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.
Last Day
Joe Budden Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
These niggas lied to me way back,
Said this was where my buck stop
Ridin' right by in my fly shit
These niggas still at that bus stop,
You'll never see these jeans sag
You would think so with this tucked Glock
And any nigga wanna go bar-for-bar
This your shit, y’all don’t know shit
Them hoes you with is just average
This four spittin’ that whole clip and my alibi is my bad bitch
So don’t be the first to get it
My life is like a movie and your bitch deserve the credit
I just stood there and directed
She just did what I expected
Doin’ me but you'd do me too
I’ll be me, my nigga, you be you
I guess that men can be groupies too
Recognize a winner, live like a born sinner
Catered dinners, finna have a pool party in the winter
Finna skinny dip bitch fuck them drawers,
Her brains are killer and I love em' all,
Said my head got a price on it,
She come through and just suck it off,
So if you scared get a weapon
Every day a nigga live like he prepared for Armageddon
Now when they call me to them gates and they ask me how I live
I feel I ain’t have a choice like my stomach’s to my ribs
Niggas wanted me dead, I kept hammers in the crib
But nah, I don’t regret a fuckin’ thing I ever did
So I spend like it’s my last day
Club like it’s my last day
Ride like it’s my last day
Fry like it’s my last day
Fuck like it’s my last day (Yes sir)
Fuck boys wanna blast me (Juicy J)
This might be your last day (Joe Budden let's get it)
But it won’t be my last day (Uh)
Models by my side
Shooters on my team
Choppers with the beam
Countin’ up some green
Blowin’ on a blue dream
My life is like a movie and your bitch just made a scene
Me and your bitch just made a scene
Wake up and I smoke somethin’
After that, I poke somethin’
Bet she bad with a fat ass
Beat it up like she stole somethin’
Fuck two times then I roll somethin’
Can’t no nigga do it like me
All my chains is icy
All my clothes is pricey
In Louis Vuittons, no Nike's
I’m Nino Brown, you Ice-T
Snitchin’ equals dead bodies
(Snitchin’ equals dead bodies)
Nigga caught a death wish, think he caught me slippin’
I don’t play that bull, boy
I'm shootin' like Scottie Pippen
Now when they call me to them gates and they ask me how I live
I feel I ain’t have a choice like my stomach’s to my ribs
Niggas wanted me dead, I kept hammers in the crib
But nah, I don’t regret a fuckin’ thing I ever did
So I spend like it’s my last day
Club like it’s my last day
Ride like it’s my last day
Fry like it’s my last day
Fuck like it’s my last day
Fuck boys wanna blast me
This might be your last day
But it won’t be my last day
I’m dressed up with my sport keys
My Rollie, bands, love short sleeves
Wanted man when I tour seas
All my bitches crossbreeds
These big faces talk Gs
I lace my H’s, walk free
I’m V-Sixin’ in V-Twelves
Ninety-three is my horse fee
Life’s a bitch I figured I’d bone
Smoke this weed while I get a little dome
Black star when it’s all said and done
Gotta put my name in the middle of the road
Open boxes, a pair a day
Mine don’t come in pearl yet
Got a party out in the UK
I’mma hit them hoes with my Euro step
Insomniac, gotta live my life
Where’s the pie? Gotta get my slice
I hommie shit, where’s the body bag?
Kiss my Maserati ass
Two thick queens in a king’s suite
Gettin’ energized off thin sleep
I let all my AKA's hit
They thought I was ten deep
Miss wake me, get a hundred dollar tip
Pray to God, heard my number and I hit
Trophy girl, make ‘em come in for the chip
When you do good, all the summers go quick
Trust nobody, got thunder on the hip
Shotty in the crib, don’t start no shit
Bad chick, ass and her stomach don’t fit
Know your lane, don’t come with no lip
Now when they call me to them gates and they ask me how I live
I feel I ain’t have a choice like my stomach’s to my ribs
Niggas wanted me dead, I kept hammers in the crib
But nah, I don’t regret a fuckin’ thing I ever did
So I spend like it’s my last day
Club like it’s my last day
Ride like it’s my last day
Fry like it’s my last day
Fuck like it’s my last day
Fuck boys wanna blast me
This might be your last day
But it won’t be my last day
In Joe Budden's song "Last Day", he expresses a certain nonchalance and carefree attitude towards life. He references weapons, sex, and money frequently throughout the song. The line "My life is like a movie and your bitch deserve the credit" seems to suggest that Joe Budden is a larger-than-life character being portrayed on a movie screen for all the world to see.
Further, the lyrics suggest that Joe Budden has lived a life worthy of being remembered. He admits that there were times when people wanted him dead, yet he survived due to his own cunning and use of firearms. The refrain "So I spend like it's my last day, Club like it's my last day, Ride like it's my last day, Fry like it's my last day, Fuck like it's my last day" implies that Joe Budden is not afraid of death and therefore lives each day like it's his last.
