simplest,
On the other hand, I am willing to do anything for my closest friends.
You give me your all and I'm a send it back with interest.
If my friends give me their love and support, I will reciprocate it and go above and beyond to help them.
This is for my niggas that helped me before I suggested,
This is a tribute to my friends who have supported me without even being asked or prompted to do so.
I'm just trying to send the flowers before you could jest it.
I want to show my appreciation for my friends while they are still around, before it's too late and they are gone.
The man in fact that I've become you had a hand in that,
My friends have played a significant role in shaping me into the person that I am today.
And I'll give ya'll the world but I'm sure that ya'll would hand it back.
I am willing to give everything I have to my friends, but I know they would do the same for me.
We will never be apart,
We will always be together and inseparable.
It's like two bodies livin' with one heart
We are so close that it feels like we are two bodies sharing one heart.
Together like a lock and key,
We fit together perfectly like a lock and key.
Without you, there is no me.
I cannot exist without my friends and loved ones.
Things will never be the same,
Life would be completely different without the people I care about.
If you weren't here with me, I couldn't see,
Without the support and love of my friends, I would be lost and unable to navigate life.
Livin' in a nothin' place,
Without my loved ones, life would be empty and meaningless.
Wherever you go, you know I'm goin' with you (with you, with you...)
I will follow my friends and loved ones wherever they go and support them every step of the way, no matter what.
She was on the phone tryin' to sound relaxed,
She was trying to hide her stress and anxiety on the phone with me.
But the words comin' out her mouth ain't have the sound to match.
Despite her attempts to sound calm, her words revealed her true emotions.
Voice tremblin' as if you were barely holding on,
Her voice was shaking as if she was barely able to hold back her tears and emotions.
Meanwhile trying to be strong to protect your second born.
Despite her struggles, she was trying to be strong for the sake of her children.
Shit was scary to me, if something happened to you,
I was terrified of the possibility of losing her.
What'll happen to us, like I'm living vicariously.
I felt like my life was intertwined with hers and would be heavily impacted by her well-being.
I seen your life flash, right past, my reaction buried deep inside,
I saw her life pass before my eyes and was deeply impacted by it, even though I tried to hide my emotions.
If you go, they'll have to bury me alive.
I cannot imagine life without her and would feel like I was buried alive if she were to pass away.
How would I survive, fuck 'em mum you meant more
She is so important to me that I cannot imagine a life without her.
Life coach and mentor, just a grim thought makes skin crawl,
She is like a life coach and mentor to me, and the thought of losing her is terrifying and upsetting.
Single mother, held it down when my pop was locked away,
She was a single mother who did a great job raising me even when my father was not around.
Cried every time I gave my mom a gift on Father's Day.
I would cry every time I gave her a gift on Father's Day because she played both roles in my life.
But I'll be here for you, like you were there for yours,
I will always be there for her just like she was always there for me.
And she was layin', decayin' all the days spent prayin',
She was on her deathbed, decaying, and spending her days praying.
Gospel music playin', a few days from death,
She was listening to gospel music and was only a few days away from passing away.
But always felt us on our way in, we were like her safe haven.
She felt comforted by our presence and felt like we were her safe place in her final days.
You always thought you were her least favorite child,
She believed that she loved me less than my siblings.
Only sibling that showed up, you at least make her smile.
I was the only one of her children who showed up for her, and I was able to make her happy.
At least make her proud, not an obstacle that's too hard,
My goal was to make her proud and never be an obstacle in her life.
True stars strive to be half the person you are.
I aspire to be like her and strive to be half the person she is.
Ain't never neglect, so I'll forever respect,
I will always respect her and never neglect the impact she has had on my life.
I more than owe my life to you, I'm forever in debt (CHECK!),
I owe my entire life to her and will always be indebted to her.
I mean my mother got cancer in her neck,
My mother was diagnosed with cancer and it was affecting her neck.
But I'll be behind you every step, what the fuck did you expect.
I will support her every step of the way through her battle with cancer.
We were so exhausted, bored with, tortured,
Our relationship had become draining and unbearable.
But since I couldn't picture my life without you I fought it.
Even though our relationship was difficult, I couldn't imagine a life without her and tried to work through it.
Like we could get through anything too much pride in us,
We believed that our relationship was strong enough to withstand anything, but our pride was getting in the way.
Better off without each other, Id've been depriving us.
In hindsight, it was better for us to break up, but I had been holding us back by not wanting to let go.
At times you see people in ways you shouldn't portray 'em,
Sometimes we misrepresent people and judge them unfairly based on our own expectations and biases.
'Cause they ain't living up to a title you shouldn't of gave 'em.
We shouldn't give people titles or labels that they cannot live up to, and then judge them harshly for not meeting those expectations.
Headshot pointblank range committed murder,
I felt like she had betrayed me and it was like she had killed a part of me.
Honestly thought I couldn't move on, then went further.
I thought I would never be able to get over the pain of our breakup, but I eventually moved on and even grew from the experience.
Used to want to see you suffer for the pain you caused,
I used to wish ill upon her and wanted her to suffer for hurting me.
Now when I see you gain, I applaud.
Now I am able to celebrate her successes and growth instead of resenting her for it.
What I'm tryin' to say is,
The point I am trying to make is...
don't complain about your path and where it took you,
Don't focus on the negative aspects of your life and where you have ended up.
'Cause you might end up with somebody to sing this hook too.
Because you never know who will come into your life and become inseparable from you, just like my friends and loved ones are to me.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mikeal-lateef_5138
I can't believe this song is nearly a decade old. I remember having this on repeat along with 1000 faces thinking to myself like man dis dude put so much emotions in his music that it's undeniably relatable in many ways.
@courtj0314
Yesss! These and black clouds 💞
@JamesKlass79
Facts. MM4 will always be in mu rotation.
@JamesWilliams-os1cf
By far some of his best work and sadly slept on
@theonlystunna5640
Bro “TALK TO EM” (no pun intended lol) those two track raised me and brought me through high school 🔥🔥
@300ss5
I’ve been rocking with this mixtape since it dropped. This is my go to when i want some real life shit that still stands the test of time. Actually it gets better as time passes honestly. Front to back this whole work of art is my shit!
@FlyRenagadeDMV
Budden has a fucking gift. Hate him or love him, dude is one of the greatest ever with the pen. He has a unique talent.
@steveoneill1157
Def the best Ever with the bars that hit ppl wit that for real shit
@ceesmith8648
my nigga heiss, this song is one my "going thru it" jams
@bobbyross2552
Bro made you feel every single emotion that he felt on this one