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.
Ma Ma Ma )
Joe Budden Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Aww yeah (Uhh, why'know)
You want to get right, boo, headlights, blue
Don't no other mami give me head like you
I get you in the club, sit right in the Rover
Why now you ain't gotta pretend like you like the promoter
We could lamp in the five with my hand on yo' thigh
Don't mistake my talkin' modest
Still put you in the wi-ld bedroom with the walk-in closet
Bay, riverboats, if you want to see water
Full length minks, get rid of that three-quarter
Ex-man never had you feelin' that fly
Flat screens in the room with the ceiling that high
When them other cats call you, you can turn your phone off
New school your neck, take that herringbone off
Stretch 'Vee playin' Manhattan
System old school, play 'em and had 'em
We makin' it happen, oh yeah
[Chorus:]
Turn this off for a minute
We can do bigger things if you widdit
We can be me and you, I know you feel it
You can say, "La la-la la, la la la la"
All you want, you can get it
You can have all my time, let's spend it
The way you do your thing, I can't forget it
Got me screamin', "Ma ma-ma ma, ma ma ma ma"
Look, I need a wife too, feed her ice, blue
Got birds on the side, I don't treat 'em like you
I don't let 'em play with the wheel and when the check come
They already know they gotta pay for they meals
Say I'm, comin' at you with lines, think they lies
Just because I don't match your compatible sign
I'ma let the world see, other boos can't relate
Let you walk in front, make the other dudes hate
When I put it on you, you throw it right back (ha ha)
Who else you know gon' poke it like that?
And ma I'm gon' show you like that, you be hollerin'
"La la-la la, la la la la" - oh yeah, look
Private party, it's just me, you
And the new envy of ours, we won't be sorry
Scoop it, we can do the all from Harley(?)
Why'all ask me hardly nah, I'm up to par
[Chorus:]
Look forget my miss, no let's remind miss
And I never let a clown disrespect my miss
I need dat in my life, a G might cry
But you the only one that ever get to see that side
Look, my lady fresh, we ain't gotta rush
We can take baby steps, that may be the best
Hate to repeat myself, I know I already told you
But mom's sayin' what's good I'm tryin' to know you
If you been for lookin' for the right one, well here he is
Ready to take things a little mo' serious
Ain't nervous no more, you heard it all before
Are you a Fifth Ave miss, but you workin' that velour?
Stop, I'm tired of trickin', I'm tired of pigeons
Need a house with acres to put my wife and kids in
Chefs are good when they gettin' right in the kitchen
Baby girl that's the life we'd be livin', understand somethin'
Baby let me be with you more, hold you more
Let me get the chance, I can show you more
Let me get to know you more, I'll be screamin' out
"La la-la la, la la la la"
If I could, wife you out, ride this out
You're the only one I wouldn't ride without
I could show you what this life's about
I be screamin' out, "Ma ma-ma ma, ma ma ma ma"
[Chorus:]
This is the type of shit right here, listen
You gotta go to the car wash on this one
Hehe, you can't ride around dirty and dusty and shit
If it just went yesterday, when you wake up
Take it to the car wash
Don't just get the exterior joint neither
We need the-the-the works, the thirty dollar joint
And we need to get the little tree to put up in the rear view
So it's smellin' nice and sexy like when they get inside
Ha ha! Ayy...
In Joe Budden's song "Ma Ma Ma," he discusses his desire to settle down with one woman and the admiration he has for her. Throughout the song, he highlights her attributes, both physically and emotionally, and expresses his desire to be with this woman. He describes the lavish lifestyle they could lead together, with references to designer clothing, luxury vehicles, and extravagant homes. Budden also touches on the idea of leaving behind his previous ways of womanizing and “tricking” on women. He expresses his desire to build a life with this woman and start a family with her.
Overall, "Ma Ma Ma" showcases Joe Budden's vulnerable side as he reflects on his past behaviors and looks towards a more positive future. He paints a vivid picture of what life could be like with the right woman by his side.
Line by Line Meaning
You want to get right, boo, headlights, blue
You are looking to get into a better place in life, you have beautiful blue eyes.
Don't no other mami give me head like you
You are the best at giving oral pleasure.
We could lamp in the five with my hand on yo' thigh
We can relax in my car with my hand on your thigh.
Don't mistake my talkin' modest
Don't misunderstand my humble words.
Still put you in the wi-ld bedroom with the walk-in closet
I can still give you luxury even if I am modest, the bedroom has a walk-in closet.
Bay, riverboats, if you want to see water
If you want to see water, we can visit the bay or take a trip on the riverboat.
Full length minks, get rid of that three-quarter
You deserve a full-length mink coat, get rid of your old three-quarter coat.
Ex-man never had you feelin' that fly
Your previous partner never made you feel this amazing.
Flat screens in the room with the ceiling that high
The bedroom has flat screen TVs and a high ceiling.