Overall, Joe Budden seems to be living a life of excess, both in terms of the lifestyle that he leads and the lyrics he writes. He is demanding respect and recognition for the person he is and the life he has lived. He appears to be unapologetic for his actions and is willing to do what it takes to make his mark on the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Look, look
Pay attention, listen
These niggas lied to me way back,
People deceived me in the past
Said this was where my buck stop
They claimed this is where I would fail
Ridin' right by in my fly shit
I'm cruising by in a stylish manner
These niggas still at that bus stop,
They're stuck in the same place, not progressing
You'll never see these jeans sag
My pants won't sag, implying confidence
You would think so with this tucked Glock
One would assume based on my appearance and concealed firearm
And any nigga wanna go bar-for-bar
Anyone who challenges me in rap
Know I’m always with that club hop
I'm always ready to engage in rap battles
This your shit, y’all don’t know shit
You claim ownership, but lack knowledge
Them hoes you with is just average
The women you associate with are mediocre
This four spittin’ that whole clip and my alibi is my bad bitch
I'm firing a gun rapidly and my excuse is my loyal partner
So don’t be the first to get it
Don't be the one who receives the consequences
My life is like a movie and your bitch deserve the credit
My life is cinematic and your partner deserves recognition
I just stood there and directed
I mainly observed and controlled the situation
She just did what I expected
She acted according to my desires
Doin’ me but you'd do me too
I'm being myself and you would imitate me
I’ll be me, my nigga, you be you
I'll stay true to myself, and you do the same
I guess that men can be groupies too
Even males can be fans who obsess over others
Recognize a winner, live like a born sinner
Acknowledge success, live with rebelliousness
Catered dinners, finna have a pool party in the winter
Luxurious meals, planning a winter pool party
Finna skinny dip bitch fuck them drawers,
Planning to swim naked, disregard clothing
Her brains are killer and I love em' all,
She has an impressive intellect, and I appreciate all women
Said my head got a price on it,
There's a bounty on my head
She come through and just suck it off,
She provides sexual services orally
So if you scared get a weapon
If you're afraid, arm yourself
Every day a nigga live like he prepared for Armageddon
I live each day as if I'm ready for the apocalypse
Now when they call me to them gates and they ask me how I live
When they summon me to judgment and inquire about my lifestyle
I feel I ain’t have a choice like my stomach’s to my ribs
I believe I had no other option, feeling constrained
Niggas wanted me dead, I kept hammers in the crib
Enemies desired my demise, I stored weapons at home
But nah, I don’t regret a fuckin’ thing I ever did
However, I have no remorse for any of my actions
So I spend like it’s my last day
I freely spend money as if it's my final day alive
Club like it’s my last day
Enjoy nightclubs as if it's the end of my life
Ride like it’s my last day
Drive as if it's my final day on Earth
Fry like it’s my last day
Party and indulge to the extreme
Fuck like it’s my last day (Yes sir)
Engage in sexual activities intensely
Fuck boys wanna blast me (Juicy J)
Enemies desire to harm me
This might be your last day (Joe Budden let's get it)
This could potentially be the end for you
But it won’t be my last day (Uh)
But it won't be the end for me
Models by my side
Attractive individuals accompanying me
Shooters on my team
My crew consists of skilled gunmen
Choppers with the beam
I possess firearms equipped with laser sights
Countin’ up some green
Counting a large sum of money
Blowin’ on a blue dream
Smoking a potent strain of marijuana
My life is like a movie and your bitch just made a scene
My life is like a film, and your partner caused a commotion
Me and your bitch just made a scene
Your significant other and I created a spectacle
Wake up and I smoke somethin’
I awaken and immediately consume marijuana
After that, I poke somethin’
Afterwards, I engage in sexual activity
Bet she bad with a fat ass
I'm confident she has an attractive physique
Beat it up like she stole somethin’
Engaging in rough sexual intercourse
Fuck two times then I roll somethin’
Engage in intercourse twice, then smoke marijuana
Can’t no nigga do it like me
No one can do it as well as me
All my chains is icy
All my jewelry is adorned with diamonds
All my clothes is pricey
My attire is expensive
In Louis Vuittons, no Nike's
Wearing luxurious Louis Vuitton items, not Nike sneakers
I’m Nino Brown, you Ice-T
I embody the role of a powerful figure, you are inferior
Snitchin’ equals dead bodies
Informing on others results in violent consequences
Nigga caught a death wish, think he caught me slippin’
Someone desires their own demise, but believes I'm vulnerable
I don’t play that bull, boy
I don't tolerate nonsense
I'm shootin' like Scottie Pippen
I'm shooting a gun with accuracy, like basketball player Scottie Pippen
I’m dressed up with my sport keys
I'm fashionably wearing expensive sportswear
My Rollie, bands, love short sleeves
I wear a Rolex watch, stack of money, and enjoy short-sleeved shirts
Wanted man when I tour seas
I'm a sought-after individual when I travel
All my bitches crossbreeds
The women I associate with come from various backgrounds
These big faces talk Gs
Large denomination bills, symbolizing wealth
I lace my H’s, walk free
I tie my designer shoes, walk confidently
I’m V-Sixin’ in V-Twelves
Driving an expensive luxury sports car
Ninety-three is my horse fee
Charging a high price for my services
Life’s a bitch I figured I’d bone
Life is difficult, so I decided to conquer it
Smoke this weed while I get a little dome
I'll indulge in marijuana while receiving oral sex
Black star when it’s all said and done
I'll leave a strong legacy when everything is finished
Gotta put my name in the middle of the road
I need to make my mark in the industry
Open boxes, a pair a day
Opening packages, receiving new shoes daily
Mine don’t come in pearl yet
I haven't acquired pearl-colored shoes yet
Got a party out in the UK
Hosting a celebration in the United Kingdom
I’mma hit them hoes with my Euro step
I'll impress the women with my slick moves
Insomniac, gotta live my life
Unable to sleep, so I must make the most of my existence
Where’s the pie? Gotta get my slice
Where can I find my portion of the profits?
