Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Joe and Jada - Fat Joe & Jadakiss on Knicks-Pacers, Kendrick & SZA's Record + DMX & Kanye West Stories
Release Date: May 20, 2025
Host: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: In this engaging episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosts Joe and Jadakiss delve deep into the latest sports developments, groundbreaking music achievements, and share riveting stories from the hip-hop world, including insights into legendary artists DMX and Kanye West.

1. Sports Spotlight: Knicks vs. Pacers and Eastern Conference Finals

Joe and Jadakiss kick off the episode with an enthusiastic discussion about the New York Knicks' recent performance against the Pacers and their journey in the Eastern Conference Finals.

• Knicks' Dominance:

  • Joe Budden shares his excitement after attending a Knicks game, highlighting the team's overwhelming performance:
    "By halftime, we already knew we was gonna win the game." ([06:21])

• Player Performances:

  • Jadakiss praises Jayceon Tatum's efforts despite the loss, expressing concern for his well-being:
    "Shout out to Tatum, get well soon." ([06:02])
  • Joe Budden emphasizes the strategic play against Derrick White, praising the team's defensive tactics:
    "They stood on that Derrick White like White on rice the whole game." ([07:06])

• Eastern Conference Predictions:

  • Jadakiss and Joe Budden debate potential matchups, expressing confidence in the Knicks overcoming depleted rosters from other teams:
    "They got a mean team... They are very mature." ([10:47])

2. Music Milestones: Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s Record-Breaking Achievement

Transitioning from sports, the hosts celebrate Kanye West and SZA's collaborative success.

• Record-Breaking Chart Performance:

  • Jadakiss announces Kendrick Lamar and SZA's collaboration breaking Billboard records:
    "Kendrick's Luther featuring SZA remains number one on Billboard's top 100 for 12 straight weeks." ([30:50])

• Potential for Duo Dominance:

  • Joe Budden speculates on the duo's future, suggesting their continued collaboration could solidify their top position:
    "They are fucking fire together... if it ever gets rocky, you know." ([31:26])

3. Legacy and Storytelling in Hip-Hop: DMX, Slick Rick, and More

Joe and Jadakiss reflect on the profound impact of legendary artists on their careers and the hip-hop industry.

• DMX’s Influence:

  • Joe Budden recounts his personal interactions with DMX, highlighting DMX’s larger-than-life persona and mentorship:
    "DMX stuck a guy up right in front of me... He was already a star." ([71:52])

• Slick Rick’s Storytelling:

  • Jadakiss and Joe Budden discuss Slick Rick’s upcoming visual album, emphasizing his unparalleled storytelling ability in hip-hop:
    "She remind me of Carmelo at times... Juju Watkins is coming and she gonna take over the WNBA." ([51:43], [53:46])

• Comparing MCs and Rappers:

  • Jadakiss defines the difference between an emcee and a rapper, praising the crowd control and versatility of true emcees:
    "An emcee can control the crowd... A rapper is just playing with words." ([39:57])

4. AI and the Preservation of Hip-Hop Legends

The conversation shifts to the ethical considerations of using Artificial Intelligence to resurrect deceased artists.

• Easy E’s AI Resurrection:

  • Jadakiss supports the use of AI for legacy preservation, highlighting its potential benefits when done respectfully:
    "I think we should use it when it's necessary." ([60:20])

• Balancing Legacy and Innovation:

  • Joe Budden shares his nuanced perspective, advocating for AI use that honors the artist’s legacy:
    "We want to hear what they got to say... when you in the 40s, it takes 12 back." ([61:09])

5. Personal Anecdotes and Real-Life Stories

Beyond sports and music, Joe and Jadakiss share personal stories that offer a glimpse into their lives.

• Flying Coach Class:

  • Joe Budden humorously narrates his uncomfortable experience flying coach, emphasizing the contrast with his usual first-class travels:
    "I was praying so much in that seat... I do not want to be on this again." ([35:10])

• Graduation Challenges:

  • Jadakiss discusses the hardships of attending graduations in extreme weather, advocating for more comfortable arrangements:
    "They have them on the field. They too hot." ([65:09])

• Entrepreneurship in Hip-Hop:

  • Joe Budden highlights the importance of diversifying income streams beyond performances, mentioning ventures like sneaker lines and cannabis shops:
    "You gotta open some up NYC's... make a product." ([63:31])

6. Addressing Violence and Legal Issues

The hosts candidly address issues of violence within the community and the legal system.

• Self-Defense and Violence:

  • Joe Budden debates the complexities of self-defense versus promoting violence, using anecdotes about Antonio Brown and domestic incidents:
    "Defend yourself if you got a legal firearm or security." ([26:56])

• Influence of Violence on Youth:

  • Jadakiss reflects on the harsh realities faced by youth in the streets, linking it to broader societal issues:
    "Nobody you ever knew that was like that... they got tank tops and they walking like..." ([74:24])

7. Hip-Hop History and Cultural Respect

Closing the episode, Joe and Jadakiss pay homage to hip-hop pioneers and discuss the importance of respecting the genre’s roots.

• Respect for Hip-Hop Legends:

  • Jadakiss underscores the necessity of honoring hip-hop veterans, comparing the genre’s respect dynamics to those in rock and roll:
    "They making good music... they respect the chillest." ([55:44])

• Celebrating Achievements:

  • Joe Budden reminisces about pivotal moments in hip-hop history, such as listening to The Chronic and witnessing the rise of iconic artists:
    "If our shit don't sound better than that, on that level, we freaked." ([58:26])

8. Final Thoughts and Moving Forward

In the final moments, Joe and Jadakiss emphasize the importance of humility, perseverance, and celebrating their successes while navigating the challenges of being at the top.

• Humility and Success:

  • Jadakiss advises staying humble despite their growing success:
    "We gotta take our spot humbly, know what I’m saying?" ([69:16])

• Future Aspirations:

  • Joe Budden expresses determination to continue growing their podcast and maintaining their number one status:
    "We gotta go number one. We went number one on Apple off one ep." ([47:06])

Notable Quotes:

• "Success shot at you. What do you want us to do?" — Joe Budden ([05:08])
• "They are fucking fire together... if it ever gets rocky, you know." — Joe Budden ([31:26])
• "An emcee can control the crowd... A rapper is just playing with words." — Jadakiss ([39:57])
• "We gotta open some up NYC's... make a product." — Joe Budden ([63:31])
• "We gotta take our spot humbly, know what I’m saying?" — Jadakiss ([69:16])

Conclusion:

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a rich tapestry of discussions ranging from the electrifying performances of the Knicks and the strategic depths of their playoff journey to the monumental achievements of artists like Kendrick Lamar and SZA. Joe and Jadakiss blend personal anecdotes with industry insights, highlighting the intricate balance between honoring hip-hop’s legacy and pushing its boundaries forward. Their candid conversations on violence, entrepreneurship, and the evolving dynamics of respect within the music industry provide listeners with a comprehensive and engaging narrative, making this episode a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.