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.
On My Grind
Joe Budden Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Uh...
Can't even really be rap.
You can't even really act like you gotta' get it in wit'out a... uh.
(Wait a minute!) Cocksuckers (oh ye'), pause.
(Mic check 1, 2, 1, 2 [x4]) It's ya man, Joey!
Reportin' live from the slums (wait a minute!)
Reportin' live from the belly of the beast (wait a minute!)
Or maybe not so near you.
[Verse 1: Joe Budden]
L-Look, look...
First off, I'm not competin', I'm more like stampeding
I'm more like steamrollin' (or...)
More like puttin' my foot on the neck of the game until I see it chokin'
I hol' on for dear life, (I mean uh...) the flow is air tight an' the bars are bar none
Regarded as the one, fuck music, it's a art ta' son, let's rewind.
See, I was born in the projects, left for a new hood
Jetted ta' a new state, lookin' for a new pace.
Diamond in the rough, I stood out amongst the food cache
Swear a friend a mine headlined every news page (jhea').
Wit' dreams of bein' wealthy
You now checkin' out the new Jersey version of Peter Petrelli.
But wait! Wit' a lil' Travis Barker on the side
'Cause when it all falls down I normally survive.
I'm try'nna see a new tax bracket
So I'll never have ta' grab matics
I ain't concerned wit' no rap racket.
So y'all could take my name through the mud an' drag it
Spread it ta' the masses, (I'mma) I still play it passive.
I got no choice but' walk around wit' the lead on me
Life is way too short, too many dead homies.
(Or...) plus, wit' all the money I invest
Everyday a nigga die for less!
(So...) so, if a nigga wann' go ta' war, wave hi ta' Death
I mean He lives right next ta' me, so He ain't a threat ta' me
[Hook]
He's a beast, he's a monster, he is insane!
He's an animal, he cannot be tamed!
What rapper you know'll straight feast on a lame
An' rock on a track, beast on the game!
(Damn right I'm on my grind,
Look like some shit is on my mind. [x2])
Yeeeeeah!
[Verse 2: Joe Budden]
L-Look, look...
I'm still livin' life in the fast lane (oh!)
Still plottin' on my big money scheme like he Wesley an' Woody thinkin' how ta' rob a cash train.
Shittin' on ho's that'll act fain
'Till the whole World know his last (wait a minute!)
Still spit like it ain't no ta'morra'
It ain't over y'all, underrated so I overcharge.
Ol' Dodge, radio off, fuck a station
Get ta' know me through the music not a publication (naw).
It's no justification, (but a...) mean enough wit' the waitin'
(I mean I...) I lost all my just an' my patience.
That came wit'out the crown or the chair or the robe
Nigga, I don't care what'chu sow (wait a minute!)
They let the beast outta' the cage, look at the hunger
Got'chur self inta' some shit, look at the plunger.
I'm talkin' 'cause I'm livin' it, entrepreneur Steve Rifkind shit
Though a few haters wann' Kinder it.
I'm comin' wit' some different shit
An' these offices all about my paper, that's that ?? shit.
Rapper on 'roids, sick wit' the thoughts (but...)
But managed ta' keep my name out the mention report.
See I'mma inspiration for a whole generation
Even when I'm gone, but my message is indication.
Then you too can attain the unattainable
(But...) fuck try'nna explain the unexplainable!
[Hook]
He's a beast, he's a monster, he is insane!
He's an animal, he cannot be tamed!
What rapper you know'll straight feast on a lame
An' rock on a track, beast on the game!
(Damn right I'm on my grind,
Look like some shit is on my mind. [x2])
Yeeeeeah!
In Joe Budden's song "On My Grind," he delivers a powerful message about his unwavering dedication to pushing himself to the limit and succeeding in the music industry with his unique style. In the opening lines, he emphasizes his seriousness by declaring that one cannot "even really act like [they] gotta get it in without a" strong work ethic. He then goes on to describe his upbringing in a tough neighborhood and his rise to success despite the odds stacked against him. He talks about the pressure to become wealthy, the importance of investments, and the dangers that come with success. Throughout the song, he refers to himself as a "beast" and a "monster," emphasizing his unstoppable drive.
Furthermore, Budden's lyrical style is characterized by strong rhymes and powerful imagery, which he uses to assert himself in the rap community. He is confident and fearless in his approach, not hesitating to call out those who would challenge him. The hook of the song emphasizes his unbridled spirit, as he declares himself a "beast" and "monster" who cannot be tamed. Throughout the song, he repeats the refrain "Damn right I'm on my grind, look like some shit is on my mind," conveying his intensity and focus.
Overall, "On My Grind" is a testament to the perseverance and courage it takes to achieve great things in the music industry. Joe Budden's lyrics reflect a deep understanding of the struggles faced by those from impoverished backgrounds trying to make their way in the world, as well as the pressure that comes with success. By sharing his own story, he inspires listeners to push themselves to their limits and never give up on their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Can't even really be rap.
