Joe and Jada Podcast Summary: BEST OF MAY – Tupac & Biggie Stories, Jada's Iconic Verzuz, Joe's Courtside Knicks Seats
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Hosts: Fat Joe and Jadakiss
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
1. Introduction to the Show's Origins
Timestamp: [02:12] – [05:24]
Joe Budden and Jadakiss kick off the episode by addressing questions from listeners about how "Joe and Jada" came to be. They clarify that the idea for their show originated about five years ago, predating many other sports and music podcasts.
Jadakiss:
"[...] Before any other rappers were doing sports shows or whatever, the thing me and Jada, it's true, it was we were supposed to do a sports show."
[02:24]
They emphasize their commitment to authenticity, stating that their perspective is genuine and based on real-life experiences within the entertainment and music industries.
Jadakiss:
"We're gonna talk about our perspective and what's going on in life. And some people seem to like it."
[04:54]
2. Reflections on Hip-Hop Legends: Tupac and Biggie
Timestamp: [07:39] – [16:14]
The conversation delves into the legendary careers of Tupac Shakur and Christopher Wallace (Biggie Smalls). Jadakiss shares personal anecdotes about witnessing the creation of Biggie’s iconic tracks and Tupac’s profound influence on hip-hop.
Jadakiss:
"When we talk about the perfect emcee, the perfect rapper, the perfect performer, entertainer, DMX shows."
[11:09]
Joe Budden discusses the rivalry and mutual respect between Tupac and Jay-Z, highlighting their artistic differences and how Tupac regarded Jay-Z as a superior emcee.
Joe Budden:
"[...] Jay Z's better than you. He's an emcee. He's like a poet."
[06:08]
They recount their experiences in the studio during the making of Biggie’s "Life After Death" album, emphasizing the collaborative environment and the authenticity of the recordings.
Joe Budden:
"We was one of the fortunate artists to be featured on Life After Death. There's only a couple features on there, so we love Big forever."
[09:44]
3. Joe's Exclusive Courtside Knicks Seats
Timestamp: [12:37] – [17:45]
Joe Budden shares his unique experience of securing courtside seats at New York Knicks games. He describes the high demand for these tickets amidst the influx of celebrities and the challenges of obtaining and maintaining such exclusive access.
Jadakiss:
"There's too many superstars in New York City [...] It’s hard to get a ticket. [...] That shit was 54,000 a seat. That's crazy."
[13:41 – 14:05]
Joe explains the logistics of his seating arrangements, humorously recounting instances where other celebrities like 50 Cent disrupted his courtside experience by sitting nearby.
Joe Budden:
"A Knicks floor seat experience is like a bucket list item you can cross off."
[14:22]
4. Emcee vs. Rapper: Defining the Roles
Timestamp: [07:39] – [08:52]
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on differentiating between an emcee and a rapper. Joe Budden defines an emcee as someone who can control and engage the crowd, perform diversely across genres, and embody broader entertainment roles.
Joe Budden:
"An emcee is what it means. You controlling the maestro. You can do anything. [...] A rap is just playing with words."
[07:39 – 08:12]
Jadakiss adds that real emcees possess the ability to connect deeply with their audience, whereas rappers may focus more narrowly on lyrical prowess.
Jadakiss:
"Jad Complains about how some rappers get commercialized and lose their authentic emcee roots."
[08:17 – 08:27]
5. Stories from the Hip-Hop Scene: DMX and Beyond
Timestamp: [16:14] – [31:54]
Joe and Jadakiss recount their interactions with DMX, highlighting his charismatic yet volatile personality. They share intense moments from performances and behind-the-scenes encounters, portraying DMX as both a fierce competitor and a loyal friend.
Jadakiss:
"We were at the Grammys with guns on us [...] DMX stuck a lot of niggas."
[31:03 – 31:14]
Joe narrates a harrowing experience where DMX saved their lives during a dangerous situation in Los Angeles, reinforcing the deep bonds formed within the hip-hop community.
Joe Budden:
"DMX saved my life. That was crazy."
