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.
Just To Be Different
Joe Budden Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I feel like there is no need for conversation
I wonder if the things I did were just to be different
I would rather reveal myself than my situation
I wonder if the things I did were just to be different
[Verse 1: Joe Budden]
Look, look, look...
See, I don't trus' no one (talk to 'em)
So stubborn -
I could dream a thousand paths, wake-up an' walk a ol' one.
(Why?) An' I follow wherever it take me
Insteada' wherever the crew go like Traylee.
They see distinguished
I see a nigga erasin' that fine line between crazy an' genius.
Got the jewels out, see 'em on my Colorado shit (but...)
I'd rather put the suit on an' not follow it. (Look)
Ay'thing is perception, (I mean...) ay'thing is deception (but...)
When niggas fuck wit' 'em 'cause I be the exception
(Look) I got a warm reception way before any song hit
I think too outside of the box ta' be cornered
(I'm) Too real ta' be fickle
Grounded, but too fly ta' meet a nigga in the middle
Too big ta' be belittled.
Wise way beyond my years, here's the motto of a manchild:
Why try ta' fit in when you a standout? Oh...
[Hook: Shinedown Sample]
I feel like there is no need for conversation
I wonder if the things I did were just to be different
I would rather reveal myself than my situation
I wonder if the things I did were just to be different
[Verse 2: Joe Budden]
Uh, you in that mood yet?
Why not?
Look...
They said I had ta' make music that would have the kids feinin'
Screamin', make nuttin' wit' a meanin'
(But..) I ain't know the meanin'.
They told 'em go Hollywood
For a split-second thought I prolly' could
But pollee on, would I be understood?
Tol' me even if you not able ta' cop cable
Ay'time you hit the club you better have a table.
Tol' me they would take me out my worse
Tol' me \"image is everything\"
(So I...) Tol' 'em I'd obey my thirst (whoa!)
Tol' me do what'chu gotta or what'chu on
Hit the scene, make it rain -
I told 'em I'm already in the storm.
Ay'thing's in an uproar (whoa)
They tol' me front, I said what for? (I mean whoa)
Said it again, I said, fuck y'all!
I won't succumb to all the stereotypes
Won't sacrifice me for what the stereo hypes.
They tol' me get in where you fit in -
This is what's in demand now
(So I...) Tol 'em why try ta' fit in when you a stand out? Oh...
[Hook: Shinedown Sample]
I feel like there is no need for conversation
I wonder if the things I did were just to be different
I would rather reveal myself than my situation
I wonder if the things I did were just to be different
[Verse 3: Joe Budden]
Naw'mean?
Yo...
I understand some's off 'bout me, but nuttin's forced 'bout me
I never gave a fuck of what a nigga thought 'bout me.
(Oh!) I look down upon what some see as a must
Maybe I'm regular an' the World needs to adjust.
I mean I'm everyday people, hood, but still formal
I'm normally abnormal, takin' life as a lesson.
I'll leave the past in the past, Tomorrow's not promised
An' Today's just a gift, I guess that's why it's the present.
Did I outgrow me or shit jus' didn't stick
The baggier my jeans, the more shit didn't fit.
(But I!) Didn't quit, inspired by hate, even wit' homeless
When you a star you already down wit' The Joneses.
My thoughts outloud - (I mean...)
Sometimes if the leader walks slow enough, he fuck aroun' gets lost in the crowd
But he ain't gotta speed-up, ay'thing'll pan out (why?)
'Cause they'll spot'chu from far when you a standout.
[Hook x2: Shinedown Sample]
I feel like there is no need for conversation
I wonder if the things I did were just to be different
I would rather reveal myself than my situation
I wonder if the things I did were just to be different
The song "Just To Be Different" by Joe Budden is a commentary on the pressure to conform in the hip-hop industry. In the hook, Budden questions whether he has made certain choices in order to be different from the norm or if they were authentic expressions of himself. Throughout the verses, he reflects on the expectations and advice he's received from those in the industry, including the pressure to create music that lacks meaning, to conform to a certain image, and to follow trends in order to achieve success.