The singer suggests that what he is doing cannot be justly considered as rap music.
You can't even really act like you gotta' get it in wit'out a... uh.
The singer believes that one cannot succeed in the industry without intense and dedicated hard work.
(Wait a minute!) Cocksuckers (oh ye'), pause.
The singer interjects to demand a moment of silence to address those who would disrespect him or what he represents.
(Mic check 1, 2, 1, 2 [x4]) It's ya man, Joey!
The artist introduces himself over the microphone, checking to make sure it's working properly.
Reportin' live from the slums (wait a minute!)
The artist is currently in a poor and underprivileged area.
Reportin' live from the belly of the beast (wait a minute!)
The singer is currently deep within the most difficult and competitive part of the industry.
Reportin' live from a hood near you (it's... it's...)
The singer is reporting from a neighborhood that is close to the listener's current location.
Or maybe not so near you.
The artist acknowledges that he may not be physically close to the listener.
First off, I'm not competin', I'm more like stampeding
The artist is not just participating in the music industry, he is dominating it aggressively.
I'm more like steamrollin' (or...)
The artist is moving forward with force and without any hindrance from others.
More like puttin' my foot on the neck of the game until I see it chokin'
The singer is exerting complete control over the industry and won't ease up until he sees it faltering.
I hol' on for dear life, (I mean uh...) the flow is air tight an' the bars are bar none
The artist is holding on to his career with all his strength, and his flow and lyrics are of high quality and unmatched by anyone else.
Regarded as the one, fuck music, it's a art ta' son, let's rewind.
The singer is recognized as the best in the industry, and asserts that music is an art form that should be appreciated.
Swear a friend a mine headlined every news page (jhea').
The singer is proud of his friend who made headlines for their achievements in the industry.
Wit' dreams of bein' wealthy
The singer is motivated to achieve wealth and success through his music.
So y'all could take my name through the mud an' drag it
The artist says that people can try and defame him, but it won't affect him because he won't stoop to their level.
Spread it ta' the masses, (I'mma) I still play it passive.
The artist won't actively try to counteract negative rumors about him, preferring to let them die out naturally.
I got no choice but' walk around wit' the lead on me
The singer feels he must carry a gun with him for protection.
Life is way too short, too many dead homies.
The singer laments the fact that many of his close friends have died early.
So y'all could take my name through the mud an' drag it
The artist says that people can try and defame him, but it won't affect him because he won't stoop to their level.
Everyday a nigga die for less!
The artist highlights the reality that lives are lost every day for trivial reasons.
So, if a nigga wann' go ta' war, wave hi ta' Death
The artist challenges anyone who wants to come after him to be prepared for the consequences, as they may result in death.
I mean He lives right next ta' me, so He ain't a threat ta' me
The singer feels protected by a higher power and thus is not afraid of death.
He's a beast, he's a monster, he is insane!
The artist refers to himself in a hyperbolic manner to emphasize his dominance and impact in the industry.
He's an animal, he cannot be tamed!
The singer cannot be controlled or constrained by anyone or anything.
What rapper you know'll straight feast on a lame
The singer boasts that he is able to take down any inferior competition with ease.
An' rock on a track, beast on the game!
The singer excels in making great music while also thriving on the competitiveness of the industry.
Look like some shit is on my mind. [x2]
The artist appears deep in thought, potentially troubled or preoccupied with something.
I'm still livin' life in the fast lane (oh!)
The artist continues to live an exciting, fast-paced life in the music industry.
Still plottin' on my big money scheme like he Wesley an' Woody thinkin' how ta' rob a cash train.
The singer is constantly working on new ways to earn money, similar to characters in the movie 'White Men Can't Jump' who scheme to rob a train.
Shittin' on ho's that'll act fain
The singer dismisses women who are fake or disingenuous.
Still spit like it ain't no ta'morra'
The artist continues to rap as though he has an unlimited amount of time, seizing every opportunity to showcase his talent.
It ain't over y'all, underrated so I overcharge.
Despite being underrated, the artist is determined to show that he is worth more than he is given credit for.
Get ta' know me through the music not a publication (naw).
The artist wants fans to appreciate his music instead of his personal life, which is often covered by tabloids.
I mean I... I lost all my just an' my patience.
The singer admits to feeling frustrated and impatient with certain aspects of his life and career.
Nigga, I don't care what'chu sow (wait a minute!)
The artist doesn't care about how much effort others put into their success, only focusing on his own journey.
Then you too can attain the unattainable
The singer believes that anyone can achieve success, no matter how unlikely it seems.
Fuck try'nna explain the unexplainable!
The singer feels that some things in life, such as his own success, are not easily explained and are better left unanalyzed.
Contributed by Audrey W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.