Something Wrong With The Podcast – Episode 32
Jussie Smollett Netflix Doc and Drake’s Obsession With Tupac
Host: Julian Delgado
Date: August 26, 2025

Episode Overview

On this episode, Julian Delgado dives straight into reflections on the new Netflix documentary about Jussie Smollett, dissecting its narrative choices, revelations, and broader cultural consequences. The conversation then pivots to Drake’s unrivaled (and controversial) Tupac memorabilia collection, analyzing motives, subtext, and hot takes across hip-hop culture. Throughout, Julian sprinkles in comedic therapy, candid reviews of films he’s seen, commentary on current events (from Walmart shrimp to wrestling brawls), and approachable life advice—all in his signature raw, humorous tone.

Key Segments and Discussion Points

1. Jussie Smollett Netflix Doc Review

[00:06 – 12:30]

• Immediate Reaction: Julian begins the episode right after watching the Jussie Smollett documentary:

  “I wanted to press record while it’s fresh in my head. Literally just flipped the switch, got on camera as soon as I finished.” (00:08)

• Doc’s Structure & Storytelling:

  • Praises the narrative’s structure with video evidence leading to Jussie’s conviction, but highlights a twist: two journalists uncover ten seconds of scrubbed footage, causing new doubts.
  • The doc ends with interviewees projecting their perceptions onto ambiguous video evidence:

    “You’re seeing people like, perceive their notion on what they want the reality to be… which is pretty interesting.” (00:56)

• Julian’s Judgment:

  • Bluntly concludes, “Jussie lied and he is guilty for what he did. But that does not excuse the Chicago Police Department in their awful track record...” (01:29)
  • Points to mutual distrust; both Smollett and CPD painted as “two independent bodies of pieces of shit.” (02:19)

• Wider Context:

  • Connects Smollett’s actions to dilution of real victims during the #MeToo era, referencing the accusation against Aziz Ansari.
  • References the Laquan McDonald case, police cover-ups, and institutional racism/abuse:

    “16 shots into a man that was, you know, walking in the street... Then you find out the police department went to the local Burger King, grabbed the footage, and scrubbed it.” (03:58)

• Leveraging Identity:

  • Criticizes Smollett for weaponizing his identity and struggles:

    “To leverage your stake in minority-ship as a black man, as a gay black man, and you’re just putting those cards… to get people to feel sorry for me, which is what he did.” (05:50)

• Aftermath:

  • Details Smollett’s sentencing: $120,000 fine, $25,000 fee, probation, and jail time.
  • Judges the doc as well done and feels public skepticism was always justified.

2. Drake’s Tupac Obsession & Hip-Hop Culture’s Ownership Debate

[12:40 – 23:00]

• Recent Acquisitions:

  • Drake buys Tupac’s Death Row chain for $500k, following last year’s million-dollar crown ring purchase:

    “Drake has had a lifetime affinity for Pac… what was a collector has maybe flipped a switch and now become collecting out of spite.” (12:44)

• Petty Motivations & Cultural Tension:

  • Suggests Drake now collects as a strategic ‘troll’ after Kendrick Lamar’s diss referencing the ring.
  • Reflects on how this stokes “a whole sect of the internet.”

• Ownership & Access:

  • Argues that criticism of Drake for buying hip-hop memorabilia should be directed at sellers, not buyers:

    “If you really care this much… then don’t sell to him. But Drake could just be like, here’s more money, stop the bidding. It’s mine.” (15:37)

• Culture Gatekeeping:

  • Pushes back on claims about Drake “not being part of the culture”:

    “He can only buy his way into blackness… That’s not the argument that should be had right now.” (18:00)

• Personal Take on Collecting:

  • Ends the segment by connecting Drake’s collecting to his own experience with sentimental jewelry—a reminder to “wear your shit” and not let collecting become just hoarding.

