Joe Budden Album

Pray for me, need y'all to just pray for me*
Pray for me, somebody just pray for me
Somebody pray for me, need y'all to just pray for me
Somebody pray for me, need y'all to just pray for me
Now if it goes to the wire
I will never fall, I got the soul of a fighter
Walk barefoot over the coals through the fire
I thought the toll would be lighter
Make sure that blunt is rolled a little tighter
I tell 'em I'm just looking for some piece of mind
But they say I'm only working with a piece of mine
If I'm a do it it be on my own accord, no crutch
Swear to god I've never called upon the lord so much
Play the corner of the club, laughing at the wanna-bes
It's ironic cause they everything I wanna be
Would light a ton of reef
But that's gon' unleash
Everything I'm trying to hide underneath
Then I'd lose all I've earned
And if there's two things that I've learned
Is I'm the only thing at stake
And when you the only thing real
Really you the only thing fake
It must be time to escape from that
And fuck rhymes, might be time to escape from rap
Why should I be the only nigga to escape from the act?
So I lie since everybody just escapes from facts
Yo that sucka shit niggas be on I can't dig it
Joe - won't lose even if you plan to rig it
Yeah, nothing to prove, with no fear of how I'm depicted
I'm here, won't move, I don't care to be evicted
You don't like how I move?
Well I ain't gonna keep still
Any nigga want me killed
Wanna leave me in the streets peeled
Well if it happens it happens, I believe in free will
Just know that ain't how we built
I'll call niggas that'll dead you for a cheap thrill
When the clips empty, they gonna try to refill
And I'm a be the dude to try and stop 'em like, "please chill."
Y'all know all I'm about
They keep putting up roadblocks
I keep finding alternate routes
Now success seems likely everybody wanna try me
I'm all for it, can't trip me up
I won't fall for it
I'm just a man without a care
Neighbor to heartache, roommate with despair
Reminded my past is darker
Cause when A.M. died I was staring at Travis Barker
Wishing it was something I could say to make him cheer up
And so I prayed - he teared up
I ain't wanna see him go through that
The same shit that I feel, never showed you that
Cause it's none of nobody's business
And it just makes you look weaker
Every joke is just smoke
Look deeper, nevermind, don't bother
Some of y'all smarter
Enough ain't got sense that if you try harder
You'll get a glimpse of everything that I harbor
We all ain't got the strength to be a martyr
So to everyone who ever loved me:
I apologize and I'm sorry
Wholeheartedly, can't change it's just part of me
Not music, shit's art to me
Too fucked up to drive, here's the car keys
I don't care where we go, get it far from me
Choices I don't wanna make
I know I have to
Worlds going faster
So my ride or die chose the latter
I'm looking for a rush out of habit
Truth is, there is such thing as too much for a addict
Ain't the nigga I'm belittled as, riddle that, nigga come from middle class
If you speak to me, show a little class
Dropped out of school, a nigga couldn't sit through class
Learned to fall asleep through the sound of a pistol's blast
I come from where dad taught mom to get high
She's strong so we still got by
When I picked up the drug why the fuck was they surprised?
If it wasn't for your genes I wouldn't lust the supply
I come from a whole hood, telling me that I'm next
Handed me a mag, must've known that I was Complex
They say that you a wild individual
You just not getting my style, you too typical
Now everybody got a word for me
Shit y'all deem important ain't pertinent to me
Put your opinion with a feather, balance that
Grab medicine, when the success and the talent match
Now pray for them, somebody please pray for them
Pray for them, need y'all to pray for them
Pray for them, somebody pray for them
Somebody pray for them, need y'all to pray for them
Pray for them, pray for them, somebody pray for them

[Sample: Rocky]
You ain't gon believe this but, you used to fit right here
I'd hold you up and say to your mother
This kids gonna be the best kid in the World
This kids gonna be somebody better than anybody I ever knew
And you grew up good and wonderful, it was great
Just watching everyday was like a privilage
Than the time comes for you to be your own man, and take on the World
And you did, but somewhere along the lines, you changed, you stopped being you!

[Verse 1: Joe Budden]
Shout to all my fans, glad I can inspire y'all
Got a couple haters, still trying to acquire more
You're praying to a higher power hoping I should fall
But even my writers block ends in a fire wall
Everybody acts reckless judging by they past efforts
If they ran shit why it won't show up in they track records
How can the critics ever hear me and say I'm a suffer
How when they play with words and I make em' play with each other
Choppers over the booth, ready for prime time
Come one with his thoughts, intertwine with his mind
Go toe to toe, blow for blow or do it rhyme for rhyme
Be competitive coke heads and go line for line
Honestly that crap of yours you should raffle off
With me they getting Genius Bars without the Apple store
Under the microscope I rebut' the scrutiny
If I'm to be compared it's only to who I used to be
Take a closer look at rappers and you might discover
This faggots talking Boxing, avoid the Mike Buffers
Now you the type to cuff her, me I get tired of her
See you the type to get hype to hug her but won't try to fuck her
No pencil thin bitches, me that ain't the style he dates
Might sit on her face and leave the imprint of a smiley face
Introduce the newcomers to my habitat
The calms before the storm, this the debris from the aftermath

[Sample: Rocky]
Let me tell you something, here right now
The World ain't all sunshine and rainbows
It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are
It will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it
You, nore nobody is gonna hit as hard as life
But it ain't about how hard you hit
It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward

[Verse 2: Joe Budden]
Let me change pace, the alternate route is a long one
But you'll ultimately end up in the same place
So I tell aspiring artists "think beyond greater"
I know some niggas with platinum plaques and bronze paper
But better living should be earned, never fed or giving
So I traded my recognition instead for a vision
They always told me that I'd end up dead or in prison
Who ever thought that same dude getting head while he whipping
At the chick would hang up on, give em' the dial tone
Now buying wild homes, straight cash without loans
I always managed to do better when his doubts shown
I'll teach you how to turn them diamonds into milestones
Class is in session, and look who's come to tutor
They passing the fake off as real like Brian Pumpers jeweler
Where I'm from niggas with fear getting slumped by shooters
But my equal to dumping rugers is being done by computers
I'm getting bread, every verse like the lotto
Give them substance but they treat every word like it's a hollow
My niggas off parole I'm tryna give them something pure to follow
Cause he ain't have a pot to piss in, just a urine bottle
I come from where so many people where raised with neglect
Cops trying to meet they quote, thirsty to make an arrest
All my wrong doings did, was put my faith to a test
Which made me much stronger, guess my mistakes were correct

