Podcast Summary: Joe and Jada
Episode: Tamar Braxton on Fat Joe's APOLOGY for Toni-Birdman rumor, Cash Money Verzuz, reality TV
Date: January 1, 2026
Hosts: Fat Joe ("Joe Crack"), Jadakiss
Guest: Tamar Braxton
Episode Overview
This episode features Grammy-nominated singer, reality TV star, and actress Tamar Braxton. Joe and Jada dive deep into family dynamics, music industry tales, Tamar’s new film and album, relationships, gender roles, and the enduring influence of R&B. The conversation is lively, candid, and very much in the spirit of hip-hop culture, authenticity, and humor.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Family, Legacy & The “Black Sheep” (03:10–05:04)
- Tamar reflects on being the youngest and the "black sheep" in the Braxton family. She credits much of her drive to her sister Toni Braxton.
- Quote: “I think I got it from Tony. I got a lot of my hustle from Tony.” — Tamar (05:04)
- Joe relates as a black sheep in his own family, noting the unique ambition it creates.
2. Joe’s Apology about the Toni-Birdman Rumor (05:08–07:10)
- Fat Joe apologizes for repeating rumors about Toni Braxton and Birdman’s relationship status on his show, acknowledging it wasn’t accurate.
- Quote: “I want to apologize to you and your sister because that wasn’t accurate.” — Joe (05:34)
- Tamar clarifies that Birdman is her real-life brother-in-law and she introduced Toni and Birdman.
3. The Emotion & Reality of Verzuz Battles (06:39–07:30)
- Joe describes the emotional weight of musical legacies being on the line during Verzuz, specifically referencing Birdman and the Braxtons.
- Tamar dispels tabloid rumors about her and Birdman, emphasizing family loyalty and dismissing gossip about dating him.
4. Reality TV, Relationships, and Image (07:45–14:09)
- Joe shares his complex view of reality TV, noting he always watched the Braxtons, especially rooting for Tamar.
- Tamar and Joe discuss the dynamic of women with powerful partners not always getting the support or “hit songs” they deserve from producer spouses.
- Quote: “When women get with super producers... the guy never really slide them the hit, right?” — Joe (08:54)
- Tamar responds, crediting Vince for her hit “Love and War” but notes these dynamics aren’t unique to her.
5. Hood Dudes, Relationships, and Respect (10:06–15:00)
- Deep dive into preferences in partners—Tamar admits she likes a hood dude who can “hold his own.”
- Quote: “I like a man that wanna show me off. And hood dudes like that.” — Tamar (10:28)
- Joe and Tamar unpack gender roles, financial dynamics, and respect—relating stories about men who feel intimidated by women with “the bag.”
- Tamar shares insights on how she “upgrades” her partners but wants a man to retain his sense of self and respect.
- Quote: “I want him to feel that way because he’s him.” — Tamar (13:18)
6. The Challenge of Staying Relatable Despite Fame (18:42–20:48)
- Joe admires Tamar’s ability to retain a connection to the streets despite the Braxtons’ success, a challenge for many.
- Tamar attributes her relatability to her reality TV career and Baltimore roots, contrasting her journey with Toni’s more “upper echelon” path.
7. Tamar’s Top Musical Influences (20:48–25:20)
- Tamar’s favorite singers include Mariah Carey, Tank, Beyoncé, Brandy, and gospel legends like Kim Burrell and Darrell Walls.
- Quote: “Mariah Carey is my favorite singer, period.” — Tamar (20:57)
- Discussion on icons, vocal influences, and the art of performance, with shoutouts to R&B and gospel greats.
8. New Projects: Film & Album “Heartbreak Retrograde” (40:16–56:04)
- Tamar details her new film (based on personal experiences with infidelity and accountability) and ties it to her new music.
- She performs “Love Me,” a powerful ballad about regret, empowerment, and healing.
- Quote: “This album is about the female version of taking accountability for infidelity.” — Tamar (40:39)
- “I owed that other person…a huge apology.” — Tamar (41:51)
Notable Musical Moment:
- Live listening to “Love Me” (49:06–51:59), with Tamar’s vocals receiving enthusiastic praise from the hosts.
- Quote: “Beautiful, classic Braxton tone.” — Joe (52:28)
9. Accountable Womanhood & Growth (52:53–54:09)
- Tamar openly discusses her personal growth, accountability in relationships, and how gender roles play out differently when women have financial power.
- “You have to watch the film. It’s really, really, really good because it gives both sides” — Tamar (53:08)
- “We blame y’all for everything. And it be us.” — Tamar (52:53)
10. The Independent Artist Hustle & Ownership (65:01–67:24)
- Joe, Jada, and Tamar talk business, emphasizing the importance of independence in music and the pitfalls of major label contracts.
- Quote: “It’s on your labels, your boss. You’re putting out your own shit. Yes, that’s how we supposed to be Ride.” — Joe (65:10)
- Tamar and Joe bond over owning the process and not letting “major label mafia” determine their value.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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Joe’s heartfelt apology about Birdman/Toni (05:34):
- “I want to apologize to you and your sister because that wasn’t accurate.”
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Tamar on relationships and confidence (12:08):
- “I feel like a man gives you your confidence. And so, like a hood guy, like, who come from nothing, who really built himself up to have—he really built himself up.”
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Tamar dismisses tired rumors (07:39):
- “I dated him and I'm gonna introduce him to my sister? No, we not dirty birds. We don't do that.”
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Joe on supporting women with ‘the bag’ (17:25):
- “I wouldn't have no problem with being with a woman that's a billionaire. No, I'm keeping it a buck with you.”
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Song moment: Tamar’s “Love Me” (49:06–51:59):
- “Beautiful, classic Braxton tone.” — Joe
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Tamar on accountability (52:53):
- “Yeah, we blame y’all for everything. And it be us.”
Important Segments (Timestamps)
- Family/“Black Sheep” Dynamic: 03:10–05:04
- Joe’s Public Apology re: Birdman/Toni Braxton: 05:08–07:10
- Reality TV & the Braxtons: 07:45–09:53
- On Producer Relationships and “The Hit”: 08:54–09:53
- Real Talk on Hood Dudes & Respect: 10:06–15:00
- Relatability & Fame/Hood Roots: 18:42–20:48
- Tamar’s Favorite Singers/Top Five: 20:48–25:20
- Tamar’s Film & Healing through Music: 40:16–56:04
- Debut of “Love Me” (full song): 49:06–51:59
- Independent Music Business & Major Labels: 65:01–67:24
Final Notes & Tone
The episode blends depth, realness, and comedy—a signature of Joe and Jada’s style. Tamar is open about personal evolution, relationships, and the business of music, and the hosts offer unfiltered perspective on both the industry and broader cultural topics. The banter stays genuine, with healthy doses of laughter and wisdom for listeners curious about fame, respect, and making it in the modern music world.
