Podcast Summary: Something Wrong With The Podcast

Episode: SWWP #39 – Drake Lawsuit Dropped & Diddy Sentencing

Host: Julian Delgado
Date: October 14, 2025

Overview

In Episode 39, Julian Delgado delivers his signature mix of unfiltered cultural commentary and comedic “unlicensed therapy.” The episode centers on two major entertainment legal stories: the dismissal of Drake's lawsuit against Universal Music Group (regarding Kendrick Lamar's diss track) and Sean "Diddy" Combs’ recent sentencing. Julian weaves in personal anecdotes, NBA takes, a film review, and updates on his own life—maintaining a candid, irreverent tone throughout.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Knicks Meltdown & Madison Square Garden Shenanigans

(00:00–12:50)

• Recap of a dismal Knicks preseason game at MSG
  • Knicks lost badly to the Wizards; the bench rotation was “just as bad, if not worse than last year.”
  • Starters sat; key players present but in street clothes.
  • Humorous despair over Knicks’ struggles and cautious optimism:

    “We are the favorite in the East. I think we're gonna win the East this year.” (11:18)

• Timeout Tic Tac Toe Game Stole the Show
  • Julian ecstatically recounts a dramatic fan competition as the night’s true highlight.
  • Vivid play-by-play:

    “White guy versus black guy, by the way. So you know who we’re rooting for. … The white guy lunges, like, full on, like reaching for the pylon to touch the football … slams it at the same time blocking the other guy’s piece with his rib.” (06:02)

  • Both contestants hug afterward, with Julian reflecting:

    “Small things like that go a long way. We need to see more interactions like that. Two strangers coming together in a competitive spirit … having the spotlight on them.” (09:30)

• Knicks gear & personal purchases
  • Julian shares his excitement about acquiring a new Knicks hat and glasses.

2. Music News – Drake’s Lawsuit Against UMG/Kendrick Lamar Dismissed

(12:51–34:00)

• Suit Background & Dismissal
  • Drake sued Universal Music Group over Kendrick’s diss track “Not Like Us,” alleging defamation.
  • Judge dismissed the case, arguing that accusations made in rap battles are “fiery rhetoric or hyperbole,” not statements of fact.
  • Julian reads key lines from Judge Vargas:

    “Although the accusation the plaintiff is a pedophile is certainly a serious one, the broader context of a heated rap battle with incendiary language and offensive accusations … would not incite the reasonable listener to believe … that ‘Not Like Us’ imparts verifiable facts about the plaintiff.” (23:31, quoting the judge)

• Hip-Hop, Litigation, and Free Speech
  • Julian sides with the court, lampooning those who took the diss at face value.

    “No way. Lying in rap.” (15:43) “It’s amazing when you have someone that is proficient in litigation speak on a matter that could not be more clean, clear, and cut.” (25:54)

  • Reflects on the double standard of free speech and references broader debates (“…our freedom of speech has been under attack…”).
• Reaction to Drake’s plans to appeal
  • Skeptical of Drake's chances and opines that public perception won’t change.
  • Offers that a settlement would at best be “an omission of an L of sorts for Kendrick … or just a matter of Drake taking at least some of the power back.” (29:24)
  • Wry comment on Drake’s new album rollout (“Everyone wants great Drake music, so no one's complaining there.” (32:12))
• Adonis’ 8th Birthday & Legacy of Rap Beef
  • Brief mention of Drake’s son’s birthday party and musings on how the timeline of public revelations (Pusha T exposing Adonis) will affect him as he gets older.

    “When is Adonis gonna find out that another rapper, like, bullied him into being, like, a public father?” (34:19)

3. Diddy Sentencing: Reaction & Societal Commentary

(34:21–44:30)

• Length & Context of Sentence
  • Diddy sentenced to just over four years—less than half of the prosecution’s request.
  • Discussed alongside accusations of sexual abuse and broader implications amid the MeToo movement.
• Julian’s Cynical Take on Justice & Power
  • Argues Diddy's outcome demonstrates the untouchability of the ultra-wealthy.

