The song "Real Life In Rap" by Joe Budden is a criticism of rappers who portray a false image of themselves in their music. The lyrics express Joe Budden's frustration with artists who talk about violence and criminal activities in their songs, but have never actually experienced these things in real life. The chorus, repeated twice, emphasizes Joe Budden's dislike for these individuals who confuse reality with their rap persona. He warns them not to get it "fucked up" and pretend to be something they're not. Throughout the verses, Joe Budden calls out these rappers for their lack of authenticity. He states that he only speaks about what he has actually lived and experienced, unlike them. He criticizes their empty threats and boasts about guns and violence, pointing out that they have never truly faced danger. Joe Budden also sheds light on the hypocrisy of these rappers, noting that they often talk about making money with dangerous individuals but find it amusing as they aren't involved in any actual criminal activities. He ridicules their claims of being involved in street life while they hide away in studios and focus solely on their music careers. The song highlights the gap between the portrayal of a tough, dangerous image in rap music and the reality of these artists' lives. Joe Budden challenges these pretenders to stay true to themselves and not mislead their audience. Overall, "Real Life In Rap" serves as a critique of fake personas in hip-hop and the need for artists to remain genuine and authentic in their storytelling.