[31:54]
6. The Challenges of Fame: Relationships and Financial Struggles
Timestamp: [51:42] – [65:59]
The hosts transition to discussing the complexities of maintaining personal relationships amidst fame and financial pressures. They critique the superficial nature of modern relationships in the entertainment industry, emphasizing the transactional aspects that often overshadow genuine love.
Jadakiss:
"I don't believe in true love no more [...] it's all a business agreement."
[53:00]
Joe expresses concern over athletes and celebrities entering marriages without strong foundations, predicting inevitable divorces driven by financial and personal disputes.
Joe Budden:
"If you think the record label's coming to bail you out, you know, I know they support you at the beginning or whatever."
[64:38]
They share stories of friends and acquaintances who faced sudden divorces and financial losses, underscoring the precariousness of life in the spotlight.
7. Personal Health and Well-being in the Spotlight
Timestamp: [71:43] – [73:59]
Joe and Jadakiss touch upon the importance of maintaining physical health and mental well-being despite the demands of their careers. They share humorous yet insightful anecdotes about their struggles with maintaining fitness and avoiding unhealthy habits.
Jadakiss:
"I can't sniff a mountain of cocaine at 50 something years old. You think you're Tony Montana at 30."
[70:57 – 71:39]
Joe jokes about flying coach and the unexpected situations that arise, highlighting the less glamorous aspects of celebrity life.
Joe Budden:
"I pray, God, please don't put me in coach."
[68:43 – 68:51]
8. Honoring Hip-Hop Legends and Their Legacy
Timestamp: [36:12] – [38:50]
In the latter part of the episode, the hosts pay tribute to Tupac Shakur, acknowledging his profound impact on hip-hop and his enduring legacy. They reflect on Tupac's activism, lyrical genius, and the tragic circumstances surrounding his death.
Jadakiss:
"Tupac Shakur, one of the most prolific rappers in the world [...] every time I saw Tupac."
[60:47 – 61:58]
Joe adds that Tupac's commitment to his art and community set a standard for future generations, lamenting the lack of support he received from record labels during his legal battles.
Joe Budden:
"If you think the record label's coming to bail you out, [...] you want to bail out of Death Row, right?"
[63:48 – 64:17]
9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Timestamp: [73:59] – [76:09]
As the episode wraps up, Joe and Jadakiss reiterate the importance of staying true to oneself amidst fame and adversity. They emphasize the need for continual personal growth and resilience in the face of industry pressures.
Jadakiss:
"I love how we talked about his family, his son and all that. He appreciates us."
[30:20]
Joe Budden:
"We got love out here. You gotta keep the love."
[30:13]
They close the episode by highlighting their ongoing commitment to providing authentic and insightful content for their listeners, honoring the legacy of hip-hop legends while navigating their own paths in the industry.
Notable Quotes Summary
-
Jadakiss on Authenticity:
"We're gonna talk about our perspective and what's going on in life. And some people seem to like it."
[04:54] -
Joe Budden on Emcees vs. Rappers:
"An emcee is what it means. You controlling the maestro. You can do anything. A rap is just playing with words."
[07:39 – 08:12] -
Jadakiss on Modern Relationships:
"I don't believe in true love no more [...] It's all a business agreement."
[53:00] -
Joe Budden on Life Preservation:
"DMX saved my life. That was crazy."
[31:54] -
Jadakiss on Maintaining Health:
"I can't sniff a mountain of cocaine at 50 something years old. You think you're Tony Montana at 30."
[70:57 – 71:39] -
Jadakiss on Tupac’s Legacy:
"Tupac Shakur, one of the most prolific rappers in the world [...] every time I saw Tupac."
[60:47 – 61:58] -
Joe Budden on Staying True:
"We got love out here. You gotta keep the love."
[30:13]
This episode of "Joe and Jada" offers a rich tapestry of stories and insights from Fat Joe and Jadakiss, weaving together personal anecdotes with broader reflections on hip-hop culture, legacy, and the complexities of life in the limelight. For listeners who haven’t tuned in, this summary encapsulates the essence of their candid and heartfelt conversations, celebrating the past while navigating the present.