In the first verse, Budden talks about his resistance to following the crowd, preferring instead to follow his own path. He criticizes the industry for valuing image over substance and sees himself as an exception to the rule. In the second verse, he explains how he's been pressured to conform to the norms of the industry, including creating music that lacks meaning, adopting a particular image, and following trends. However, he refuses to succumb to these pressures, recognizing that these are not authentic expressions of himself. In the third verse, he reflects on his identity and how he sees himself as "normally abnormal" - someone who takes life as a lesson and leaves the past behind.
Overall, the song encourages listeners to be true to themselves and not sacrifice their authenticity in order to fit in with the crowd. It's a reminder that true success comes from being yourself, not from conforming to others' expectations or superficial trends.
Line by Line Meaning
I feel like there is no need for conversation
I believe that I am different and unique, so I do not feel the need to explain myself or my actions to others.
I wonder if the things I did were just to be different
I question if the choices I made were solely motivated by my desire to stand out and be unlike anyone else.
I would rather reveal myself than my situation
I prefer to be open and authentic about who I am as a person rather than just revealing the details of the specific circumstances I am in.
See, I don't trus' no one (talk to 'em)
I have trust issues and do not confide in many people, if anyone at all.
So stubborn -
I am very set in my ways and beliefs, and it is difficult to change my mind.
I could dream a thousand paths, wake-up an' walk a ol' one.
I have many ideas and possibilities for my future, but sometimes end up following the same path I have always been on.
Insteada' wherever the crew go like Traylee.
Instead of just going along with the group and doing what everyone else is doing, I make my own decisions and follow my own path.
They see distinguished
Others see me as unique and different from the norm.
I see a nigga erasin' that fine line between crazy an' genius.
I see myself as someone who blurs the line between insanity and brilliance, as I take risks and think outside of the box.
Got the jewels out, see 'em on my Colorado shit (but...)
I may have flashy possessions like jewelry, but that does not define me or my character.
I'd rather put the suit on an' not follow it. (Look)
I would rather dress nicely and follow my own style, rather than conform to a specific idea of what dressing well should mean.
Ay'thing is perception, (I mean...) ay'thing is deception (but...)
Everything can be manipulated and viewed differently based on perception, but not everything is intentionally deceptive.
When niggas fuck wit' 'em 'cause I be the exception
People often gravitate towards me because I am different from what they are used to.
I think too outside of the box ta' be cornered
I have such a unique and unconventional way of thinking that I cannot be pigeonholed or limited in any way.
(I'm) Too real ta' be fickle
I am too genuine and authentic to be wishy-washy or indecisive.
Grounded, but too fly ta' meet a nigga in the middle
I am down-to-earth and humble, but also very confident and stylish, and do not compromise my personality for anyone else.
Too big ta' be belittled.
I am too important and unique to be disrespected or talked down to by anyone.
Why try ta' fit in when you a standout? Oh...
There is no reason to try and blend in with the crowd when you are meant to stand out and be different.
They said I had ta' make music that would have the kids feinin'
People told me to make popular and trendy music to appeal to a broader audience.
Screamin', make nuttin' wit' a meanin'
They suggested that I make music that lacked substance or deeper meaning, just to grab attention.
(But..) I ain't know the meanin'.
I did not understand why making less meaningful music would be beneficial to me or to anyone else.
They told 'em go Hollywood
They advised me to conform to a more mainstream, commercial style of music and persona.
For a split-second thought I prolly' could
I briefly considered taking this advice and changing my style to fit what others wanted me to be.
But pollee on, would I be understood?
I quickly came to my senses and wondered if changing who I was would make me more appreciated or connected to my audience.
Tol' me even if you not able ta' cop cable
They suggested that I fake success or buy expensive things, even if I did not have the means to do so, to appear more appealing to others.
Ay'time you hit the club you better have a table.
They advised me to always have a designated area or section of a club reserved for myself and my entourage, to give off an air of importance and luxury.
Tol' me they would take me out my worse
They claimed that they would elevate me from my current status, but at a cost of sacrificing my authenticity and character.
Tol' me "image is everything"
They believed that appearances and public image were more important than substance or individuality.