[Sample: Rocky]
Now if you know what you're worth, go out and get what you're worth
But you gotta be willing to take the hit
Not pointing fingers saying you're not where you wanna because of him or her or anybody
Cowards do that and that ain't you
You better than that

Talk to em
Only my true motherfucker know
Realest shit I ever wrote it's, it's

Check this

I be at the mall
walk up at in the store
glance up at the wall
pick out a few kicks
i need eleven in these
mater a fact while you at it
bring them in a size six
i take shorty shoes off
like here try on these Jay's make shore them shit fit
but in my head it gets thick
saying Joey fall back
cause thats not your kid
I don't know you lil nigga
and plus I got a son of my own
but he's at home and the way he's being raised
i don't really condone (nah)
cause his pops been gone
fuck it ill explain it to him later when he grown
enough to have a phone ask him why mommy hit me and he gotta sneak to call me whenever he's alone
so you wouldn't know it but i got a soft spot for you
she would share them same obstacles
looking from the outside may seem like you neglecting but when he slips up and call me dad
I correct him
I protect him when baby girl start
venting about you I say respect him
and though it seems out of order
my own mistakes has turn me into your biggest supporter
fast forward you wouldn't believe
how I could love like mine what I didn't conceive
try to help him be shit that I never achieve
am I doing it for him or is it my own grieve to see
me and my baby moms we don't do the conversations
shame cramp in the back two bed room shack
with seven people living there just congregating
some when you child with me i'm over compensating
I'm talking eight bedrooms seven baths
my son thinking that's the shit that only heaven have
mines got a deeper pool yours get to see the view
white marble around the inger mines got gold and white
yours just got to walk outside and the funny shit
the irony of it all and its sad
cause you walk away
yea i'm the step dad
and then you get on skype
saying how you being whats the word
and I be in the back ground listening like this mother fucker here got some nerve
he says bye daddy I love you
I be wanting to snuff you but I wouldn't have him thinking less of you
but he's accepted and the shit is wild
he picks up on ever think and he's just a child
but through all my resistance
i'm afraid this two year old could already see the difference
he see you don't provide when your capable
why we never fix things while we are still able to
so your annoyed kinda hampers me give my void
I always wanted a family
just to greet when I get through the door
you gone to have to take the "L" I can't give you yours
i'll do all of da work
you ain't gotta be bothered
you could be a dad
I'll be his father
I relate though
so I know it hurts
gotta be uncomfortable
when the role reverse
I been in your shoes my whole life nigga
try these on I relate though so I know it hurts
gotta be uncomfortable when the role reverse

Come along, co-co-come, come along
But I don't trust niggas so make sure you come alone
I hand picked you you think sensibly
They friends with you don't need them to be friends with me
Come along I'm gonna take you to some spots that you might like
But bring shades you gonna need them for the bright lights
Grab a drink and invite dykes that like Vic's
We always end up fighting cause that's my vice
Come along, co-co-come, come along
And you'll see how it feels when you're sitting on the throne
When you're so much better but they act like it ain't known
So if somebody else is on it's a temporarily loan
Hard to compete when there ain't no competition
If everybody's the best why I feel like the comp missing
Forced to find inspiration when I never had to
So I go against myself it's a better battle
Come along, co-co-come, Come Along
Turn up the volume on a favorite song
We got so much in common
Except when it comes to rhyming
She feel like lyrics are so intrusive
I feel about her the way she feels about music
Shes cute
She don't like the words, she just like the beat
And I'm thinking me too BIOTCH

(Let It Breathe)
Come along, co-co-come, Come Along
Can't we dim the lights let me get in my zone
Come along, co-co-come, Come along
But I don't trust a soul so make sure you come alone
(Let It Breathe)

Come along, co-co-come, Come Along
And watch these niggas that's doing it all wrong
Throwback swag, nigga still doing rims
Still doing throwbacks, you still doin Timbs?
Looking for a way to save, you ain't earning no cake
Move back in with moms she won't turn you away
Then you all on the blogs showing off on CL
When it's followed by a K gotta know it's a mistake
Benefit of the doubt homie, if that ain't your daughters car
I suggest you stop rapping about a automar
Cause in return I'm just going to call a fraud
Every time I hear a bar about the balla you are
Come along, co-co-come, Come Along
She gonna prolly drop her draws if she step into my home
She probably going to be on cock
It's Big enough to get lost in without Jack or John Locke
On the water like an island thinking' she on the dock
So she puttin in work so I'm thinking she on the clock
Slow down baby what you trying to prove?
When you live like me it's funny what one night can do

(Let It Breathe)
Come along, co-co-come, Come Along
Can't we dim the lights let me get in my zone
Come along, co-co-come, Come along
But I don't trust a soul so make sure you come alone
(Let It Breathe)

Come along, co-co-come, Come Along
Is you niggas out your mind?
Is it hard to recognize when you out your prime?
Maybe they can't imagine living life without that shine
Walk around Hollywood like you're so in demand
But when label stop acting nigga so do the fans
Nigga you ain't a superstar, no allure bout you
And when you talk about me, it says more about you
Come along, co-co-come, Come Along
Wonder why I ain't around niggas changing tone that's the way it looks
But they really think whatever they say behind my back will manage to stay put
We know the same people, go the same places
From the same hood, can only be so evasive
Come along, co-co-come, Come Along
When you're from where I'm from you're going to prolly meet the chrome
It ain't just me, it's like that where we all from
Thought some of them niggas just do it out of boredom
Some just preppin for the day they see a war come
Hanging in the wrong place if you never saw one
Come Along, co-co-come, Come Along
I don't know who you done dealt with in the past
Better be self sufficient ma you don't get a pass
Cause your thighs are thick and you got a little ass
You lookin for a suga daddy then go for it
Twenty something years old with nothing to show for it
Talkin' bout she was raised different
Well get your own pockets bitch so was I
Come along, co-co-come, Come along
I don't call them verses, they similar to poems
Similar to scriptures
Similar to pictures
You can stick to rap what we doing is much bigger

(Let It Breathe)
Come along, co-co-come, Come Along
Can't we dim the lights let me get in my zone
Come along, co-co-come, Come along
But I don't trust a soul so make sure you come alone
(Let It Breathe)

[No lyrics]

[Joe Budden - Verse 1:]
I broke down a while ago
finally picking up the pieces
Memoirs of how the undefeated
Can feel depleted
I dont talk to God as a matter of fact I plead with
At times I hate my reflection and others I'm conceited
half the time I'm arrogant other times I'm vengeful
at times it's to convince me, at times it's to convince you
done a lot of wrong but I aint never felt resentful
its been so many times I've lost track of who to repent to
half the time I'm in the cut
dont want you to notice me
roll with me and you'll see that I'm only awkward socially
half the time I'm spiteful, double barrell rifle
I owe so many payback I feel like I got the right too
so if you need a case in point you can refer to Budden
and it will prove that painkillers never murdered nothing
all it did was make me succumb put ice in me
put ice in me, make me numb
when I revisit the places it takes me from
I'm strong...

