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.
Top Of The World
Joe Budden Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Won't see a man get thirsty 'cause I'm known to keep a bitch or two
Probably both be bisexual, I tell 'em chill and kick it boo
And never get uncomfortable these waitresses start kissing you
Y'all would call it birthday sex, I call it a ritual
If you seen it like me then I already know why y'all be miserable
You don't really want no problems, 'cause them shooters ain't hospitable
And they gon' grab them blockers while you try and keep it physical
Driveway is cobblestone, garage is like a ghost town
I ain't even touch 'em yet they feel like they've been hosed down
If you real then you gotta respect this shit, Gs up, hoes down
I'm chilling on top of the world (top of the world, top of the world)
Now you know all about me girl (about me girl, about me girl)
Tell them niggas I did it, look how I came up
Tell them niggas I'm with it, if they bring my name up
Tell them bitches I'm gone,
Don't be callin' my phone (phone) if it ain't 'bout the money baby (baby)
Hold up, let's get back to my loved ones, those of y'all that been with me
Helped me to exercise my demons, brought them to the gym with me
Probably why she text me to death like "Joe I got a friend wit' me
And I'd love to eat her out while you on top puttin' a limb in me"
Let's get back to them things I like, let's get back to that stripper pole
Let's get back to her popping that, I ain't even really gotta tip her though
It's bonjour while I'm on tour, I mean every night, different show
And if you a little too sober, just tell me your favourite liquor hoe
Wait, tell me your favourite, then lick a ho
We them dudes you wanna get to know, cameras up no pictures though
Looking for them broke niggas, don't aim at me, there ain't none
To respect my position gotta respect where a nigga came from
I'm chilling on top of the world (top of the world, top of the world)
Now you know all about me girl (about me girl, about me girl)
Tell them niggas I did it, look how I came up
Tell them niggas I'm with it, if they bring my name up
Tell them bitches I'm gone,
Don't be callin' my phone (phone) if it ain't 'bout the money baby (baby)
She know I like it when her hair curled, sun dress, little bit of make up on
Turnpike, parkway, either way won't take us long
Hit the club, 20 minutes, deuces either way I'm gone
Be a fool if I stayed there wit an ass bouncing in my favorite thong
I came from nothing like my father was a deadbeat
Wasn't for that I don't know if I'd say success is sweet
Top of the world let's let how I sustain maintain my legacy
Taking a bit of my soul but won't let it consume the rest of me
Now let's get back to this paper though, every day, same shit
Screaming RNS for life, some of y'all don't know that language
Living for you, never for them, best way to explain it is
I want the most because I had the least, that's why I'm on my game, biotch
I'm chilling on top of the world (top of the world, top of the world)
Now you know all about me girl (about me girl, about me girl)
Tell them niggas I did it, look how I came up
Tell them niggas I'm with it, if they bring my name up
Tell them bitches I'm gone,
Don't be callin' my phone (phone) if it ain't 'bout the money baby (baby)
In "Top of the World," Joe Budden reflects on his success and how it has changed his life. He boasts about his wealth, mentioning strip clubs and his collection of women. Despite his success, he acknowledges his loved ones and the people who have helped him along the way. He discusses his rise from a difficult upbringing, where his father was absent, and how he made it to the top. The song expresses a sense of pride and accomplishment, but also a determination to keep striving for success.
The lyrics in this song are quite self-explanatory, as Joe Budden describes his lifestyle, his past, and his present. He talks about his success, the perks of being rich and famous, and how he still makes time for those who matter most to him. At the same time, he acknowledges that his success has come at a price, with people constantly trying to bring him down. He talks about how he deals with it, with shooters who have his back, but also about how he refuses to let it consume him. This song is a message to those who try to bring him down that he will not be held back.
Line by Line Meaning
You can catch me in a strip club, stacked up, I don't keep 'em visible
I have a lot of money and like to visit strip clubs, but I don't show off my wealth.
Won't see a man get thirsty 'cause I'm known to keep a bitch or two
I always have girls around me, so I never have to worry about being lonely or thirsty.
Probably both be bisexual, I tell 'em chill and kick it boo
The girls I hang out with are likely bisexual, and I tell them to relax and have a good time with me.
And never get uncomfortable these waitresses start kissing you
The waitresses at the strip club are comfortable around me and even kiss me.
Y'all would call it birthday sex, I call it a ritual
I have so much sex that it's become a routine, not just something reserved for special occasions like a birthday.
If you seen it like me then I already know why y'all be miserable
If you could see the world from my perspective, you would understand why I'm so happy and successful, and why others are not.
You don't really want no problems, 'cause them shooters ain't hospitable
You don't want to get into a conflict with me, because the people I have with me are not friendly.
And they gon' grab them blockers while you try and keep it physical
If you try to fight me or my crew, we'll use weapons to defend ourselves.
Pool house or that guest house it don't matter where it goes down
I am successful and wealthy, so I can have sex in any part of my property, whether it's the pool house or the guest house.
Driveway is cobblestone, garage is like a ghost town
Even my driveway and garage are fancy and impressive, with cobblestone and few cars in the garage.
I ain't even touch 'em yet they feel like they've been hosed down
Even though I haven't had sex with these women yet, they feel satisfied and happy just being around me.
If you real then you gotta respect this shit, Gs up, hoes down
If you're truly authentic, you have to respect my lifestyle and the way I prioritize my friends over women.
Hold up, let's get back to my loved ones, those of y'all that been with me
Let's talk about my true friends and supporters, those who have been by my side throughout my journey.
Helped me to exercise my demons, brought them to the gym with me
These friends have helped me overcome my inner demons and improve myself physically and mentally.
Probably why she text me to death like "Joe I got a friend wit' me
This is likely why women are always texting me, telling me they have a friend who wants to hook up with me.
And I'd love to eat her out while you on top puttin' a limb in me"
These women want to have threesomes with me, and even want me to participate in activities like oral sex with one of her friends while having sex with her.
Let's get back to them things I like, let's get back to that stripper pole
Let's talk about the things I enjoy, like the stripper pole and the strip club scene.
Let's get back to her popping that, I ain't even really gotta tip her though
I enjoy watching women dance and perform, and often don't even need to give them a tip to enjoy the show.
It's bonjour while I'm on tour, I mean every night, different show
While touring, I experience a new and exciting show every night, feeling like I'm in a foreign country and saying "bonjour."
And if you a little too sober, just tell me your favourite liquor hoe
If you're not feeling relaxed or drunk enough, just tell me what your favourite type of alcohol is so I can buy you a drink.
Wait, tell me your favourite, then lick a ho
Actually, why don't you tell me your favourite drink, and then also perform oral sex on one of the women I'm with.
We them dudes you wanna get to know, cameras up no pictures though
My crew and I are the type of people that you want to be friends with and get to know, but we don't like to take pictures and draw attention to ourselves.
Looking for them broke niggas, don't aim at me, there ain't none
I don't associate with or care about poor people, because I am surrounded by wealth and success.
To respect my position gotta respect where a nigga came from
If you want to appreciate my success and position in life, you also have to recognize and respect the struggles and hardships that I have overcome in the past.
She know I like it when her hair curled, sun dress, little bit of make up on
I enjoy it when women dress up nicely and wear makeup, especially if they have curly hair and wear a sundress.
Turnpike, parkway, either way won't take us long
I can easily travel anywhere I want, whether it's on the turnpike or parkway, and it won't take a long time.
Hit the club, 20 minutes, deuces either way I'm gone
I can go to the club for just 20 minutes and still have a good time, and don't mind leaving afterwards.
Be a fool if I stayed there wit an ass bouncing in my favorite thong
I am wealthy and successful, and would be foolish to stay at a club with a girl wearing a thong when I can easily enjoy myself elsewhere.
I came from nothing like my father was a deadbeat
I had a difficult childhood and grew up with very little, since my father was not around and did not support me.
Wasn't for that I don't know if I'd say success is sweet
If it weren't for my difficult upbringing and struggles in life, I don't know if I would appreciate my current success and wealth.
Top of the world let's let how I sustain maintain my legacy
I am at the top of the world right now, and want to make sure that I am able to sustain and maintain my current level of success and reputation.
Taking a bit of my soul but won't let it consume the rest of me
My success and lifestyle take up a large part of my life, but I don't let it completely consume me and take away my sense of self.
Now let's get back to this paper though, every day, same shit
Let's focus on making money and the daily grind that comes with it, since that's where my true priorities lie.
Screaming RNS for life, some of y'all don't know that language
I am always representing my crew, RNS, which stands for "Real Nigga Shit," and not everyone understands or recognizes that.
Living for you, never for them, best way to explain it is
I live my life for myself and my own happiness, not for other people or their approval.
I want the most because I had the least, that's why I'm on my game, biotch
I strive for the best and the most success because I came from very little, and that's why I am always working hard and staying focused.
I'm chilling on top of the world (top of the world, top of the world)
I am enjoying my success and wealth, feeling like I am at the top of the world.
Now you know all about me girl (about me girl, about me girl)
I am sharing details about my life and my perspective, so you can understand me better.
Tell them niggas I did it, look how I came up
Let other people know that I achieved success on my own and did not rely on anyone else to get me there.
Tell them niggas I'm with it, if they bring my name up
If anyone tries to bring up my name or question my success, let them know that I am not afraid to defend myself and my reputation.
Tell them bitches I'm gone,
Let the women who are trying to reach me know that I am not interested in talking to them or spending time with them.
Don't be callin' my phone (phone) if it ain't 'bout the money baby (baby)
Only contact me if it's about business or making money, since that's where my true priorities lie.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KIRK JEREL RANDLE, JOSEPH ANTHONY BUDDEN, ANDREW JOHNSON, SALEM BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kaiyinmarcel
The energy/ flow/ direction/ lyricism Joe Budden put into this song is impeccable! He seriously went hard every verse and I will be bold to say the last verse is the hardest! He has retired but his bars are literally lyrically immortal. 🔥
@NatKyngKong420
Yeah he was tap dancing on clouds at certain times on this one...!
@kccotton6720
This track is getting slept on
@RJ-ex9on
Still a underrated hit.Still banging this.
@kccotton6720
Fav track of my lifetime just maybe
@NaturalGmail
Underrated Beat
@jeneva6054
Reppin from Santa Maria PORTUGAL.. still killin Joe BUDDON 🔥🔥🔥
@unknownjinnmusic2728
The whole project was underrated ** I always come back to this specific record for some reason// such a hidden gem 😔*
@NatKyngKong420
FACTory...!
@bitsbytesbuds
this is such an under-rated song. I bet if somebody uploaded this and just put Ft Drake instead of Kirko Bangz it'd be way more popular. oh well thanks sirrius and shade 45 for playing shit like this =)