3. Quick Culture Reviews: Movies & Music

[23:05 – 26:45]

• Movies:

  • Matinee of “Relay”: “Not great...limited script,” main actor (from The Night Of) barely speaks for 30+ minutes.
  • “Honey Don’t” (Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Evans): Produced by a Coen brother but disappointing. If you want the full review, check Julian’s Letterboxd.

• Music & Social Life:

  • Shouts out Dijon’s new album for park listening (“great album, great park music”), plus Lucky Daye, Kaytranada, Tame Impala.
  • Park day with a multicultural group, good food, long hours in Prospect Park:

    “Let me get on a JBL in the park. I cooked.” (27:12)

  • Encourages listeners to “photosynthesize—get outside and get some sun. It is the most underrated part of what we need.” (29:40)

4. Wild Stories & Real Talk

[26:45 – 31:00]

• Walmart Shrimp Recall:

  • Eviscerates Walmart for recalled shrimp, suggesting buying fresh food there is a mistake:

    “If you were eating great value shrimp, you need to get your stomach pumped. Or reevaluate your life decisions.” (26:58)

  • Only recommendation: buy non-perishables there.

• Home Cooking:

  • Praises Lebanese za’atar seasoning and shares a quick recipe for za’atar chicken, baked veggies, with lebani—a home-cooked meal that makes him happy.

• Rampage & Raja Jackson Incident:

  • Discusses disturbing viral video of Rampage Jackson’s son, Raja, knocking someone out in a wrestling match and unleashing further violence.
  • Reads Rampage’s official statement, which claims Raja was hit first and shouldn’t have participated due to a concussion.
  • Critiques social media’s “policing” and lack of nuance:

    “The Twitter police, I want to emphasize police, because people on Twitter operate like police in real life... There is no ability to have a discourse... Always, shoot, shoot, shoot with your words and knock this person down...” (30:18 – 30:59)

  • Emphasizes the cycle of rage, public shame, and hopes Raja gets the help he needs.

• News Sidebars:

  • Trump’s “bad hand” photos and conspiracies about his health/adrenochrome.
  • Frustration over the Epstein files not being released.

• Modeling Life:

  • Quick update on recent modeling shoots (for a men’s grooming brand), the recurring “shower scene,” and the importance of having a good agent (beard fee negotiation anecdote).

Memorable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• “You’re looking at the battle of the liars.” (00:34)
• “All these guys are pieces of shit. So you’re just looking at two independent bodies of pieces of shit, Jussie and the CPD.” (02:19)
• “We have Kendrick on it—well then Kendrick should have bought it. That’s kind of what I’m getting at. The guy can do whatever… it’s his fucking money.” (19:53)
• “You shouldn’t be able to buy a pound of shrimp and then 30 feet away, buy new snow tires.” (27:06)
• “Take your stuff out for a spin. Why not?” (21:37)
• “You gotta photosynthesize. You gotta get outside and get some sun.” (29:40)
• “People on Twitter operate like police in real life… It’s an awful, sick cycle that does nothing more than hurt everybody involved.” (30:28)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• [00:06] — Opening, Jussie Smollett doc reaction
• [05:50] — Connection between Jussie case, #MeToo, and Laquan McDonald
• [12:40] — Drake’s Tupac memorabilia spree & hip-hop culture
• [21:37] — Julian on sentimental jewelry ("Take your stuff out for a spin.")
• [23:05] — Quick movie and music reviews
• [26:45] — Walmart, food safety, and home cooking advice
• [29:40] — The power of park days and sunlight
• [30:18–30:59] — Social media, rage, and the Raja Jackson incident

Overall Tone & Closing

Julian maintains his classic, unfiltered, irreverent style, blending cultural critique with personal anecdotes and lighthearted self-deprecation. The episode covers a wide swath of topics, weaving in commentary on justice, hip-hop, internet culture, lifestyle advice, and laughter.

For listeners:
If you want authentic takes on hot-button culture stories, comedic wellness real talk, and some solid movie reccs (and warnings), this week’s SWWP brings it all—no filter, all vibes, and always something a little bit “wrong.”