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.
NBA
Joe Budden Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Keep a bad bitch in my team, I should join the league
NBA, never broke again, never going broke again
NBA, never broke again, never going broke again
'Cause bitch I'm ballin', bitch I'm ballin
I fuck her once, don't call her
My niggas gettin' that green, we in a different league
NBA, never broke again, never going broke again
Got so much money I got racks on racks on racks on racks on racks
Bitch so much money my shit stacks on stacks on stacks on stacks on stacks
You see me smokin' and you know I got that pack, I got that sack
I got that O, I hit the club I lose control
I smoke that loud, I know the grower
Ball like the owner
Hit this gin make things move slower
I'm never sober
Roll some weed our eyes gets lower
I'm in my old school
Ride it sound just like a newer motor
They're wondering how I get these mills and still live like a stoner
No other way, I get a 100k from each promoter
Or more than that, hold up
Money long it don't fold up
Let me get some gin pour up
Got some bomb weed roll up
Niggas got their gang thrown' up
These niggas got their game, they got it from us
I'm with my gang and my niggas go nuts
You talkin' money, best believe I show up
And all the real niggas know us
Bitch I'm ballin', bitch I'm ballin', racked up, no wallet
Keep a bad bitch in my team, I should join the league
NBA, never broke again, never going broke again
NBA, never broke again, never going broke again
'Cause bitch I'm ballin', bitch I'm ballin
I fuck her once, don't call her
My niggas gettin' that green, we in a different league
NBA, never broke again, never going broke again
NBA, never broke again, never going broke again
Talkin' money but walkin' funny
Is it any reason why y'all starvin'
I smell bull and by smelling force
Do I really need to beg your pardon?
My jersey say James I don't play games
Like 'Bron when he in that Garden
Now wait, I said that all wrong
She don't need to rock when I put my hard in
My new nickname is just watch
Might not join might just watch
New yacht master just a watch
Doubtin' me I tell 'em just watch
Them diamonds yellow them beams are red
And them hands tucked, they don't show
Plus them shooters with me got the green light
So why the fuck you don't think they won't go?
Hold up, your chick traded post game
And it's no shame she felt your man
She probably on Joe Johnson
'Cause I don't never be on that Elton Brand
It's YSL, she's fly as hell
Tell the come to go to my ride
You can't blame hoes ain't Peter Rose
Now she a thorn in my side, grow up
P-R-P-S is over my Timbs
Way shorty blew me out, it was only right I showed her my bench
Let my mans hit, when the fan hit
We spendin' all these bills on liquor
Figured Jersey love his teams
But still we got the realest niggas, Joey.
Bitch I'm ballin', bitch I'm ballin', racked up, no wallet
Keep a bad bitch in my team, I should join the league
NBA, never broke again, never going broke again
NBA, never broke again, never going broke again
'Cause bitch I'm ballin', bitch I'm ballin
I fuck her once, don't call her
My niggas gettin' that green, we in a different league
NBA, never broke again, never going broke again
NBA, never broke again, never going broke again
Keep a bad bitch on my team
Got 'bout 5 ounce of that lean
My chain blue-ray on that screen
I spent two days countin' that cream
Got bout five acres on my doorway
Your main bitch is my throw away
Got bout eight whips they brainless
My main bitch like shorty
Got my top down her hair out
Isolation and she clear out
Fast break my bread straight
One hand shake and I bail out
Hit streets corner bitches callin' tell 'em bring a friend
Derrick Rose ballin bitch never goin' broke again
Deuces fade on my shades
Clear ice they skate
LeBron James on that break
Real estate with that lake
Shootin' from half court got you by a long shot
Montana, that nigga from the Bronx block
Bitch I'm ballin', bitch I'm ballin', racked up, no wallet
Keep a bad bitch in my team, I should join the league
NBA, never broke again, never going broke again
NBA, never broke again, never going broke again
'Cause bitch I'm ballin', bitch I'm ballin
I fuck her once, don't call her
My niggas gettin' that green, we in a different league
NBA, never broke again, never going broke again
NBA, never broke again, never going broke again
The song "NBA" by Joe Budden is an anthem for his life of success and wealth after struggling through poverty. The hook "Bitch I'm ballin', bitch I'm ballin', racked up, no wallet; Keep a bad bitch in my team, I should join the league" showcases his confident attitude and how he has leveled up in life. Budden references the NBA numerous times in the lyrics, emphasizing that he is "never going broke again." He has fully embraced his wealth, smoking and drinking excessively without holding back.
