Joe Budden's song "Anti" is a reflection of his feelings of isolation and frustration within the music industry and society as a whole. The lyrics express his resistance to conforming to societal norms and his disdain for the fake personas often found in the rap game. In the song, Joe opens up about his struggles to understand why he has become so anti-social and detached from others. He questions the authenticity of rap artists and their emotional vulnerability, implying that many are putting on facades to appeal to fans. He also touches on his own personal insecurities and addictive tendencies, using substances as a coping mechanism. Joe addresses the fear of speaking the truth and not being accepted by others. He criticizes other artists who claim to be prepared for violence but are just posturing for their image. He also alludes to his own reputation and warns others not to underestimate him. The song also touches on Joe's experiences in the music industry, expressing frustration with being overlooked and unappreciated. He criticizes older artists who have not evolved and adapted to the changing music landscape, and he questions his own place in the industry. Overall, "Anti" is a introspective and raw depiction of Joe Budden's personal struggles, frustrations, and observations about the music industry and society. Through his lyrics, he seeks to express his true self and reject the expectations placed upon artists in the industry.