[Chorus:]
Strong enough to catch contact right
smell it as soon as you get in my ride
see with me, rules never apply
dont tell me how I should live my life
put your seat back, got it if you need that
you should really fuck with me
tell me if you wanna ride or die, la la la la la la la la

[Joe Budden - Verse 2:]
Listen up as the center reports
my inner thoughts are like a inner war
headaches act as a trembling force on my mental ward
mentals distraught
every word fromt his sentence the boss
it's brought to you like the people your ministers Porsche
tight roping on dental floss
before the haters begin to get lost
coke and weed got my temperment off
but why would my temper get lost
when as soon as the temperature frost
I'm probably having intercourse in a resort
criminal report, pricey condo's at a minimal cost
my train of thought aint as simple as yours
so if our paths happen to incidentally cross
I pray that you can overlook all my miniature flaws
until then lets let the bass kick
take the shots straight I dont see a need to chase it
trying to fight the urge til there's something to replace it
I welcome ya'll to be my co-pilots on this spaceship

[Chorus]

[Joe Budden - Verse 3:]
Yo, me and the game would get so blunted
we'd order take out from the chinese stores
they make sure you bring change for a hundred
rob em, safety on the metal's off
figured if we beat the breaks off em
then how the fuck was he gon pedal off
some live and die by the high, I was born by it
since Pac gave my mom the needle like go on try it
got me feeling like aint a nigga can harm me
so I go and scoop a mommy that wanna come join the army
she was so militant, disciplined, intelligent
so I whispered to her, bet you wouldnt mind shilling it
I got to know her on my sofa
I gave her my honourable discharge and she took like a soldier
since she the type you gotta watch when she come around
really she only get high so she can come down
lost her when I said she aint gotta settle
once you start to handle life you'll be on the same level

[Chorus]

[Crooked I - Verse 4:]
When I was five this what my father said
I should have pulled you out and left you on your momma's waterbed
you asked me, my poppa's dead
alcoholic jeans from him since a toddler bottle fed
put me on your stainless, I'm brainless, I'm a hollow head
my life was the crazyiest
surprised I'm even walking, can you blame me if I'm atheist
but I aint Stephen Hawkings
I know God is in my radius
I can see him walking in the face of an innocent baby but not when preacher's talking
my people sleep in coffins I miss em I'm breaking down in the face of a bad bitch that I'm supposed to be taking down
baby ride while I'm crying, I'm dying inside
cause my pain is beside a giant lethiathon and I'm hiding from the World
they hit me with everything but the kitchen sink
how ironic? same place I vomit when I lick a drink
apparently I need to get a shrink
how can therapy take care of me when I don't give a fuck what niggas think!

[Chorus]

[Styles P:]
Dark forces, get on the level
Cause you might see an iced out cross on the Devil
Illuminati and Masons, what are we facing?
See you at the crossroad, that's Vacation
Shit is like Fright Night, get you a Night Light
Two blunts, Zeitgeist, remind me it's Christ like
Now niggas wanna look like women
Tight pants, costume jewels
I guess their CEO might bend 'em
God bless Pac, but they ain't got thug like feelings
God bless Big, but they don't know the every day struggle
I keep it thorough, everywhere I'm bubbling, you bubble gum
Chew you up, spit you out, nigga, cause I'm troublesome
And if they lyrical then what the fuck am I?
The maker of miracles, every couple of lines
Parallel lines in my soul in my mind
Make the jewels unfold every time of the rhyme
Use respect, and I'm spectacular
Audio fucking up your cardiovascular
Lyrically spit shit, flip like a spatula
Married to the game, and you just a bachelor
SP and the Mouse in this bitch
And I want it quiet as a mouse in this bitch
Burn you in your car and your house is the shit
Don't ever say you hard if I ain't bout for the shit

[Pusha T:]
It's like a never ending story, I'm here for my glory
The engines too loud, these haters can't ignore me
Feeling like a legend, anyone that came before me
Drug dealer, posing all this mother fuckin' jewelry
Came from the crack house, back room, black out
Smoke hit they lungs, make 'em UFC tap out
No plan B, it was nothin' else to map out
So we throw stones while we living in this glass house
It's been a minute so they ask where the fire went
My kitchen clean, but I still got the Pilot lit
Made a fortune outta fumes, my Mcguiver shit
Reality TV, before Survivor bitch
Yuuuck, put our lives on display
Who's thinkin bout tomorrow we ain't promised today
This rap game fickle, we ain't promised to play
The last of the greats, pay homage to me

[Joe Budden:]
If my past had a encore, it be like a onslaught
A lot of niggas died, it's too many to mourn for
I'm thinkin bout my youth, us as little kids
Am I wrong for having thoughts Bishop Eddie would long for?
I got decade old wounds that are still bleeding
That chapter of my life is closed, yet y'all still read it
Straight face on, pretending to feel decent
Casket shopping for a loved one that is still breathing
Swear that shit got in the way of Summer
Avoiding calendars, since all your days were numbered
Laid out in the bed, can barely sit up
Those were your last breaths, I was mistaking for hiccups
Y'all don't get the picture, when your medicine is liquor
I'm talkin phone ringing, being too afraid to pick up
I know you in a better place and that joy is felt
I learned when death calls it won't leave a voice mail
You would be proud, I'm due to be caked up
Wanna make your dreams come true? Gotta wake up
Groupie niggas I don't see how you deal with it
Broke and starving, but clinging to your Meal Ticket
Broke hustlers debate that trash
Back and forth to they vacant stash
Still in all I know a few that'll make that cash
Quick flip, even Rex Ryan ain't lose the weight that fast
Y'all should treat me like royalty
Last of a dying breed that puts money and power behind loyalty
Careful, that bitch shit'll rub off
Me, I'd rather die with my balls than have to live with 'em cut off
Long winded, be patient enough to hear 'em
I'll give you the jewels if you brave enough to wear 'em
But know before you swallow it up
Food for thoughts only as important as what'll follow it up

