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.
Old School Mouse
Joe Budden Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Abstract, they cut him from a different type of clothe
Jers say that mouths want a different type of soft
Only started when I was lookin at different type of lofts
Told em, I'm a don, show me somethin with a pool next
I need four bathrooms, it ain't gotta be a duplex
White tee, boots yes, see 'em in a suit next
Or somethin European shirt lookin like a two X
Or in Cancun breakin a back on a brunette
Gimmicks down pat like they rehearse that much
I don't response to a sublime, it ain't hurt that much
Yea I scream out Jers that much
Cause these other dudes fightin for New York like it's worth that much
And these sitcom niggaz caress and hold bitches
To them they 'golden girls', to me, they old bitches
Chicks lookin at G-Ucons lookin to cheat you
Owe a nigga money, you know he lookin to see you!
Niggaz lookin to beat you
Fiend treat the hood like its Saw part two, cause they just lookin for needles
I wake up grateful that I'm breathin first
Cause dudes'll kill you, they don't need a reason first!
These niggaz'll still hit em
They know the hood is too poor to hire CSI, and Gil Grissom
Nowadays, gotta keep a blue steel wit em
I know about snakes, cause I used to deal wit em
Used to give my heart, used to rob, steal, wit em
Let 'em meet mom, share my last meal wit em
To rap now, you ain't gotta have skill wit em
Just appeal...witta lil bit a' rhythm
A dude has that and ready to attack y'all
You gotta kiss ass or else you get blackballed
If you don't like niggaz, still give 'em dap y'all
I swear to God this hip hop shit is a trap y'all
I don't even remember how I used to act y'all
Something wrong wit the math, I know I can add y'all
I came out screamin Desert Storm everyday
And soon as I stop, he don't wanna play
Stacks sayin what you did for Clue, shit I just laced it
I didn't even know that dude was doin his tape, shiiiitt
He don't want the fame no more, its fuckin wit me
Don't hear Reasonable Doubt the same more
I can't listen to Blueprint (Naaw!)
Got a resentment toward Hov, tryin to hate on em, throwin in my two cent
They say don't bite the hand that feeds you
Even if I wanted to, I can't, no teeth to
Don't get me wrong, I still got love for Clue and Hov
But they both rich, so what that gotta do wit Joe?!
I gotta bring home food for Joe...Trey that is...
Like, fuck why I say that shit?!
See, girl why you take that shit, but it's just how I feel, so naw, don't erase
that shit
Child supports a bitch, but I take care of mine
But the Lord just say I ain't there for mine
And the judge I look at (what about?)
Don't wanna hear, nor do he understand that things got pushed back
I'm sittin here with all this anger, stop me
He's like what about this thing called a Gangsta Party?
Must think I live life like it's a Gangsta Party!
I'm 10 seconds away from a gangsta robbery, nigga!!
No four leaf clover, I can't luck up
Feel like removin the seeds and gettin fucked up
Feelin quick temper, somebody bound to get fucked up
I feel like everyone around me's a fuck up
Ratchet on me, I'm screamin out What What
Bout to live life like my last buck's up
I ain't got time to run around stuck up
Not when I just seen a group of niggaz gettin stuck up
So you damn right, I'm on my grind
Look like some shit is on my mind niggaz
Need to talk, but nobody to turn to
So I go to horoscopes in the Jersey Journal
It's always somethin bad, I don't know why I read it
Then I play it off, its fake, I don't believe it!
Smoking like two packs a day
Still got about five cartridges stashed away
And that's just were I'm at today
I'll be in a better place if I just pass away (Sike!)
Just hop in the casket and lay
That's old school mouse, move on, put the past away
In Joe Budden's song "Old School Mouse", he begins by describing himself as a different type of boss. Someone who is abstract and cut from a different type of cloth. The lyricist shares his dreams of owning a house with a pool, four bathrooms, and boots. He references Cancun and makes a sexual reference to a brunette. He then talks about his view on those in the music business who are just looking for fame, and highlights how people who live in poverty sometimes turn to drugs.
Joe Budden shares his past, where he was friends with people who he gave his heart, shared his last meal with and stole with, but also knew people who would easily kill someone. The song takes on a more introspective tone where he raps about his struggles with anger, looking for someone to turn to and horoscopes. He talks candidly about his smoking habit and how he still has cartridges stashed away. The song closes with a reference to his old nickname "Old School Mouse" and a desire to move on from his past.