    “People that have a lot of influence and a lot of power will always get away out of their wrongdoings … This is the direct byproduct of a capitalist society.” (36:10) “When you hit that uber wealthy, that class, that so far fetched class, it's a different game and they play by different rules. … the victims of the games that they play are those that are in the classes that are below them at their feet.” (37:41)

• Comparison to Epstein, General Disillusionment
  • Draws parallels between Diddy’s light sentencing and systemic failures highlighted in other notorious abuse cases.
  • Expression of solidarity with working- and middle-class listeners; criticism of disposable treatment of victims.

4. Pop Culture: Film, TV, Personal Life

(44:31–58:00)

• Film Review: “One Battle After Another”
  • Julian praises the new Paul Thomas Anderson film (starring DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Sean Penn, and others).
  • Raves about the jazzy score, car chase scenes, and innovative cinematography.

    “Paul Thomas Anderson did an incredible job of like, introducing shots, car shots that I don't think I'd ever seen … the suspense that builds in that scene is so beautiful.” (49:19)

  • “I’m not going to spoil it, but I do plan on seeing this again.”
• TV Recommendation: “The Chair Company” by Tim Robinson
  • Reports the sketch show’s release on HBO, highlighting Robinson’s comedic track record.
  • Encourages listeners to check it out.
• Personal Updates: Modeling, Cooking, Life
  • Julian discusses a recent modeling shoot on an upstate New York farm:

    “I was in my preppy swag bag … you'll see the shoots at some point when they come out.” (54:41)

  • Details recent home-cooked meals, especially pan-seared pork chops with homemade chimichurri.
  • Requests sauce suggestions from listeners and shares enthusiasm for his culinary adventures.
  • Grateful tone:

    “Life is going well, which is, you know, I'm very lucky to say that at this point in time …” (57:07)

• Quick World News Note
  • Acknowledges major ceasefire and hostage release (“…have to celebrate the victories as they happen…”), but declines deeper discussion due to time.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On rap beef, courts, and music culture:

  “We always talk about hip hop. What's tougher than hip hop? There's no rules in hip hop. We have a judge that needs to say it as clear as day that yes, everything that was said from both parties is acceptable, not only in the rules of hip hop, but also within the court of law, at least for now.” (26:44)

• On wealth and accountability:

  “When you hit that uber wealthy … it’s a different game and they play by different rules. … I think Diddy got a great deal and it’s a sad day for the justice system.” (37:41)

• Crowd joy at the Knicks game, humanity found off the court:

  “Small things like that go a long way. We need to see more interactions like that. Two strangers coming together in a competitive spirit … and they both did not disappoint.” (09:30)

• Dry humor about his health:

  “My mouth is now like deathly dry because I took these cold, like, Z cam tablets, which are like basically chewing chalk, and it has just wiped all the moisture out of my mouth. Paws like water isn’t doing it.” (31:13)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Knicks Game Recap & Tic-Tac-Toe Fan Showdown: 00:00–12:50
• Drake Lawsuit Discussion: 12:51–34:00
  • Judge quotes: 23:31, 25:54, 26:44
  • Public perception & appeal: 29:24–32:12
  • Adonis reflection: 34:19–34:30
• Diddy Sentencing & Power Critique: 34:21–44:30
• Film/TV/Personal Updates: 44:31–58:00
• Brief World News Note: 57:30–58:00

Tone and Style

Julian mixes irreverence, cultural criticism, and heartfelt moments. The storytelling is animated, self-deprecating, and direct; he bounces from NBA fan frustration to incisive legal commentary, then swerves into foodie ramblings—all with the show’s trademark “intrusive thoughts out loud” personality.

Useful Takeaways

• Rap beefs might get ugly, but the law sees most as protected speech—a historic court moment for hip-hop.
• Wealth and power still shield elites from robust accountability. Diddy’s sentence represents the persistence of class disparity in the legal system.
• In bleak moments, small communal joys—whether a silly arena game or a new recipe—are worth celebrating.
• Julian stays a reliable source for honest, sometimes raw, but always entertaining and thought-provoking analysis of “what’s wrong with the culture.”