I hommie shit, where’s the body bag?
I dominate, where is the evidence of my victory?
Kiss my Maserati ass
Disregard my wealth and luxury
Two thick queens in a king’s suite
Two curvaceous women in a luxurious hotel suite
Gettin’ energized off thin sleep
Gaining energy from inadequate rest
I let all my AKA's hit
I allow all my various aliases to be recognized
They thought I was ten deep
They believed there were multiple versions of me
Miss wake me, get a hundred dollar tip
If the hotel maid wakes me, I'll provide a generous tip
Pray to God, heard my number and I hit
I prayed, and my lucky number was selected
Trophy girl, make ‘em come in for the chip
Attractive companion who attracts attention and victory
When you do good, all the summers go quick
When you're successful, time passes quickly
Trust nobody, got thunder on the hip
I don't trust anyone, carrying a powerful firearm
Shotty in the crib, don’t start no shit
Shotgun in my residence, don't initiate any conflicts
Bad chick, ass and her stomach don’t fit
Attractive woman with a curvaceous physique
Know your lane, don’t come with no lip
Understand your place and don't be disrespectful
Now when they call me to them gates and they ask me how I live
When they summon me to judgment and inquire about my lifestyle
I feel I ain’t have a choice like my stomach’s to my ribs
I believe I had no other option, feeling constrained
Niggas wanted me dead, I kept hammers in the crib
Enemies desired my demise, I stored weapons at home
But nah, I don’t regret a fuckin’ thing I ever did
However, I have no remorse for any of my actions
So I spend like it’s my last day
I freely spend money as if it's my final day alive
Club like it’s my last day
Enjoy nightclubs as if it's the end of my life
Ride like it’s my last day
Drive as if it's my final day on Earth
Fry like it’s my last day
Party and indulge to the extreme
Fuck like it’s my last day
Engage in sexual activities intensely
Fuck boys wanna blast me
Enemies desire to harm me
This might be your last day
This could potentially be the end for you
But it won’t be my last day
But it won't be the end for me
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHRISTOPHER CHARLES LLOYD, JORDAN HOUSTON, JOSEPH ANTHONY BUDDEN, KRISTOPHER P. STENBORG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Saint
BANKS F--KIN KILLED IT! AMEN #THEBEST
Brian Garcia
Juicy did his thing.. Joe budden and banks is a lethal combo.. MUST NEEDED MIXTAPE COLLAB
Samuel H
Lloyd Banks is back! Couple of years ago he was like top 5 man, hope he reaches those heights again soon.
Tharsan Jeyachandran
he did just not commercially like he did in 04
Michael Jaslo
Lloyd Bank’s Is a Beast He can take anybody Alive Are You Serious Lloyd Banks still never dropped cold corner 3 or 4
Sid
All 3 of them killed it
VONN X VILLUMINATI
BANKS FLOW ON THIS WAS WICKED !!!!!
Cristy Riley
THIS MY SHYT BEEN ROCKIN IT FOR THE PAST 3 WKS SINCE IT CAME OUT I DON'T CARE WHAT NOBODY SAY THEY ALL DID THEY THING ON IT LIVE YOUR LIFE TO THE FULLEST "LIVE LIKE ITS YOUR LAST DAY" CAUSE YOU NEVA KNOW WHEN YOU GONNA GO!!!!
methicall831
I dismissed Banks cuz of Fif but I gotta give it to him, he can flow but I'm honestly here for Joey, been down wit Budden for years, one of the most underrated MCs ever.
ultimiteshadow
Banks Had the best Verse The #PLK !!!