When them other cats call you, you can turn your phone off
When other people call you, you can ignore them and turn your phone off.
New school your neck, take that herringbone off
You need a new necklace, take that old herringbone off.
Stretch 'Vee playin' Manhattan
We are driving in a stretch limo listening to music in Manhattan.
System old school, play 'em and had 'em
I am playing old-school music and everyone is having fun.
Turn this off for a minute
Pause the music and listen.
We can do bigger things if you widdit
We can achieve greatness if you are willing to try.
We can be me and you, I know you feel it
It can be just us together, I know you feel the connection too.
All you want, you can get it
You can have anything you desire.
You can have all my time, let's spend it
You can have all my time, let's spend it together.
The way you do your thing, I can't forget it
I am amazed by the way you do things and I can't forget it.
Got me screamin', "Ma ma-ma ma, ma ma ma ma"
You have me yelling out in excitement.
Look, I need a wife too, feed her ice, blue
I want a wife and I will spoil her with ice jewelry.
Got birds on the side, I don't treat 'em like you
I have other romantic interests, but I do not treat them as good as I treat you.
I don't let 'em play with the wheel and when the check come
I do not let them be in control and they have to pay their own bills.
Say I'm, comin' at you with lines, think they lies
You may think I am using cheesy pickup lines, but I am not lying.
When I put it on you, you throw it right back (ha ha)
When we get intimate, you show me the same level of passion in return.
Who else you know gon' poke it like that?
No one else can pleasure you quite like I can.
Private party, it's just me, you
A romantic party with just me and you privately.
And the new envy of ours, we won't be sorry
We will not regret it, as we become the envy of our peers.
We can do the all from Harley
We can take a ride on my motorcycle and enjoy everything together.
Why'all ask me hardly nah, I'm up to par
Do not doubt me, I am confident in my abilities.
Look forget my miss, no let's remind miss
Do not forget about me, let's remember why you are interested in me.
I need dat in my life, a G might cry
I need you in my life, and even a gangsta might cry over it.
But you the only one that ever get to see that side
You are the only one who can see the softer, emotional side of me.
We can take baby steps, that may be the best
We can take things slow and that is the best approach.
I know I already told you
I am aware that I have already mentioned this.
But mom's sayin' what's good I'm tryin' to know you
My mother wants to know more about you and I am trying to get to know you better too.
If you been for lookin' for the right one, well here he is
If you have been searching for the right partner, I am the one you need.
Ready to take things a little mo' serious
I am prepared to take our relationship to the next level.
Ain't nervous no more, you heard it all before
I am no longer nervous, and you may have heard this before.
Are you a Fifth Ave miss, but you workin' that velour?
Do you come from a wealthy background, but choose to wear comfortable, velour clothing?
Stop, I'm tired of trickin', I'm tired of pigeons
I am done wasting money and time on meaningless relationships.
Need a house with acres to put my wife and kids in
I want to provide a large home and space for my future family.
Chefs are good when they gettin' right in the kitchen
Chefs cook better when they are in a good mood in the kitchen.
Baby girl that's the life we'd be livin', understand somethin'
This is the type of life we can live together, please understand that.
Let me get the chance, I can show you more
Give me the opportunity and I can show you even more.
Let me get to know you more, I'll be screamin' out
I want to learn more about you and I will be excited to do so.
"La la-la la, la la la la"
I will be shouting out in excitement once again.
If I could, wife you out, ride this out
If possible, I would marry you and ride out life together.
You're the only one I wouldn't ride without
I would not want to go through life without you by my side.
I be screamin' out, "Ma ma-ma ma, ma ma ma ma"
You will have me yelling out in excitement once more.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: TUPAC AMARU SHAKUR, RUFUS LEE COOPER, KATARI T. COX, JOSEPH PAQUETTE, YAFEU FULA, BRUCE WASHINGTON, JOSEPH E. KULESZYNSKI, TYRONE J. WRICE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Black Magic
This is the only tune you need to be playing on those summer nights with your girl or a intimate group of friends who definitely appreciate music 👂🏾🔥💯
Matt
Still a banger in 2021, Joey always brings the tunes!! how its only got 14k views is beyond me...
Black Magic
This tune is so underrated trust me!💯❤️
Black Magic
This tune will always be one of my favourite tunes people seem to forget when JOE was a Beast
Real 1z
This record beyond underrated ! A classic record right here.. 💯
James Turner
To think this was suppose to be Joe Budden's second single after Pump It Up. But they went with Fire with Busta Rhymes. Which should have been this third single. This single would have brought more appeal to the album which is an underrated. Hail Joey the Great!
Nick Lee
I had the album. How come they never released as a single.
Nolan Lee
I agree. His career would’ve been bigger
WingzOnaPlane
💯💥
Marvin Brown
People definitely slept on this tune and possibly the whole album (Shout out to 112 get your flowers 💯