[Joe Budden]
Thug changes

Now we were once two n-ggas of the same kind
Quick to holla at a hoochie with the same line
Sorta, honestly Ill never guessed you were a hoarder
And all that would manifest cause of what we both thought of her
So im like "how could you get mad of what she thought of me"
I found out seasons don't only change quarterly
Cuz you got bended, it was real fickle
With me saying "girls are a dime a dozen" knew a n-gga with a nickel
I guess nobody told him that gossip and slander is not the answer
Wish I'da known that she woulda flipped out of propaganda
Ice in my veins, some people are less skilled
And he brought me up on charges when his ego got killed
When my friends in doubt, they learned a valuable lesson bout
In 30 years I ain't reckon how to reconcile
What hurts more? The act of getting cut off
Or realizing that your 2 cents wasn't worth

[Joe Budden - Verse 2]
Check it, nothing could help somebody switch up more then thirst can
I seen the ill effect that fame can have first hand
And I to blame for the person that you became
When you're already on that path its so hard for me to explain
Look, some indicate that im watching who I never met
I see some things happening now that you would never let
Fewer in your right mind, were you showing me the right person at the right time
Or were you trying to make it easy? didn't really please you to please me
Did that make you change everything about you to appease me?
My prides in shambles, wondering why and when did you decide to gamble
Or are you competing with Mya Campbell
When did that become suitable?
How could you make something so ugly out of what was once beautiful
Next time beauty's headed towards me I plan to dodge
Until I see its not just being used as a camouflage

[Joe Budden - Verse 3]
Only reason I continue to antagonize
just my way of bringing truth into a pack of lies
Reveals peoples true colors, moves a bad disguise
Even though its something I predicted I just act surprised
That way an arm never jinx on me
Drunk mouse, sober tongue homie drinks on me
That way im protected, yall got no choice but to respect it
Seen too many come and go to be affected
And how is it not expected
Im hip to what its bound to be
And then relations combined, they weigh a pound to me
And so the bullshit, make sure its tasteful when its done
You can keep your 1000 faces, just try being faithful to one

[Verse 1:]
If I had a choice I rather my higher power decide to take me first*
I think the other way around would only make me worse,
Rarely was I ever trusted without the suspicions,
And very few could ever love me without the conditions.
Those are the ones I care to treasure, ones I wouldn't dare sever,
A bunch of my peers efforts been fair weather,
The deaf have great vision and the blind man could hear better,
Figured since I lost all my senses that I would fear better.
I'm not the social type, nothing about him socialite,
Designed the prototype, how to unloved overnight.
Flip side, I die for my niggas, put it the simplest,
You give me your all and I'm a send it back with interest.
This is for my niggas that helped me before I suggested,
I'm just trying to send the flowers before you could jest it.
The man in fact that I've become you had a hand in that,
And I'll give ya'll the world but I'm sure that ya'll would hand it back.

[Chorus:]
We will never be apart,
It's like two bodies livin' with one heart
Together like a lock and key,
Without you, there is no me.
Things will never be the same,
If you weren't here with me, I couldn't see,
Livin' in a nothin' place,
Wherever you go, you know I'm goin' with you (with you, with you...)

[Verse 2:]
I mean... She was on the phone tryin' to sound relaxed,
But the words comin' out her mouth ain't have the sound to match.
Voice tremblin' as if you were barely holding on,
Meanwhile trying to be strong to protect your second born.
Shit was scary to me, if something happened to you,
What'll happen to us, like I'm living vicariously.
I seen your life flash, right past, my reaction buried deep inside,
If you go, they'll have to bury me alive.
How would I survive, fuck 'em mum you meant more
Life coach and mentor, just a grim thought makes skin crawl,
Single mother, held it down when my pop was locked away,
Cried every time I gave my mom a gift on Father's Day.
But I'll be here for you, like you were there for yours,
And she was layin', decayin' all the days spent prayin',
Gospel music playin', a few days from death,
But always felt us on our way in, we were like her safe haven.
You always thought you were her least favorite child,
Only sibling that showed up, you at least make her smile.
At least make her proud, not an obstacle that's too hard,
True stars strive to be half the person you are.
Ain't never neglect, so I'll forever respect,
I more than owe my life to you, I'm forever in debt (CHECK!),
I mean my mother got cancer in her neck,
But I'll be behind you every step, what the fuck did you expect.

[Chorus:]
We will never be apart,
It's like two bodies livin' with one heart
Together like a lock and key,
Without you, there is no me.
Things will never be the same,
If you weren't here with me, I couldn't see,
Livin' in a nothin' place,
Wherever you go, you know I'm goin' with you (with you, with you...)

[Verse 3:]
I'm like... Damn, how you always know better than me,
Amazes me when you show me what I never could see,
So the break up never really was a plan to me,
In retrospect I think I was complacent with insanity.
We were so exhausted, bored with, tortured,
But since I couldn't picture my life without you I fought it.
Like we could get through anything too much pride in us,
Better off without each other, Id've been depriving us.
At times you see people in ways you shouldn't portray 'em,
Cause they ain't living up to a title you shouldn't of gave 'em.
Headshot pointblank range committed murder,
Honestly thought I couldn't move on, then went further.
Used to want to see you suffer for the pain you caused,
Now when I see you gain, I applaud.
What I'm tryin' to say is, don't complain about your path and where it took you,
'Cause you might end up with somebody to sing this hook too.

[Chorus:]
We will never be apart,
It's like two bodies livin' with one heart
Together like a lock and key,
Without you, there is no me.
Things will never be the same,
If you weren't here with me, I couldn't see,
Livin' in a nothin' place,
Wherever you go, you know I'm goin' with you (with you, with you...)

[No lyrics]

[Fabolous]
These n-ggas losing their minds
you find that theres no reward
they say they already home
it's really clear they abroad
they sound like they boxed in
it's not just where they record
there's a cost to be the boss they can't clearly afford
swear to the Lord, theres guns like the audience
you put on a show, my 40 clearly applauds
sittin' fifth row, I might appear to be bored
plotting on a Kanye, but screaming where's my award
ballin out of control, never won an ESPY
bout to buy a black ghost and call that sh-t SP
flow outta this World, I'm coming for my Moon man
you n-ggas slide back like that walkin on the moon dance
no glitter glean, handgun with a beam
have some boys follow you, street fam, twitter team
like you could f-ck with me
oh did it seem, Dr King and Def Jam aint the only ones with a dream
I'm a grown ass man, this kid a teen
you're a spoof of me like if hip hop did a scream
Audi coupe looking good so I went and copped it
got that TT poppin' like a trending topic
my ride is matt black
my pride is that jack
it might get ya dog shot, even a cat smacked
anyway though, styles don't apply to me
Jeff Goldblum couldn't be more fly to me
shorty say right after the suck f-ck proof
you hit it on the head girl, duck duck goose
you shoulda got the message that I chuck up deuce
break em off and leave it
you seen my f-cked up tooth
it's f-cka bitch, there's more fish in the aquarium
I rarely hear no, like when n-ggas ask you to marry them
there's no lights in the place you buy your jewelry from
funeral fab, I'm just here to bury them

[Joe Budden]
Reporting live from the beacon
booth tired from the beatin
had foreplay all day
prepin' the beatin' the mic for a threesome
with my vocal's bi-coastal, speakin til their eyes totaled
Mr wi-fi, out a franchise go to
magic, standby local's
watch the track bust once I show my dick size to the pro-tools
I teach you how to have models screaming get behind me
e-pills and maybach's aint gon matter if your tip is tiny
nevermind me, we could get knee deep in the beef
seek me with the heat but you'll need more to keep me on a leash
here's a cc for the peeps that wanna see me in the streets
invest in Rockports and be easy on your feet
give a few hammers, a few semi's and a few snubs to a few crips,
couple vampire's and true bloods
gambling in casino's, have a hundred handing me my c-notes
the modern day gambino
I'm careful every step I take
you the n-gga walk up in a shootout with some pepperspray
that'd be the last mistake you ever make
me I chop his head off from a rooftop
and race it downstairs just to see if I can catch his fade
like groceries when I'm shooting at fags
make sure the breads separated and put the fruits in a bag
withstand the hatred
dudes is falling off doing all they can to save it
but everybodys run stops ask Brandon Jacobs
what y'all call swag to me is all faggotry
fours want blatt at me that'd equal more casualties
Abort the strategy
or get attacked with that Duracell they put in your back
now thats assault and battery
you can keep the b-tching to yourself
there's beams on every burner
these lasers, a petition wouldn't help!
what good is having shooters if they the type that miss?
where I'm from, better be careful when you drive that whip
N-ggas put they life at risk for pies that flip
in my town Ben Affleck wouldnt try that sh-t
and if he did he'd get turned around burnt down
tell 'em new jacks it'll be a while fore they eligible to earn the crown

[Lloyd Banks]
Acid out the baggie
this is more than dope
flawless flow
f-cking off a sign every horoscope to wore my robes
strappin up the corner cold, critical
unquestioned, my opponents know
I shoot like capono, watch me own the show
chromatose, toasted, getting money while I roam the coast
stones and boats, mansions, homes, and hopes
I deserve 'em both, overdose
time to earn my votes, watch me turn the volts
voltage through a hater, this electric chair, danger
yeah, I see ya
now make way fore it turn to diarrhea
hear a microphone will give you 3 of everything I wear yeah
models by the pair, swear, bottles, private Lear, steer
style thats outta here, rare, thousands by the chair, square
sleep with me, you came here, war with me is scary
get beat silly tryna lamp here, better bring your theory heat
I got a drop damp here, n-ggas try me barely
No one breathes, I need an ants ear, precious necessary
got my mind on the cheddar kill my haters together
bury em in abundance and starve there family's stomach's
paper come in my thumbage, brand new fifties and hundreds
On point, just like the drum is
I'm warning them baby mothers
got the hunger of a broke rapper
kill you while I'm rollin up then smoke after
catch you at your show, snatch ya, empty out the dough faster
Bentley off the scene, magnum Mo splasher, four packer
southside n-gga spittin coke at ya!

[Royce Da 5'9"]
This is for the fronters and the naysayers
I'm about to scare away the drummers and the bass players
they say I'm out of my league on this one
so when I get done I want you to cut your f-ckin ears off, Twitpic 'em!
Lord, I want you to leave this vicinity
you gon be around here bout long as Justin Bieber's virginity
this is Jesus identity, mixed with weed
Hennessey, kennedy, king
mixed with a kill or be killed, killer regime
ill as you seen, switch
Y'all write all that hard sh-t then you fall right off, it's horrible
my oracle is all I offer, so before I borrow
you won't be here tomorrow flow
sorry, I will probably Adios my body with somebody toast
this sh-t just practice
sickest rapping Baptist
kill your pastor, steal your chapstick
after that make you kiss a cactus
then, take your hoe, make the hoe give the whole clique fellatio
everyone, that wasn't the whole entourage on HBO
Then after that, I tell her, I can't do much with you, shawty!
I just found out I could fly to Dubai and hire buffy the body!
dont call us if the bitches ain't flawless
if they are then we can hang like Aretha Franklin bra-less
the drunk me can box like the sober you
the sober me be more nervous than Waka Flocka in the voting booth
we beef like being deep and dumping K's
you beef like Lady Gaga and her stylist
y'all get together to look good in front of a bunch of gays
my feng shui is a pump in the desert
you'll come up shorter than an Asian jumping out of a trunk in the desert
while my wolfpack looks for strippers and cocaine
n-ggas snitching, it's a shame
we call em male tattlers
fiends touching they noses more than URL battlers
it's hard to spit saliva when you spit fire
so I'll just pour sugar in your gas tank
put a banana in your tailpipe
ah ha, so the car can fit the driver

Look, I was always told you can't make it make sense don't trust it
So I'll be out the country with the phone off, f-ck it
Grown from when I was dusted
But took something away out of every moment I suffered
So y'all can go on and judge it
There's a reason that I'm tellin baby girl she gotta practice patience
I plan on changing my ways I'm just procrastinating
Putting it off like I'll never be in a casket layin
With both my parents going crazy as the pastor's praying
Prideful, I don't even succumb when I'm defeated
All it do is get me mad, and I'm comfortable heated
I come from a family of drunks, I'm the one that succeeded
So nowadays I talk to God when nothing is needed
I'm sorry I don't speak the language of
Rappers in the closet, but they won't hang it up
I'm only trying to build what they attempt to destroy
We had a perfect game until it was Jim Joyce'd
Check it, what was once so majestic
Is now only adored by epileptics
I record to resurrect it, by my own accord I can't accept it
But when something gives you nightmares, can you afford to recollect it
If you can just know them odds stacked
Airplanes ain't shooting stars, you can't B.O.B. that
I found out when discussing paper
Some will sell their soul and deal with the repercussions later

[Chorus]
With every curve they throw
Every shot that blows, I'm still here
It be the ones that's pretending to know that really have no Idea
I just let em all go ahead and speak my name
How far you gonna reach for fame
Go ahead and fuck up your career
I don't care, cause they have no idea

[Verse 2]
So sick it's livid, all pics are vivid
A stiff of being gifted, gotta be equipped to live with
His critics, misquote him and miss tidbits
So he's mislabeled, misunderstood, misfit'd
Anytime I was misinformed or misguided
I went and got advice from a dude that wouldn't apply it
And he'll give out that lesson for free
Without a grudge, but I keep the past present with me
So every morning on the wake up, and she's applying make up
I'm pondering all the different ways for us to break u
Women have a tendency to get fickle
Predictable, lie and say his dick little
It be the ones you could see yourself with forever
Giving you a lecture talking about you neglect her
Couple years in, the strip club will upset her
And she'll act like you ain't have them same habits when you met her
When you can't take her
You start dropping hints for her to read between the lines
But she'll act like Fantasia
It'll be so much to be said but no one will convey it
The relationship will be over but no one will say it
A doomed fate, living with who you'd soon hate
Ex life partners trying to co-exist as roommates
Once you go through it you'll believe it
And you'll never give a woman more than you'll want her to leave with

[Chorus]

[Verse 3]
How can the fans think us rappers are invincible
Cant find anything about that logic that's sensible
I'm thinkin they should know better off of principle
To them we're action heroes, to labels we're Expendables
My old approach was apprehensible
Some started thinkin their 15 minutes of fame was extendable
They dont cherish the moment like they probably should
Once they star's submitted they act Hollywood
Gwapped up stacks to grip
Now you're being chauffeured in the back of whips, life style's immaculate
Out of touch with reality, I'll help you get a grasp of it
Success breeds change, but so does a lack of it
The homie's sending out subliminals,
Since you a failed rapper, failed criminal, four bars is the minimal
Since you ain't from the streets I'll help and tell you the way it works
Say a nigga snitching, I'm saying show me the paper work
I don't get why the inferior bother to diss me
Heart of my city, when I go take a part of it with me
I think god will understand that was part of my misery
So instead of "father forgive me" it's "father ya dig me?"
Spectated just to see if I'd get checkmated
Less progress brings less hatred which would segue it
I learned the hard way somethings are better kept sacred
Fail at given em your all, you'll just be left naked

[Chorus]

[Verse 1:]
Yo I see shorty on the staircase
In front of an empty beer case
Weird face
Almost like he was scared straight
Like he ain't have a care in life
Whiping tears from his eyes
That already appeared to have been cried
We chopped it, said he was adopted
And there's a lot of shit he just tucks in his closet
Real calm, said he would always feel harm
And all he wanted to do was meet his real dad and real mom
"All the nice home and clothes do is remind me
In all these years they didn't even try to find me
Nevermind love, I feel like they never liked me
If I thought there was a god I would ask the nigga WHY ME"
But some things you better off havin never knew
Maybe they wanted better for you than they could never do
You got a family, I see that you don't care for them
But love is always gonna be love no matter where it's from
What if I said your moms couldn't give birth
Contemplated leaving earth
Til you brought her life worth
Whatever you going through could always be much worse
Don't make a mistake mistaking your blessings for a curse
Told dude you in the right place, right here
Can't run to your corner when life don't wanna fight fair
Things'll become quite clear
When you decide to wake up and stop having fantasies about a nightmare

[Verse 2:]
You damn right she on a high horse
She said "don't worry bout hers nigga ride yours"
Before you talk clean your own backyard
Souped-up and sought after by the athletes and rap stars
Developing a name, creepin to fame
She quick to trade her vagina for a seat at the game
And it's so foul she don't see the shame
In the act or the fact that she view it as an equal exchange
She stay with the newest on, louis vuitton
Buying groceries with coupons, sleeping on a futon
No self-esteem to cover her lack of confidence
She get on twitter retweetin' all the compliments
Pretty face, nice strut with a nice butt
Disguise of a slut only tryin to get wifed up
But when it's party time she won't be a second late
Once she leaves V.I.P. it's back home to section eight
What confused me
Is niggas tried to kick it, but she come across bougie
In her best friends jewelry
Part-time mother
But something real shady when her 2 year old daughter
Much closer to the babysitter
Cry when she alone
Product of a broke down home
Won't change cause she already grown
Already set in her ways no need in tryin to help
Cause she rather find wealth before she can find herself

[Verse 3:]
Real quick, let me introduce ya'll to maverick
Lifetime addict who recently kicked the habit
Looking for a job companies won't let him have it
Cause his drug and gun charges up and down his whole jacket
Constantly rejected, can't deal with the aggravation
So now he scared to be honest on the application
Past caught up as every door shuts like "Sorry we can't help ya"
And then he's back home to the shelter
Nothing to lose giving up like the other minions
Pending his trail in the court of public opinion
Til he got a call from a temp agency
Said they had a void ask could he fill the vacancy
Unlike what he appears
Been employee of the month for a year
Self doubt is related to fear
And they'll never replace him
If you wanna catch up with your dreams you gotta be willing to chase them

Nothing stays the same forever.....not even me

Check this...check it

[Joe Budden - Verse 1]
Something must've changed me, n-ggas might defame me
But things that used to taint me, no longer seem to restrain me
Strangely I'm no longer sad man or angry
Shame-ably it pains me, feeling like this just ain't me
Mainly what do I tell all the people that thanked me
Mainly those who ordain me, aside from can you blame me
Motivation they was supplying me no longer providing me
Jason Williams something killed whatever was driving me
Worrying less about the past more about the now
Less about what I'm going though more about the how
It's for certain it's been 30 years being fit for hurting
Now I'm a different person with nohing to overcome in the mist of burdens
For certain, got 6 figures in my sock drawer
And honestly this year I expect to make a lot more
It's hard to live without a budget when life is corrupted
In a house thats so peaceful that I'm trying to disrupt it
Scream f**k it not because I have to but because I love it
Which makes me as fake as the puppets that I speak of disgusted
Without a paddle up sh-t's creek
Dig deep and see it ain't life it's just me
So be warned as I'm putting on like I'm deformed
Only so y'all can accept it as being my norm
Maybe I quit working on me, maybe I given up
Maybe I been lying to myself maybe I give a f-ck.