Throughout the song, Budden points out that he and his team are in a different league than those struggling financially. The line "Talkin' money but walkin' funny, Is it any reason why y'all starvin'" implies that those who don't have money don't understand how things work in the world of success. Budden also references famous NBA players like LeBron James and Derrick Rose, using them to illustrate how he has surpassed even their level of success.
In short, "NBA" is a song celebrating Joe Budden's wealth and success after years of hardship. He confidently declares that he is never going back to being broke, and fully embracing his lifestyle of excess.
Line by Line Meaning
Bitch I'm ballin', bitch I'm ballin', racked up, no wallet
I am doing well financially and don't need a wallet to carry my money around.
Keep a bad bitch in my team, I should join the league
I have attractive women around me and should become a professional athlete.
NBA, never broke again, never going broke again
The NBA has made it so I won't go broke again.
'Cause bitch I'm ballin', bitch I'm ballin
I am very successful financially.
I fuck her once, don't call her
I do not engage in any emotional relationships with the women I sleep with.
My niggas gettin' that green, we in a different league
My friends and I are wealthy and successful and stand out compared to others.
Got so much money I got racks on racks on racks on racks on racks
I have so much money that it can be seen physically in the amount of money stacks I possess.
Bitch so much money my shit stacks on stacks on stacks on stacks on stacks
I have a lot of money, and it can be seen in the stacks of money I have.
You see me smokin' and you know I got that pack, I got that sack
I am smoking marijuana, and I have more of it.
I got that O, I hit the club I lose control
I have a lot of marijuana, and after consuming it, I lose my sense of control.
I smoke that loud, I know the grower
I smoke potent marijuana, and I know where it comes from.
Ball like the owner
I am playing basketball as if I myself own the team.
Hit this gin make things move slower
After drinking gin, everything seems to slow down.
I'm never sober
I am always under the influence of substances.
Roll some weed our eyes gets lower
When we smoke marijuana, our eyes become bloodshot, and we feel relaxed.
I'm in my old school
I am driving an older model car.
Ride it sound just like a newer motor
Even though my car is outdated, it still sounds good and can hold its own among newer cars.
They're wondering how I get these mills and still live like a stoner
People are curious about how I can be so wealthy and still live a carefree and laid-back lifestyle.
No other way, I get a 100k from each promoter
I make a lot of money from each promoter, no other means.
Or more than that, hold up
Expect more than that amount, give it a minute.
Money long it don't fold up
I have a lot of money that will never run out.
Let me get some gin pour up
Please hand me the bottle of gin so I can have a drink.
Got some bomb weed roll up
I have high-quality marijuana, so we should roll a joint with it.
Niggas got their gang thrown' up
My friends are showing their gang signs.
These niggas got their game, they got it from us
These other people learned their game from my friends and me.
I'm with my gang and my niggas go nuts
When I am hanging out with my friends, we have a good time.
You talkin' money, best believe I show up
If you are discussing money, I will likely be present as it is a topic I'm interested in.
And all the real niggas know us
The people I associate with know me well.
Talkin' money but walkin' funny
People talk about having money but aren't actually successful financially and struggle to make ends meet.
Is it any reason why y'all starvin'
Is there any surprise that you are struggling financially when you pretend to have wealth?
I smell bull and by smelling force
I can sense and know that someone is lying.
Do I really need to beg your pardon?
Do I need to apologize for pointing out that someone is not truthful?
My jersey say James I don't play games
My sports jersey has the name James on it, and I take things seriously.
Like 'Bron when he in that Garden
I am similar to LeBron when he is playing in Madison Square Garden, with a serious focus in a big moment.
Now wait, I said that all wrong
I misspoke, and my previous comment did not reflect my true intention.
She don't need to rock when I put my hard in
There is no need for a condom when we have sex.
My new nickname is just watch
I am calling myself Just Watch as a nickname, indicating that people should monitor my success and growth.