Line by Line Meaning
You now listenin to a different type of boss
Joe Budden believes himself to be a unique and special boss compared to others.
Abstract, they cut him from a different type of clothe
Joe Budden has been created differently from others and stands out from the rest.
Jers say that mouths want a different type of soft
New Jersey says that people want a softer kind of rap music than Joe Budden provides.
Only started when I was lookin at different type of lofts
Joe Budden's career began when he was looking at lofts to live in.
Told em, I'm a don, show me somethin with a pool next
Joe Budden demands luxury in his life, such as a pool.
I need four bathrooms, it ain't gotta be a duplex
Joe Budden wants a luxurious life and wants four bathrooms.
White tee, boots yes, see 'em in a suit next
Joe Budden is comfortable in regular clothing and is ready to dress up in a suit.
Or somethin European shirt lookin like a two X
Joe Budden is comfortable in unique and fashionable European clothing.
Runnin for the ball like I'm Plaxico Burress
Joe Budden is focused on winning like Plaxico Burress running towards the ball.
Or in Cancun breakin a back on a brunette
Joe Budden is on vacation in Cancun and is unlikely to let a good opportunity with a brunette go to waste.
Gimmicks down pat like they rehearse that much
Other artists have a lot of rehearsed gimmicks.
I don't response to a sublime, it ain't hurt that much
Joe Budden does not respond to criticism from lower-level rappers because it does not bother him.
Yea I scream out Jers that much
Joe Budden shows his love for New Jersey by frequently shouting it out.
Cause these other dudes fightin for New York like it's worth that much
Rappers from New York fight for the state, but Joe Budden feels that they are fighting too hard.
And these sitcom niggaz caress and hold bitches
Some rappers pretend to care about women but only use them for their benefit.
To them they 'golden girls', to me, they old bitches
Joe Budden thinks women that rappers hold onto are old and have lost their value.
Chicks lookin at G-Ucons lookin to cheat you
Women look at men with Gucci shoes and try to cheat them.
Owe a nigga money, you know he lookin to see you!
If someone owes Joe Budden money, he will make sure to track them down.
Niggaz lookin to beat you
Joe Budden thinks that others are looking for a fight.
Fiend treat the hood like its Saw part two, cause they just lookin for needles
Drug addicts treat the hood like a scene from 'Saw' and search for needles.
I wake up grateful that I'm breathin first
Joe Budden is thankful to be alive every morning.
Cause dudes'll kill you, they don't need a reason first!
Joe Budden thinks that someone may kill him for no reason.
These niggaz'll still hit em
Other people may still try to harm Joe Budden.
They know the hood is too poor to hire CSI, and Gil Grissom
People in the hood can get away with crimes because the police cannot afford to adequately investigate them.
Nowadays, gotta keep a blue steel wit em
Joe Budden feels the need to carry a gun for protection.
I know about snakes, cause I used to deal wit em
Joe Budden has experience dealing with deceitful people.
Used to give my heart, used to rob, steal, wit em
Joe Budden used to be involved with people that he trusted but later turned on him.
Let 'em meet mom, share my last meal wit em
Joe Budden used to be close with people in his life.
To rap now, you ain't gotta have skill wit em
Rap these days does not require skill, just a certain appeal.
Just appeal...witta lil bit a' rhythm
Rappers only need to have a small amount of rhythm to be successful.
A dude has that and ready to attack y'all
Someone with a little bit of rhythm can still attack the rap game.
You gotta kiss ass or else you get blackballed
In the hip hop industry, one must obey those in power or else risk being blackballed.
If you don't like niggaz, still give 'em dap y'all
Even if you don't like someone, you should still give them respect for their accomplishments.
I swear to God this hip hop shit is a trap y'all
Joe Budden thinks that the hip hop industry can trap you in its cycle.
I don't even remember how I used to act y'all
Joe Budden has changed so much that he can barely remember his old self.
Something wrong wit the math, I know I can add y'all
Joe Budden knows that something is not adding up in his life.
I came out screamin Desert Storm everyday
Joe Budden was once associated with Desert Storm Records.
And soon as I stop, he don't wanna play
Once Joe Budden stopped associating with Desert Storm Records, they no longer wanted to work with him.
Stacks sayin what you did for Clue, shit I just laced it
Stacks says Joe Budden did nothing for DJ Clue's album except create a mixtape verse.
I didn't even know that dude was doin his tape, shiiiitt
Joe Budden was not even aware that DJ Clue was creating an album.
