The Joe Budden Podcast Episode 798: "The Rims to Match"

Release Date: February 8, 2025
Host: The Joe Budden Network
Participants: Joe Budden, Ish, Flip, Melissa Ford, Parks, and others

1. Defiance vs. Compliance in Music Sampling

The episode opens with Joe Budden delving into the complex topic of releasing music without clearing samples. This sparks a nuanced debate among the hosts about the definitions and implications of defiance versus compliance within the music industry.

• Joe Budden [02:08]: "If I put out a song and didn't play the sample, the people that own the sample got to catch."

• Ish [02:00]: "You think that was a gamble. It is that, too."

Melissa Ford adds to the conversation by highlighting the financial constraints artists might face, suggesting that not all acts of defiance are purely rebellious but can also be strategic gambles.

• Melissa Ford [02:17]: "It is that, too. Things can be true when I go rob a bank, nigga, I'm defying the laws set forth by the country."

The discussion emphasizes that actions in the music world can embody both defiance and compliance, depending on the context and motivations behind them.

2. Understanding Bromance: Definitions and Dynamics

The hosts explore the concept of bromance, aiming to dissect its meaning and relevance in their relationships.

• Parks [05:35]: "A bromance is a very close and non-sexual relationship between two or more men."

• Joe Budden [05:40]: "When she gets the definition, that's why she..."

As the conversation unfolds, it's evident that while some perceive their friendships as close-knit, others argue that their relationships transcend traditional definitions of bromance, often bordering on frenemies.

• Joe Budden [07:05]: "We more frenemies than we are a bro. Frenemies? Me ain't close."

3. Tribute to Irv Gotti: Impact and Legacy

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to mourning the passing of Irv Gotti, a pivotal figure in hip hop and a close associate of the hosts.

• Joe Budden [42:03]: "Rest in peace. Irv Gotti."

The hosts share personal anecdotes and reflect on Irv's influence within the industry.

• Parks [44:53]: "He's the biggest personality. I remember the first day I ever met him, it was like when I was on tour with Cisco and he was just, he was nuts."

Joe Budden emphasizes the profound loss Irv represents, not just personally but for the entire hip hop community.

• Joe Budden [43:20]: "Hip hop takes a huge loss. We take a huge loss with this one. Praying for the family..."

4. Longevity of Black Artists vs. White Artists

The conversation shifts to a poignant topic: the relatively shorter lifespans of many black artists compared to their white counterparts.

• Ish [45:31]: "I think stress is all of the stresses and shit that we gotta overcome in a day-to-day life, especially to become successful."

The hosts discuss potential reasons, including systemic stressors and health disparities, highlighting the need for better support systems within the community.

5. Personal Experiences: Legal Struggles and Driving Without a License

Joe Budden shares his past experiences with legal issues related to driving without a license, emphasizing the long-term consequences of such actions.

• Joe Budden [08:50]: "Got it. I have a driver now because I ruined my shit back in the day and had to take a class. Redo the permit test, pay the fees, surcharges."

Ish and Melissa Ford chime in, relating their own encounters with legal troubles and the financial burdens of bail.

• Ish [09:02]: "I might come."

6. Reflections on Relationships and Fidelity

A lively debate ensues around the themes of monogamy, infidelity, and the complexities of modern relationships.

• Joe Budden [19:21]: "But you're stubborn."

• Ish [19:50]: "That's it."

The hosts share personal stories and viewpoints, illustrating the diverse perspectives on maintaining fidelity in relationships.

7. Death and Mortality: Contemplating Life’s Fragility

The topic of death is broached, with Joe expressing his apprehensions and the group discussing their fears and beliefs about mortality.

• Joe Budden [50:24]: "You talking about when people die, I'll be home like, yo, you believe we died? I'd be stuck over that."

• Ish [50:47]: "You are def."

8. Media, Social Issues, and Profiling

The hosts touch upon broader social issues, including police profiling and the role of media in shaping public perception.

• Ish [12:00]: "Yes. Male bonding relationship exceeding that of usual friendship and is distinguished by normal friendship by particularly high level of emotional intimacy."

They emphasize the importance of understanding and addressing systemic biases while navigating their personal and professional lives.

9. Debates on Hip Hop Culture’s Evolution

A segment of the podcast examines the evolution of hip hop, comparing the old-school ethos with contemporary trends.

• Joe Budden [45:12]: "We need therapy. Absolutely, we do."

• Flip [54:00]: "He always thought... always bringing up Joe's name."

The conversation underscores the tensions between preserving traditional hip hop values and adapting to the genre’s modern transformations.

10. Kanye West and Other Artists: Behaviors and Impact

The episode features a heated discussion about Kanye West’s recent behaviors and the implications for his career and legacy.

• Joe Budden [95:25]: "Kanye acknowledging why he's going on this rant, to me just sounds like two wrongs."

• Ish [97:03]: "Kanye might have information we don't have."

The hosts critique Kanye’s actions, debating whether his stunts are genuine expressions or strategic moves for attention and marketing.

11. Super Bowl, All-Star Events, and Promotions

As the Super Bowl approaches, the hosts discuss plans, safety tips, and the influence of such major events on their lives.

• Joe Budden [197:18]: "Don’t cross the bridge."

• Ish [197:30]: "Be careful with both of them."

Additionally, the episode includes promotions for the "Prize Picks" app, encouraging listeners to engage with the platform for rewards related to major sports events.

12. Promotions and Shoutouts

Towards the end, Joe extends gratitude to his co-hosts and promotes upcoming events and content.

• Joe Budden [35:57]: "Excuse me. Each and every one of you guys are here."

• Joe Budden [75:53]: "Shout out to Drake Bell."

This segment also includes light-hearted interactions and playful banter, maintaining the show’s trademark casual vibe.

13. Music Performances and Critiques

The hosts showcase and critique various music tracks, promoting new releases and sharing their thoughts on contemporary music.

• Ish [213:54]: "I love using it."

• Joe Budden [214:16]: "Colossal Everything I do is real."

They engage in freestyle exchanges, highlighting their musical talents and offering constructive feedback on each other’s performances.

14. Mental Health and Self-Improvement

A recurring theme is the emphasis on mental health, self-improvement, and the importance of therapy.

• Joe Budden [94:44]: "I'm focused on work, focused on bettering myself, falling in love with myself."

• Flip [134:14]: "Niggas just mask it well."

The hosts encourage open discussions about mental well-being, advocating for proactive measures to address personal struggles and societal pressures.

Conclusion

Episode 798 of "The Joe Budden Podcast" navigates a wide array of topics, from intricate discussions on defiance in music sampling to heartfelt tributes for Irv Gotti. The hosts blend personal anecdotes with critical analyses of hip hop culture, relationships, and social issues, all while maintaining an engaging and conversational tone. Notable moments include deep reflections on the longevity of black artists, debates on fidelity, and passionate critiques of fellow artists like Kanye West. Throughout the episode, the importance of mental health and self-improvement is consistently highlighted, underscoring the show's commitment to addressing both personal and professional facets of the hosts' lives.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Budden [02:08]: "If I put out a song and didn't play the sample, the people that own the sample got to catch."

• Ish [45:31]: "I think stress is all of the stresses and shit that we gotta overcome in a day-to-day life, especially to become successful."

• Joe Budden [50:24]: "You talking about when people die, I'll be home like, yo, you believe we died? I'd be stuck over that."

• Joe Budden [95:25]: "Kanye acknowledging why he's going on this rant, to me just sounds like two wrongs."

These quotes encapsulate the essence of the episode's key discussions, providing listeners with insightful reflections and thought-provoking perspectives.