The song "Escape Route (Intro)" by Joe Budden is a rap track that serves as the opening song to his mixtape titled "Escape Route." The lyrics depict Joe Budden expressing his personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences throughout his career in the music industry. He starts by acknowledging his reputation as a controversial and misunderstood artist, comparing his mindset to that of a psychotic person. He mentions how he feels trapped in his own mind but doesn't mind the struggles that come with it. Joe Budden also references his appearance on Joe Budden TV, a web-based series he created, and mentions how people judge and criticize him unjustly. The lyrics touch upon his past struggles with substance abuse but states he has overcome them, unlike others who continue to suffer from addiction. He also reflects on feeling left behind by others who have found success while he remained stagnant. Joe Budden asserts that he doesn't care about others' opinions and tells them to keep their thoughts to themselves. He expresses self-destructive tendencies and finds pleasure in things that harm him. Despite this, he hopes the world can understand and excuse his actions. Joe Budden also comments on the scrutiny that hip-hop artists often face and implies that it has led to tragic situations for some. The song delves into Joe Budden's internal demons and the desire to prove himself through his music. He mentions his admiration for karma and acknowledges the contradicting nature of his journey. Joe Budden often feels misunderstood and confronts the demons that reside within him. He remains defiant and challenges anyone who dares to oppose him. The lyrics also touch on his experiences growing up and his hesitancy to associate with younger artists. He paints a picture of himself as a rebel with a cause. Joe Budden expresses his feelings of being watched and surrounded by individuals who possess an intimidating presence, comparing them to the mythical creature Medusa. He concludes the song by acknowledging the need for change and the pain he has endured, physically and emotionally. Despite the challenges, he remains unafraid and disregards societal rules and expectations. The outro features rallying cries and affirmations, emphasizing Joe Budden's determination and confidence in his abilities. Overall, "Escape Route (Intro)" serves as an introduction to Joe Budden's mindset and experiences, shedding light on his personal struggles, self-expression, and defiance against societal norms.