[Chorus]
It's enough to make you black out, pull a mac out
Aim it at the sky while I'm running from a black cloud
Every day we playin cat and mouse as I watch it hoverin over my glass house
It's enough to make you spazz out, pull a mac out
Aim it at the sky while I'm running from a black cloud
Tired enough for me to pass out, tired of running from the black cloud.

[Joe Budden - Verse 2]
I say it loud hoping someone can hear me clearly
Trying to make my girl get it she don't know it's very scary
But she's a nympho she can come barely near me
She still want the God and i don't think she's mary mary
The prettiest bitches they just want to service me
While n-ggas prettiest bitches wouldn't get a word from me
Some of you haven't heard from me some of you wouldn't mind murking me
Found that news funny likes its stright from Ron Burgundy
These n-ggas ain't never seen dough
They can't dream though i bump into 'em in between shows
People say im emo what that really mean though
Is though the song can't breathe I actually make it seem so
I lost loved ones because they couldn't deal with me
Cherish whoever still with me though the marriage be killed in me
Normally it's just me and my lonely mind
Everyone storm is different so this forecast is only mine
Fans recognize my misery uplifted me
Shifted me to my epitome, guess the curse is a gift to me
Maybe its serendipity, maybe it's weighing on me physically
Maybe I should man up and tell GOD not to solicit me
Been medicated, meditated
Sedated, hated
Character assassinated, all theses years I masqueraded
Hard headed, if it was on my mind I had to say it
Tongue on the devil's pitchfork to see how disaster tasted
Rap is fabricated, rappers are so exaggerated
Wouldn't be scared of the truth if they weren't castrated
Grab a mag, spray it, surrounded by people to shoot it before me
Better unconditionally love my beautiful ugly
Now lemme speak to who I cater to
Would you love me to say(or sang?), before my weeks were not favorable
Promised to maintain being unique but relatable
All while suffering from a disease that could do away with you
Poetry on the beat, spoken-word for the masses
Therapy over pro-tools, every word is on acid
Continents on Kush, every vowel is blunted
Highly wanted this whole organization privately funded
This is bigger than the Eiffle, this is alert to public
Had a cop us by our tunnels and our bridges with the rifle
Sentences meant to stifle, this is a man aching
This is the damn breaking, contraband in the making
This is panic unveiling, got potential but I never met it
He be trying to come over, it seem like GOD won't let it
Either he never got my invite or he jus dismissed it
But if all I'm hearing are the sounds of blackness, why am I pessimistic?
You'll never progress if you'll never try
All I ask, let every word I birth, never die
My wings spread, but when I'm at the sky
Weather didn't change like I thought and had me petrified.
[Chorus]

[Verse 1: ~Budden~]
Uh, I got bitches on my dick, I don't want'em there*
Closet full of brand names, I don't wanna wear.
Everybody got advice that I don't wanna hear, world in ya palm,
But you don't wanna share, still, I'm followin' you.
Are you leadin' me with the weapons drawn?
Co-dependent on her, but got me in bed alone.
You say if you love it, let it go.
Nothin' set in stone, plus every rock they throw, I use as a stepping stone.
Got questions, say the answers better left unknown.
No I may not never see you, I should know you never gone.
So I break the mirror cause, everything it's showin' me is wrong.
Grab your hand and go along, cause I'm followin' you.
Say I should be pleased, what if I'm saddened?
Always say I been through worse, what if I haven't?
But if that holds true, here's the lesson,
If you keep your head down, you might miss out on the blessing.
Sing!

[Chorus:]
I don't need the money, I don't need the fame.
I don't need the lifestyle, I don't need the pain.
I don't need the clubs, I don't need the cars.
None of that really matters to me.
I don't want the bad bitch, I don't want the strain.
I don't want the high, enough shit on the brain.
I don't want whatevers gonna help me be sane,
I just wanna follow your lead.

[Verse 2:]
You sayin', "follow my lead, follow, follow my lead"
Brought me to my knees, she must wanna holla at me.
When the world feel like swallowin' me,
When every decision costly, and I ain't got a dolla on me.
Check it, I don't wanna pretend, I don't wanna live a lie.
I don't wanna be judged,dont wanna be criticized.
I dont wanna talk, if nothin' I wanna say,
Boy, I let'em get to know me, the more they just runaway.
And that, must be your way of sayin' we should stay together.
I know how to fuck it up, more then I can make it better.
I figured folk around me would learn to take it better,
Instead of tryna change me, I been this way forever.
Time will reveal, more will be shown.
You pushed it, I thought the door closed on it's own.
But uh, nevermind what caused it, livin' a dream,
Nothin' in this world powerful enough to pause it.
Sing!

[Chorus:]
I don't need the money, I don't need the fame.
I don't need the lifestyle, I don't need the pain.
I don't need the clubs, I don't need the cars.
None of that really matters to me.
I don't want the bad bitch, I don't want the strain.
I don't want the high, enough shit on the brain.
I don't want whatevers gonna help me be sane,
I just wanna follow your lead.

[Verse 3:]
Sayin' "follow my lead, follow, follow my lead."
Cig in my mouth, perscription bottle by me.
And even when I think you might be making a mistake,
I may not know the destination but I make it there safe.
Check it, when I feel like I can't get weaker, uh
You always come and make a cameo or feature.
I'm good with my insanity and fevers
Cause Pac's looking from heaven saying "They ain't understand me neither"
Alotta times you leave me exposed,
And laugh at me, still thinking I could be in control.
Help me weather the storm, altogether I ain't norm.
Cause I always disagree, though you aint never been wrong.
Listen, I was feeling nearly unstoppable,
And now I'm facing what appeared to be impossible.
Feeling unimportant enough to have to bother you.
But I'm down here alone nigga, all I got is you.