(So I...) Tol' 'em I'd obey my thirst (whoa!)
Rather than following their advice blindly, I chose to follow my own instincts and make decisions that felt true to me and my values.
Tol' me do what'chu gotta or what'chu on
They told me to do whatever it takes to succeed or continue gaining popularity, even if that meant compromising my integrity.
Hit the scene, make it rain -
They encouraged me to be flashy and spend money excessively in public to show off my status and success.
I told 'em I'm already in the storm.
I explained that I was already comfortable and used to the struggles and challenges I had faced, and did not need to change who I was to gain more success or attention.
Ay'thing's in an uproar (whoa)
Amid their confusion and frustration with my choices, many people around me are in a state of chaos or unrest.
They tol' me front, I said what for? (I mean whoa)
They suggested that I put on a facade or act differently to appeal to others, but I did not see the point in doing so.
Said it again, I said, fuck y'all!
After receiving the same advice repeatedly, I became fed up and decided to ignore their suggestions and do what I thought was best for myself.
Won't sacrifice me for what the stereo hypes.
I refuse to conform to a generic or popular style of music just to fit in with others or gain success.
They tol' me get in where you fit in -
They suggested that I find a specific niche or trend to follow and try to fit into that mold.
This is what's in demand now
They claimed that conforming to current popular trends and styles of music was the only way to gain success or recognition.
('Cause they'll spot'chu from far when you a standout.)
However, ultimately, being unique and standing out from the crowd will attract attention and success in its own way.
I look down upon what some see as a must
I do not value or prioritize the same things as others, and often reject what is seen as necessary or important by society.
Maybe I'm regular an' the World needs to adjust.
Despite seeing myself as unique and different, I acknowledge the possibility that others may perceive me as ordinary and need to change their expectations or standards.
I'm normally abnormal, takin' life as a lesson.
While my perspectives and actions may seem unconventional or strange to others, I see them as valuable learning experiences and approaches to life.
I'll leave the past in the past, Tomorrow's not promised
I do not dwell on or get caught up in my past experiences and mistakes, as every day is a new opportunity to make something of myself and my future.
An' Today's just a gift, I guess that's why it's the present.
I see each day as a blessing and a chance to make something new of my life and my career.
Did I outgrow me or shit jus' didn't stick
I question if I have personally evolved and grown, or if certain things and experiences just did not affect me or leave a lasting impact.
The baggier my jeans, the more shit didn't fit.
The more I tried to conform or fit into certain molds or trends, the less well-suited or comfortable those situations felt to me.
(But I!) Didn't quit, inspired by hate, even wit' homeless
Despite encountering hate and negativity from others, I did not give up on myself or my dreams, and drew inspiration from even the most difficult or trying situations.
When you a star you already down wit' The Joneses.
As a public figure with some level of fame or recognition, I am already subject to the pressures and expectations of society and my peers.
My thoughts outloud - (I mean...)
I express my personal thoughts and opinions freely and openly, even if they may be unconventional or unpopular.
Sometimes if the leader walks slow enough, he fuck aroun' gets lost in the crowd
If someone with a prominent or influential position does not rush or try to stand out, they risk being consumed or overshadowed by those around them.
But he ain't gotta speed-up, ay'thing'll pan out (why?)
However, there is no need to force personal growth or change, as everything will fall into place naturally over time.
'Cause they'll spot'chu from far when you a standout.
Ultimately, being true to oneself and standing out will attract positive attention and success in various aspects of life.
Contributed by Joshua S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ZayFox828
Only a few of us will truly Feel what Joey spits.. we different.
@ForneverWorld
word
@plsdonttttt
fart
@c-altivetv2771
Does it change much(?)
@davej7500
Zay Fox only 25 percent of the world are introverts
@Nate2003x
Facts man hell yeah
@mo160191
"Leave the past in the past, tomorrow's not promised and today is just a gift I guess that's why it's the present" Joe Budden is so underrated!
@originalJoeKing
Who's listening to this during the Coronavirus?! 😷🎶🎶
@foreverxloyalty
We still here......
@xolanisibanyoni5532
Yerrrr!