The Joe Budden Podcast – Episode 809: "Willfully Obtuse"

Release Date: March 19, 2025
Hosts: Joe Budden, Flip, Malcolm, Parks, Melissa Ford, Ish

1. Language and Redundancy: "Willfully Obtuse"

The episode kicks off with a discussion led by Malcolm, focusing on the redundant use of phrases like "willfully obtuse."

• Malcolm (01:21): "Obtuse means to be willfully sort of not understanding. It's redundant to say willfully obtuse, but everybody says it all the time."

Ish counters by explaining the necessity of double emphasis in certain contexts.

• Ish (01:36): "Sometimes you gotta double up on it. Sometimes you gotta double up on yourself. Redundancy."

2. Support for the Black Community: Lawyers and Healthcare

The hosts delve into the importance of supporting Black professionals, particularly lawyers and doctors.

• Flip (04:00): "Why don't you have a black lawyer? Why don't you have a black agent? Why don't you support our community by putting money back into blacks' pockets?"

Malcolm emphasizes his commitment.

• Malcolm (04:08): "I think a black lawyer. I think a black lawyer [...] I think a black lawyer [...] I think a black lawyer is essential."

3. iHeart Music Awards and Tributes

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the appropriateness and execution of tribute performances at award shows. The discussion touches on artists like Mariah Carey, Prince, and others, debating whether tributes respect the legacy of the performers or merely serve as entertainment.

• Joe Budden (07:06): "I think it's a beautiful day outside."

The hosts critique various tribute performances, questioning their sincerity and impact.

• Joe Budden (43:08): "Tribute should improve. But who do you put? Like, how do you choose the person?"

4. Personal Stories and Emotional Well-being: Depression and Hope

Joe Budden opens up about his struggles with depression, influenced by global events and personal reflections. This leads to a broader conversation about hope and resilience.

• Joe Budden (11:25): "The world, yo. Just the world. ... I was like, oh, we gotta work."

Malcolm shares a heartfelt story about his father's battle with depression and the role of medication in his recovery.

• Malcolm (90:08): "The appetite inducer was actually also an antidepressant. I found out that a lot of elderly people are depressed and will be like, 'fuck it.'"

5. Legal Battles: Universal Music Group vs. Drake

The podcast addresses the ongoing lawsuit between Drake and Universal Music Group (UMG), exploring its implications for artists and the music industry.

• Ish (117:27): "UMG argued in a motion to dismiss. Instead of accepting the loss like the unbothered rap artist he often claimed..."

Melissa Ford criticizes the unethical practices of major labels:

• Melissa Ford (117:45): "They [UMG] are criminals who actively take advantage of all of their artists in perpetuity for their own gain."

6. Hip-Hop and the Music Industry: Tribute Performances and Contracts

The hosts discuss the dynamics of tribute performances, record deals, and the generational challenges within the hip-hop community. They highlight the complexities artists face when negotiating contracts and maintaining artistic integrity.

• Malcolm (120:03): "It's a predatory industry. And that's the problem."

7. Current Events and Celebrity Passings

The conversation touches on the tragic passings of celebrities like Robin Williams, Anthony Bourdain, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, examining their impact on fans and the broader community.

• Ish (52:40): "Anthony Bourdain, Philip Seymour Hoffman. When I saw that they passed away, I felt like, really, I'm with you."

8. Educational Initiatives: Harvard’s Free Tuition Offer

A brief segment critiques Harvard’s announcement to offer free tuition to families earning under $200,000, questioning its real impact and accessibility.

• Malcolm (107:53): "Most people who get into Harvard already make more than $200,000 a year. There's a class component to it..."

9. Community and Activism: Million Man March Reflections

Malcolm reflects on the significance of the Million Man March, advocating for organized activism to address systemic issues rather than internal conflicts.

• Malcolm (157:11): "I would have marched for structural things. I would have marched for systemic things. I would have been fighting for a power."

10. Advertisement and Promotions: Prize Picks

The episode transitions to promotions, with Joe Budden advertising Prize Picks, a real-money sports action platform.

• Joe Budden (62:31): "Prize Picks is the best place to get real money sports action... Use promo code JBP, you get $50 instantly after you play your first five dollar lineup."

11. Closing Remarks and Music Drops

The episode concludes with the hosts sharing and discussing original music tracks, celebrating their creativity and connection to the themes discussed.

• Malcolm, Flip, Melissa Ford, Parks, Ish, Joe Budden engage in a collaborative music session, showcasing their talents and reinforcing the communal spirit of the podcast.

Notable Quotes:

• Malcolm (01:21): "Obtuse means to be willfully sort of not understanding. It's redundant to say willfully obtuse..."
• Joe Budden (07:06): "I think it's a beautiful day outside."
• Melissa Ford (117:45): "Universal Music really needs to do better in their treatment of the artists..."
• Malcolm (90:08): "The appetite inducer was actually also an antidepressant..."
• Joe Budden (43:08): "Tribute should improve. But who do you put?"

Conclusion:

Episode 809 of The Joe Budden Podcast, titled "Willfully Obtuse," navigates a blend of linguistic critiques, deep dives into community support, the ethics of tribute performances, personal battles with mental health, and the tumultuous nature of the music industry. The hosts balance serious discourse with lighthearted banter, offering listeners a comprehensive exploration of contemporary issues intertwined with personal narratives and industry insights.

For those who haven't tuned in, this episode provides a rich tapestry of discussions that reflect the complexities of language, community advocacy, and the ever-evolving landscape of the music business, all delivered with the signature randomness and camaraderie that defines The Joe Budden Podcast.