He don't want the fame no more, its fuckin wit me
Staying a famous rapper is not worth it to Joe Budden.
Don't hear Reasonable Doubt the same more
Joe Budden does not listen to Jay-Z's 'Reasonable Doubt' in the same way anymore.
I can't listen to Blueprint (Naaw!)
Joe Budden cannot listen to Jay-Z's 'Blueprint' either.
Got a resentment toward Hov, tryin to hate on em, throwin in my two cent
Joe Budden has built up resentment towards Jay-Z and feels like throwing in his opinion.
They say don't bite the hand that feeds you
People say that you should not turn on those that have helped you.
Even if I wanted to, I can't, no teeth to
Joe Budden cannot bite the hand that feeds him, because he does not have the capacity to do so.
Don't get me wrong, I still got love for Clue and Hov
Joe Budden still has respect for DJ Clue and Jay-Z, despite his negative feelings.
But they both rich, so what that gotta do wit Joe?!
DJ Clue and Jay-Z are both wealthy, but Joe Budden is not.
I gotta bring home food for Joe...Trey that is...
Joe Budden needs to make money to support himself and his nephew Trey.
Like, fuck why I say that shit?!
Joe Budden questions why he said that out loud.
See, girl why you take that shit, but it's just how I feel, so naw, don't erase that shit
Joe Budden tells a girl that even though she may not like what he says, it is how he truly feels and should not be taken back.
Child supports a bitch, but I take care of mine
Joe Budden thinks that child support is a burden, but he still takes care of his child.
But the Lord just say I ain't there for mine
Joe Budden thinks that God may not agree with how he takes care of his child.
And the judge I look at (what about?)
Joe Budden is referring to a judge in regards to his custody/child support case.
Don't wanna hear, nor do he understand that things got pushed back
The judge doesn't want to hear why Joe Budden has been delayed in paying his child support.
I'm sittin here with all this anger, stop me
Joe Budden is overwhelmed with anger and doesn't know how to handle it.
He's like what about this thing called a Gangsta Party?
An inner voice suggests that Joe Budden attend a Gangsta Party.
Must think I live life like it's a Gangsta Party!
Joe Budden thinks that the voice in his head believes bad behavior and a 'gangster' lifestyle is acceptable.
I'm 10 seconds away from a gangsta robbery, nigga!!
Joe Budden is close to committing robbery himself.
No four leaf clover, I can't luck up
Joe Budden feels unlucky.
Feel like removin the seeds and gettin fucked up
Joe Budden feels like getting high.
Feelin quick temper, somebody bound to get fucked up
Joe Budden is feeling irritable and is likely to lash out at someone.
I feel like everyone around me's a fuck up
Joe Budden doesn't believe anyone around him is competent.
Ratchet on me, I'm screamin out What What
Joe Budden is carrying a gun and is ready for action.
Bout to live life like my last buck's up
Joe Budden is going to live like it is his last day alive.
I ain't got time to run around stuck up
Joe Budden cannot afford to act arrogant.
Not when I just seen a group of niggaz gettin stuck up
Joe Budden just witnessed someone being robbed and cannot afford to put himself in danger.
So you damn right, I'm on my grind
Joe Budden is working hard to improve his life.
Look like some shit is on my mind niggaz
Joe Budden looks like he is deep in thought.
Need to talk, but nobody to turn to
Joe Budden feels like he has nobody to confide in.
So I go to horoscopes in the Jersey Journal
Joe Budden reads horoscopes in the local newspaper.
It's always somethin bad, I don't know why I read it
Joe Budden thinks that the horoscopes are always negative but continues to read them anyway.
Then I play it off, its fake, I don't believe it!
Joe Budden pretends that the horoscopes are fake, but deep down, he knows that he takes them seriously.
Smoking like two packs a day
Joe Budden is a heavy smoker and smokes two packs of cigarettes per day.
Still got about five cartridges stashed away
Joe Budden has five vape cartridges hidden away.
And that's just were I'm at today
Joe Budden is explaining where he is currently in regards to his smoking habit.
I'll be in a better place if I just pass away (Sike!)
Joe Budden makes a dark joke that he would be in a better place if he died, but does not mean it seriously.
Just hop in the casket and lay
Joe Budden would like to be buried after his death.
That's old school mouse, move on, put the past away
Joe Budden refers to himself as an 'old school mouse' and wants to move on from his past.
Contributed by Dylan P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.