Joe Budden (Getty)Joe Budden has earned a rep as a hot head, always at odds with someone whether video vixen Tahiry, members of the Wu Tang Clan, 2 Chainz, Fabolous, Consequence, etc.
But the New Jersey rapper offers some insight into things that irk him on “Castles” from his album No Love Lost, released Tuesday.
Budden talks betrayal on the somber, piano-driven ballad.
The Love & Hip Hop New York star expresses disappointment that some of the people close to him used him for his financial well being.
Budden starts the song with “My cash started shrinking” and explains how things fell apart.
[Related: Master P Talks Beyoncé Super Bowl Illuminati Rumors, Advice For Chris Brown]
Budden raps, “A pretty good judge of character, maybe I mistaked a few. Cut some people off. I had no choice. It’s what they made me do.”
Budden states that he was disappointed that particular nameless individuals took advantage of him because it was not necessary because he would have given it to them.
Then he put things in perspective. Though rap artists boast about their cars, clothes, money, jewelry – and even women – Budden distinguishes himself.
“Y’all can have the cars, have the clothes. Take all that sh-t I don’t love. I’m learning fast that recognition is its own drug.”
Budden then flips the script, asking those fake friends, if they will still be around when he isn’t so popular. Then he remembers the time he was battling drugs and “nobody would call when I was the only one they were ruining.”
[Related: Jermaine Dupri on So So Def Recordings' 20 Year Reunion]
Budden keeps his cool, even though he is clearly down.
He closes the song with a poignant statement. He’s grateful that he’s learned another life lesson. “Love isn’t lost,” he rhymes, referencing the album title. “I know exactly where I put it at.”
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter.
Preach.