Might not join might just watch
I might not participate, but I will be monitoring everything closely.
New yacht master just a watch
I have a new yacht, but I don't feel like using it yet, so I will keep an eye on it.
Doubtin' me I tell 'em just watch
When people don't believe in me, I tell them just to watch and see what I will achieve.
Them diamonds yellow them beams are red
My diamond jewels are yellow, and the lasers from my guns are red.
And them hands tucked, they don't show
I have guns with me that are not visible.
Plus them shooters with me got the green light
I have armed people with me who are prepared and authorized to take out any threats.
So why the fuck you don't think they won't go?
Don't doubt my shooters and their willingness to act.
Hold up, your chick traded post game
Your girlfriend had sex with someone else after a basketball game.
And it's no shame she felt your man
It isn't shameful that she slept with another man when she has a partner already.
She probably on Joe Johnson
She is likely having an affair with basketball player Joe Johnson.
'Cause I don't never be on that Elton Brand
I am not like Elton Brand, who is known for cheating on his partner.
It's YSL, she's fly as hell
It's Yves Saint Laurent, and the woman is very attractive.
Tell the come to go to my ride
Tell her to come outside and get into my car.
You can't blame hoes ain't Peter Rose
You can't blame women for wanting to have sex with me because I am wealthy, similar to how women were attracted to baseball player Pete Rose when he was successful and making a lot of money.
Now she a thorn in my side, grow up
Now she is causing problems for me and needs to mature and move on.
P-R-P-S is over my Timbs
I am wearing boots with a brand called PRPS wrapped around them.
Way shorty blew me out, it was only right I showed her my bench
The young girl gave me a blow job, so it was only fair that I showed her my car's back seat where the act took place.
Let my mans hit, when the fan hit
When the gunfire starts, my friends can also participate in firing their guns.
We spendin' all these bills on liquor
We are going through a lot of money buying alcohol, and it's expensive.
Figured Jersey love his teams
I thought people from New Jersey were loyal to their sports teams.
But still we got the realest niggas, Joey.
Even though we live in a state with many sports teams, we have loyal and genuine friends.
Keep a bad bitch on my team
I have a very attractive girlfriend who is with me often.
Got 'bout 5 ounce of that lean
I have approximately five ounces of codeine syrup which is mixed with soda and other liquids.
My chain blue-ray on that screen
My chain is fantastic and can be seen reflected on screens.
I spent two days countin' that cream
I took two days to count all the money that I earned.
Got bout five acres on my doorway
I have a front yard that is approximately five acres in size.
Your main bitch is my throw away
Your girlfriend doesn't mean anything to me, and I am not interested in her.
Got bout eight whips they brainless
I own around eight cars, but they aren't special or anything to brag about.
My main bitch like shorty
My girlfriend is very attractive just like the girl I referred to earlier.
Got my top down her hair out
I have a convertible, and her hair is blowing in the wind.
Isolation and she clear out
I am playing basketball one-on-one with someone, and she has moved to the sidelines.
Fast break my bread straight
I am using my money to create fast breaks in basketball, or find ways of earning more money quickly.
One hand shake and I bail out
I made a deal that got me a lot of money and then left quickly.
Hit streets corner bitches callin' tell 'em bring a friend
When I go to hang out on a street corner, attractive women contact their friends so they can join us.
Derrick Rose ballin bitch never goin' broke again
Derrick Rose is playing well and will never struggle financially again.
Deuces fade on my shades
My sunglasses have a gradient effect, with the color becoming lighter from top to bottom.
Clear ice they skate
The diamonds on my jewelry are clear and bright, sparkling like ice.
LeBron James on that break
I am running quickly and expertly, similar to NBA player LeBron James on a fast break.
Real estate with that lake
I own property that has a nearby lake.
Shootin' from half court got you by a long shot
In basketball, I can make shots from great distances easily.
Montana, that nigga from the Bronx block
My nickname is Montana, and I am from the Bronx block.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOSEPH ANTHONY BUDDEN, MARCEL DION PRIMOUS, MATTHEW JEHU SAMUELS, ANDERSON HERNANDEZ, KARIM KHARBOUCH, CAMERON JIBRIL THOMAZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind