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.
Walk With Me
Joe Budden Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Come and take a walk with me...
I need all of y'all to come and take a walk with me...
I need for all of y'all to feel what I'm going through
And see what I see, if you got time to take a walk with me
Wait a minute now...
Shit ain't like I thought it would be
Come to Jersey from New York with me
But take the time out to walk with me
Pay attention on this tour with me
Maybe I'm seeing something wrong
Come along and make sure with me
Come and take a short walk with me
[Joe Budden - Verse 1]
Yo...I'm seeing a couple things wrong with the way that I'm living
So come and walk with me I just need a second opinion
Introduce you to my friends I got to see if you notice
If they loyal or if they all got an alterial motive
See some snake niggas, me and them don't deal anymore
Ever since I got signed I don't know what's real anymore
I'm paranoid so excuse me if I seem to be nervous
But everybody from my past now they trying to resurface
Trying to rekindle, They don't think I know they gone limo
I got cousins I never knew they trying to pass me a demo
Maybe I'm wrong, like I told you main I need your opinion
Me and him never spoke before so I don't see what's so different
Dudes I don't know they recognize me start extending they hand
And I'm trippin ready for beef when he was only a fan (why?)
Cause these niggas in my hood say they don't like how I'm reppin'
Let me know how strongly you feel, will I be needing my weapon
As some sort of protection, should I carry a pen and pad
And ask everybody in the fucking hood for they suggestion
I'm letting the labels know that Jersey City is gifted (dog)
When they didn't know that Jersey City existed, but it's cool dog
Certain cats in Jersey City so hateful (Hatefulll)
And certain cats in Jersey City ain't grateful (Ain't gratefulllll)
All they say is I don't chill anymore
Ever since I got signed they don't think I'm real anymore
I'm told I shouldn't be alone cause I'm a star in my hood
Something might happen mouse, they know who you are in the hood, they do
So I can't tell you how I feel anymore
Ever since I got signed I can't tell what's real anymore, you feelin' me dog
[Chorus]
[Joe Budden - Verse 2]
See to me it's heavy, but to you it may seem petty
Let's continue walking, I know you ain't tired already
I take you to meet my girl I got to see if you notice
If she love me or if the bitch got an alterial motive
Why am I hated cause I handle my business
Ain't got to look for a girl nowadays cause almost all these niggas is bitches
See 'em often while we walking I'll show you the drug dealers
and some dudes that hate me word on the streets is they real killers dog
Where was the hate back when I wasn't on my feet
An alcoholic, school dropout, just a bum on the street
Where was the hate during my adolescence
Back when that psychiatrist was trying hard to get me on I'm manic depression so man
I don't recall none of this happenin' back then
And I don't understand I was still rappin' back then
So I got to ride with a gun
From trying to get my mom and pop up out of the slums and provide for my son
If you met my baby moms would you notice
If she was ready for a child of if her ass had an alterial motive
I don't know what she's teaching Trey but everday he get older
Angie's bitter and feel like now that I'm successful I owe her
Cause she would hold me so tight when I was ready to relapse
Tell me to relax, I ain't know no better straight out of rehab
Bottom line I was lonesome
But we was wrong for each other, Angie I grown some
Got bigger issues, if you went to Def Jam would you notice
If they was out for my best interest or do they just see a dollar in Joseph?
(Ugh) Guess I ain't sure how I feel anymore
Ever since I got signed I can't tell what's real anymore
I mean them same record execs that wanted me in
Don't care that I'm the next nigga, they just want to see spins I swear
Guess I ain't sure how I feel anymore
Ever since I got signed I can't tell what's real anymore, you feelin' me dog
[Chorus]
In Joe Budden's song "Walk With Me," he's expressing his vulnerability and paranoia through lyrics that invite listeners to take a walk with him. The lyrics of the chorus also suggest that Budden wants people to see the world from his perspective, a world that's more complicated and confusing than he ever imagined.
In the first verse, Budden expresses his doubts about the people around him. He worries that some of his so-called friends might have an ulterior motive, and he's struggling to differentiate between what's real and what's fake in his personal relationships. He's constantly under scrutiny, and even people from his past are coming out of the woodwork to try and take advantage of his newfound success in the music industry. Budden also mentions that he's surrounded by negative energy in his hometown of Jersey City, with people hating on him for no reason.
In the second verse, Budden talks about his baby mama, Angie, and how their relationship has evolved over time. He's no longer the same person he was in the past, and he's grown increasingly frustrated with the people who try to hold him back. He also mentions his bosses at Def Jam Records, who he believes don't have his best interests at heart and only see him as a means to make money.
Through his lyrics, Budden reveals a lot about the struggles that come with fame and fortune. He feels like he's constantly under threat, and he's searching for someone to turn to for guidance and support. Overall, "Walk With Me" is a powerful exploration of the pressures that come with being a successful artist, and the emotional toll it can take.
Line by Line Meaning
Come and take a walk with me...
Joe is inviting someone to walk with him
I need all of y'all to come and take a walk with me...
Joe needs everyone to walk with him
I need for all of y'all to feel what I'm going through
Joe needs people to understand his struggles
And see what I see, if you got time to take a walk with me
Joe wants someone to see things from his perspective
Wait a minute now...
Joe is pausing the conversation to speak
Shit ain't like I thought it would be
Joe is disappointed with how things turned out
Come to Jersey from New York with me
Joe wants to take someone to his hometown
I know you busy...
Joe acknowledges that someone might be busy
But take the time out to walk with me
Joe still wants someone to walk with him
Pay attention on this tour with me
Joe wants someone to pay attention to what he's going through
Maybe I'm seeing something wrong
Joe is questioning his own perception
Come along and make sure with me
Joe wants someone to confirm or deny his suspicions
Come and take a short walk with me
Joe wants someone to walk with him briefly
Yo...I'm seeing a couple things wrong with the way that I'm living
Joe is realizing that his lifestyle may not be healthy
So come and walk with me I just need a second opinion
Joe wants someone to give him an outside perspective
Introduce you to my friends I got to see if you notice
Joe wants to check if his friends are trustworthy
If they loyal or if they all got an alterial motive
Joe is suspicious of his friends' intentions
See some snake niggas, me and them don't deal anymore
Joe has cut ties with people he can't trust
Ever since I got signed I don't know what's real anymore
Joe feels like he's lost touch with reality since becoming famous
I'm paranoid so excuse me if I seem to be nervous
Joe admits he's anxious and jumpy
But everybody from my past now they trying to resurface
Joe's old acquaintances are contacting him again
Trying to rekindle, They don't think I know they gone limo
Joe thinks people are trying to use him for their own benefit
I got cousins I never knew they trying to pass me a demo
Joe thinks people are trying to get ahead using his fame
Maybe I'm wrong, like I told you main I need your opinion
Joe is uncertain and needs someone else's viewpoints
Dudes I don't know they recognize me start extending they hand
People who don't know Joe are acknowledging him
And I'm trippin ready for beef when he was only a fan (why?)
Joe is being defensive when people are just trying to be friendly
Cause these niggas in my hood say they don't like how I'm reppin'
Joe's neighbors are unhappy with how he's been representing them
Let me know how strongly you feel, will I be needing my weapon
Joe is trying to gauge how dangerous his surroundings are
As some sort of protection, should I carry a pen and pad
Joe is considering taking notes for his own safety
And ask everybody in the fucking hood for they suggestion
Joe wants to ask local residents for advice
I'm letting the labels know that Jersey City is gifted (dog)
Joe is promoting his hometown to record labels
When they didn't know that Jersey City existed, but it's cool dog
Joe is proud of his hometown regardless of what others think
Certain cats in Jersey City so hateful (Hatefulll)
Joe has experienced a lot of negativity in his hometown
And certain cats in Jersey City ain't grateful (Ain't gratefulllll)
Joe thinks some people in his hometown should be more appreciative
All they say is I don't chill anymore
Joe's neighbors think he's changed too much
I'm told I shouldn't be alone cause I'm a star in my hood
Joe is advised not to go out alone due to his popularity
Something might happen mouse, they know who you are in the hood, they do
Joe thinks someone might try to harm him
So I can't tell you how I feel anymore
Joe feels like he can't be completely honest about his emotions
See to me it's heavy, but to you it may seem petty
Joe thinks his concerns are important, but others might not
Let's continue walking, I know you ain't tired already
Joe wants to keep talking and walking
I take you to meet my girl I got to see if you notice
Joe wants to check if his girlfriend is genuine
If she love me or if the bitch got an alterial motive
Joe thinks his girlfriend might have ulterior motives
Why am I hated cause I handle my business
Joe is being criticized for being successful
Ain't got to look for a girl nowadays cause almost all these niggas is bitches
Joe thinks most men are untrustworthy
See 'em often while we walking I'll show you the drug dealers
Joe is pointing out the dangerous elements of his community
And some dudes that hate me word on the streets is they real killers dog
Joe thinks there are people who want to harm him
Where was the hate back when I wasn't on my feet
Joe is questioning why people are being mean to him now
An alcoholic, school dropout, just a bum on the street
Joe has had a rough past
Where was the hate during my adolescence
Joe feels like he didn't face as much animosity as a young person
Back when that psychiatrist was trying hard to get me on I'm manic depression so man
Joe has had mental health issues in the past
I don't recall none of this happenin' back then
Joe doesn't remember experiencing this level of hatred before
And I don't understand I was still rappin' back then
Joe doesn't know why he's experiencing more negativity now as a rapper
So I got to ride with a gun
Joe feels like he needs to carry a weapon to protect himself
From trying to get my mom and pop up out of the slums and provide for my son
Joe has been working hard to support his family
If you met my baby moms would you notice
Joe wants to see if someone would notice anything off about his child's mother
If she was ready for a child of if her ass had an alterial motive
Joe thinks his child's mother might have hidden intentions
Angie's bitter and feel like now that I'm successful I owe her
Joe's ex-girlfriend is upset that he's moved on
Cause she would hold me so tight when I was ready to relapse
Joe's ex-girlfriend helped him through difficult times
Tell me to relax, I ain't know no better straight out of rehab
Joe had a difficult time adjusting after rehab
Bottom line I was lonesome
Joe felt isolated during his struggles
But we was wrong for each other, Angie I grown some
Joe has moved on from his relationship with Angie
Got bigger issues, if you went to Def Jam would you notice
Joe is questioning if anyone cares about his wellbeing in the music industry
If they was out for my best interest or do they just see a dollar in Joseph?
Joe thinks record labels may only care about money, not his success
(Ugh) Guess I ain't sure how I feel anymore
Joe is feeling uncertain about his own thoughts and emotions
Ever since I got signed I can't tell what's real anymore
Joe feels confused and disconnected from reality since becoming famous
I mean them same record execs that wanted me in
Joe is feeling skeptical of record labels
Don't care that I'm the next nigga, they just want to see spins I swear
Joe thinks labels only care about his popularity, not his talent
Guess I ain't sure how I feel anymore
Joe is unsure of his own opinions and feelings
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOSEPH ANTHONY BUDDEN, JOSEPH E. KULESZYNSKI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Maziko Lee
Come and take a walk with me...
I need all of y'all to come and take a walk with me...
I need for all of y'all to feel what I'm going through
And see what I see, if you got time to take a walk with me
Wait a minute now...
Shit ain't like I thought it would be
Come to Jersey from New York with me
I know you busy...
But take the time out to walk with me
Pay attention on this tour with me
Maybe I'm seeing something wrong
Come along and make sure with me
Come and take a short walk with me
Yo...I'm seeing a couple things wrong with the way that I'm living
So come and walk with me I just need a second opinion
Introduce you to my friends I got to see if you notice
If they loyal or if they all got an alterial motive
See some snake niggas, me and them don't deal anymore
Ever since I got signed I don't know what's real anymore
I'm paranoid so excuse me if I seem to be nervous
But everybody from my past now they trying to resurface
Trying to rekindle, They don't think I know they gone limo
I got cousins I never knew they trying to pass me a demo
Maybe I'm wrong, like I told you main I need your opinion
Me and him never spoke before so I don't see what's so different
Dudes I don't know they recognize me start extending they hand
And I'm trippin ready for beef when he was only a fan (why?)
Cause these niggas in my hood say they don't like how I'm reppin'
Let me know how strongly you feel, will I be needing my weapon
As some sort of protection, should I carry a pen and pad
And ask everybody in the fucking hood for they suggestion
I'm letting the labels know that Jersey City is gifted (dog)
When they didn't know that Jersey City existed, but it's cool dog
Certain cats in Jersey City so hateful (Hatefulll)
And certain cats in Jersey City ain't grateful (Ain't gratefulllll)
All they say is I don't chill anymore
Ever since I got signed they don't think I'm real anymore
I'm told I shouldn't be alone cause I'm a star in my hood
Something might happen mouse, they know who you are in the hood, they do
So I can't tell you how I feel anymore
Ever since I got signed I can't tell what's real anymore, you feelin' me dog
Come and take a walk with me...
I need all of y'all to come and take a walk with me...
I need for all of y'all to feel what I'm going through
And see what I see, if you got time to take a walk with me
Wait a minute now...
Shit ain't like I thought it would be
Come to Jersey from New York with me
I know you busy...
But take the time out to walk with me
Pay attention on this tour with me
Maybe I'm seeing something wrong
Come along and make sure with me
Come and take a short walk with me
See to me it's heavy, but to you it may seem petty
Let's continue walking, I know you ain't tired already
I take you to meet my girl I got to see if you notice
If she love me or if the bitch got an alterial motive
Why am I hated cause I handle my business
Ain't got to look for a girl nowadays cause almost all these niggas is bitches
See 'em often while we walking I'll show you the drug dealers
and some dudes that hate me word on the streets is they real killers dog
Where was the hate back when I wasn't on my feet
An alcoholic, school dropout, just a bum on the street
Where was the hate during my adolescence
Back when that psychiatrist was trying hard to get me on I'm manic depression so man
I don't recall none of this happenin' back then
And I don't understand I was still rappin' back then
So I got to ride with a gun
From trying to get my mom and pop up out of the slums and provide for my son
If you met my baby moms would you notice
If she was ready for a child of if her ass had an alterial motive
I don't know what she's teaching Trey but everday he get older
Angie's bitter and feel like now that I'm successful I owe her
Cause she would hold me so tight when I was ready to relapse
Tell me to relax, I ain't know no better straight out of rehab
Bottom line I was lonesome
But we was wrong for each other, Angie I grown some
Got bigger issues, if you went to Def Jam would you notice
If they was out for my best interest or do they just see a dollar in Joseph?
(Ugh) Guess I ain't sure how I feel anymore
Ever since I got signed I can't tell what's real anymore
I mean them same record execs that wanted me in
Don't care that I'm the next nigga, they just want to see spins I swear
Guess I ain't sure how I feel anymore
Ever since I got signed I can't tell what's real anymore, you feelin' me dog
Come and take a walk with me...
I need all of y'all to come and take a walk with me...
I need for all of y'all to feel what I'm going through
And see what I see, if you got time to take a walk with me
Wait a minute now...
Shit ain't like I thought it would be
Come to Jersey from New York with me
I know you busy...
But take the time out to walk with me
Pay attention on this tour with me
Maybe I'm seeing something wrong
Come along and make sure with me
Come and take a short walk with me
Source: LyricFind
snakesolid970
This music was so fitting for the final battle in Def Jam fight for NY.
JiJi
"You broke the code."
Pedro Timon da Costa
"Fuck the code!"
Adrian Jarquin Altamirano
Clasic
RaRaRasputin
It felt so satisfying watching the credits with this song in the background.
Serpent King
@Pedro Timon da Costa "d mob was always talking that old school loyalty bullshit. you from the streets. you know there's only one code out here that matters, ride or get rolled on."
Kenjiro
Streetfighting + Kickboxing + Martial Arts = Awesomeness
jeff_menace91
For me it was Kickboxing + Wrestling + Martial Arts! I smoked all my friends back then and some of my cousins. 🤣
yas lecoq
Naah martial arts first then kickbox and streetfighting that s the best combination
Nolaboy44
Naw Streetfighting + Submission + Kickboxing was broken as hell