[Chorus:]
I don't need the money, I don't need the fame.
I don't need the lifestyle, I don't need the pain.
I don't need the clubs, I don't need the cars.
None of that really matters to me.
I don't want the bad bitch, I don't want the strain.
I don't want the high, enough shit on the brain.
I don't want whatevers gonna help me be sane,
I just wanna follow your lead.

[Female voice:]
Uh, follow my lead.
Ohhh, follow my lead.

[Joell Ortiz:]
(Check it, YAOWA)
I can't fit it all in a 16,
The night that I was tipsy,
And all them bullets just missed me.
The day they rushed the block,
I was strapped, but they didn't frisk me.
Why I ain't fuck that stripper?
Don't ask, and now she sick B.
The drop on that jewelry store for 50.
And I backed out last minute like "nah, this shit look risky"
One of my mans dead, the other one in pikipsy?
'nother one in the feds, he'll be there until he's sixty.
I wanna thank you for the blessings and the gifts.
And the lessons and the messages they left, I get the drift.
Fuck the cheddar or whatever, it don't measure up to this.
I mean, never did I ever not remember you exsist.
When I hop up out my bed, here's together,
And our wish, is what you is from the heart,
Inside my chest, you let it tick.
I love you from my soul, with every spiritual molecule.
Fuck twitter, all a nigga gotta do is follow you.

[Chorus:]
I don't need the money, I don't need the fame.
I don't need the lifestyle, I don't need the pain.
I don't need the clubs, I don't need the cars.
None of that really matters to me.
I don't want the bad bitch, I don't want the strain.
I don't want the high, enough shit on the brain.
I don't want whatevers gonna help me be sane,
I just wanna follow your lead.

When the night falls, and the smoke clears
Millions of miles away, yet they so near
I remember memories, so I'm never lead astray
When tomorrow comes I know it's only due to yesterday
Without a boundary, check my latitute
New attitude, see I'm grateful for having grattitude
I'm not complacent, but got no regrets
Few hatin niggas want to see me regress
Deep breath, life is too short for me to be stressed
Interpret ice grillin and their way of sayin he's blessed
You wanna hate, I got my own show, be my guest
Remember doctors used to tell me I was depressed
At the time was dating a model with double d chest
Till I thought, then she laughed that shit off and said these's F's
Before I bought my first gun, was already armed
Teach you bout coof, little bit of class heavy charm
Used to get my laughs(?), for a nice chain, heavy charm
High school drop out, but went to every prom
Now everyone I went to high school with
They 30 years plus still on some high school shit
Seems like all the fly niggas, and bitches that was well off
Is junk head high niggas, all the bitches fell off
From surgery, rappin to niggas that never heard of me
Burglaries, dappin up niggas that want to murder me
If you close minded, I call that an emergency
Blind fold yourself as if there's nothin more to further see
Honestly that's absurd to me
If the sky is the limit then where is the urgency
I embrace life, I'm so carefree
I won't judge y'all if you don't care to be
Just know no matter who you are, the right system
Can turn a role player into a superstar
I'm talking rock bottom, a whole 'nother teir
Stuck in the moment made me move to a whole 'nother year
How'd I become straight forward, no baggage
Y'all can run from the past, I'ma make my way towards it
Nigga I remember stage fright
Back when I didn't know if I could rock the stage right
Who knew I'd end up being the nicest
My point, hard to come up short when shit is priceless
Hard to come up short when shit is priceless

I can't explain it, I just gotta embrace it
But something got me feeling this way
Instead of running, I'm waiting here for it
Cause nothin ever felt this great
I'm stuck in the moment
Stuck in the moment, the moment
Stuck in the moment, the moment
Stuck in the moment

If all else fails, I'll get back to what I know
Rachet for my foes, watching for it fallin take a stab at it was snow
Long john jacket for the cold
Some habits are hard to outgrow
I work so hard you think the studio's my lodge inn
If all else fails
I don't have a doubt that I'd be back in that studio apartment
Getting it in, closet size living room, and the kitchen's my den
Playing lotto hoping numbers will save the day
Back to price checking, back to layaways
Since I ain't never hit nothing like a bad fadeaway
Back to the corner, takin a bag of haze to face
Basic flow, when I tried to get my cake to grow
I hit the pawn shop and turn into Trader Joe
Shiesty kid, yack ya jewels while they glistenin
Snatch the hearing aid from a senior, while they're listening
If all else fails, don't know where I'd be
Scratch that, probably at home, nowhere to be
Or probably fuckin a broad that, I treat like a floor mat
Ugly enough to cover her face when the ?
And that's a step down from my New York rat
They ride it like a horse's back, with the horseback
But it won't fail so if you try to rob the kid
Banana clips by the bed will put a stop to it
Nevermind that, first you gotta beat the guard
I can change the channel on my tv and see my yard
If it all failed, I'm ready for the sham
Forging fake checks screamin "Catch Me If You Can"
If all else fails, I'd be out pullin Jerz capers
Knowing me I'd be best friends with my worst haters
I'd be dustin off the AR or be behind state bars
For jackin a bait car
If all failed, I'd be back in them block cyphers
Just to show these local niggas I'm a lot nicer
Cause the less you succeed the more you loved for it
While the more you achieve the more you snubbed for it
If all else failed and my pockets were empty
Everything I despised I'd probably envy
Ignorant shit rappers floss that offends me
Cause I wouldn't be able to attain it, it would tempt me
Frontin' in my mans Maserati
I might bag something with a modest body, from a college party
Next morning hung over so she don't remember
I'd deck my whole crib out from Rent-A-Center
If all else failed and I didn't get a break yet
I'd get unemployment while collecting a paycheck
Would it mean I wasn't build for the bright lights
Say goodbye to front row seats and fight night
If it all failed I'd have a pretty common future
From a Chart House nigga to a ramen noodler
Would my girl say you no longer attract me
Pack up all her shit and head south with an athlete
My name would hold no wait so I'd lose the perks
OD on Oxycontin, abuse the percs
I'd be a felon getting my scriptures tatted on
First 48 star getting ratted on
If all else fails I wouldn't take precaution
New hoopty every month would be my way of flossin
And the crib would be an all night party
With 6 baby moms that I Jet on like Lombardi
Fantasizing the girls I coulda dated
Pull the burner ? on the ones that coulda made it
I'd be the only one that cared
Am I just reciting my fears as they appear
Shouldn't even put the idea in the air
Cause it's not possible, let's make that clear BABY!