Episode 832 | "Soft Guy Era" (feat. Jeremy Hecht) Release Date: June 7, 2025 Podcast: The Joe Budden Podcast

1. Introduction and Maturity Discussion

Timestamp: 00:00 - 02:59

The episode begins with Joe Budden emphasizing the podcast's entertainment-focused nature, disclaiming any serious or real-life implications. The hosts dive into a discussion about maturity, particularly focusing on the ability to decline scams—a trait Joe associates with adult maturity.

Joe Budden (00:27):
"The true test of maturity... for adult men, is being able to turn down a scam."

Mel (01:15):
"What have I gotten from offering cars, offering wallets? Nigga watching, nigga. Yo, hey, I got this AP Real, nigga."

The conversation shifts between the challenges of self-checkout theft and the evolving nature of scams, highlighting the hosts' experiences and frustrations with modern retail security measures.

2. Personal Relationships and Birth Control Tales

Timestamp: 02:00 - 11:35

The hosts share anecdotes about personal relationships, focusing on mishaps related to birth control and the consequences of unsuccessful attempts. The dialogue is candid and humorous, reflecting on the unpredictability of such situations.

Joe Budden (02:27):
"It's coming with the pamphlet."

Mel (05:26):
"That was bad."
Ish (05:25):
"And he got the all white sheets way underneath."

The segment touches upon the hosts' experiences with relationships, parenting, and the dynamics of having children, setting the stage for more in-depth personal discussions later in the episode.

3. Custody Battle: DDG and Halle Bailey

Timestamp: 12:00 - 91:57

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the tumultuous custody battle between rapper DDG and actress Halle Bailey. The conversation delves into the public nature of their breakup, allegations of abuse, and the psychological implications for both parties involved.

Duke Dennis (93:09):
"October 3, 2024, public breakup... In March of 2025, DDG expresses that he's unable to see his son and that she's keeping Halo from him."

Jeremy Hecht (96:02):
"She had to get a nanny and do everything for the child to be safe."

Joe Budden (103:07):
"These text messages... you have to prove a lot of that."

The hosts navigate the sensitive topic by presenting factual information followed by personal opinions, debating the actions of both DDG and Bailey. They emphasize the importance of respecting parental roles and the challenges of co-parenting amidst personal conflict.

Jeremy Hecht (98:13):
"She's just trying to manage a career, manage a relationship, have a baby... he's antagonizing to a woman who just had his child."

Mel (100:26):
"The only thing I... I see him antagonizing somebody who's dealing with postpartum."

The discussion highlights the complexities of public relationships, the stigma surrounding custody disputes, and the impact of such conflicts on their child.

4. Music Review: Lil Wayne's "Soft Guy Era"

Timestamp: 92:00 - 152:16

The hosts transition to reviewing Lil Wayne's latest album, critiquing its production quality, lyrical content, and overall cohesion. They express disappointment with the direction Wayne has taken, particularly regarding the use of hooks and the absence of notable producers.

Joe Budden (33:03):
"It just sounds like he went through a hard drive of records and just randomly picked."

Flip (37:20):
"It's a far cry from hey Mr. Car. It's just... A hard ass SoundCloud beat."

Mel (150:52):
"I don't think he's a three."

Despite acknowledging Wayne's enduring talent, the hosts feel that the album lacks the polish and collaborative spirit that characterized his earlier works. They discuss the importance of a supportive team in producing quality music and lament the absence of iconic features and producers like Mannie Fresh.

Ish (152:08):
"He needs the right team. He has the talent to still do it."

The segment underscores the challenges artists face in maintaining relevance and quality amidst evolving musical landscapes and personal struggles.

5. Sports Talk: NBA Playoffs and Indiana Pacers' Victory

Timestamp: 152:17 - 235:54

Transitioning to sports, the hosts analyze the ongoing NBA playoffs, spotlighting the Indiana Pacers' unexpected victory in Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Joe Budden (173:09):
"Shout out to the Pacers, they've won game one in every series."

Flip (181:43):
"They really have."

They commend players like Tyrese Haliburton and Bojan Bogdanović for their stellar performances, contrasting them with the Thunder's lackluster first-half display. The discussion touches on coaching decisions, player dynamics, and the overall competitiveness of the current playoffs.

Parks (183:12):
"Indiana matches up pretty well with them outside of the bigs. They defend the bigs."

The hosts express excitement for the series, anticipating more intense and closely contested games as the playoffs progress. They also critique the shift in NBA Finals presentation, feeling that the event lacks the grandeur it once had.

Joe Budden (188:03):
"They could make it look like a big deal but it's just not being treated like the creme de la creme of the sport."

6. Elon Musk vs. Donald Trump: Public Feud and Political Implications

Timestamp: 235:55 - 286:00

A heated segment unfolds as the hosts dissect the public feud between Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump. They explore Musk's criticisms of Trump's economic policies and Musk's claims of political manipulation.

Duke Dennis (237:27):
"Elon Musk left government... he accused Trump of being associated with Jeffrey Epstein."

Jeremy Hecht (202:29):
"Trump says it's the biggest tax cut ever... If this bill doesn't pass, there will be a 68% tax increase."

The conversation delves into the intricacies of political alliances, the influence of social media on public perception, and the broader implications for both figures' careers. The hosts debate the motivations behind Musk's public statements and Trump's strategic responses, highlighting the intertwining of business, politics, and personal vendettas.

Joe Budden (246:38):
"You got to work on the flaws that we have in our personality. I'm shy by nature... stepping outside that trait."

The discussion underscores the polarization in contemporary politics and the challenges public figures face in maintaining professional relationships amidst personal disagreements.

7. Amplifying Women's Voices and Gender Dynamics

Timestamp: 286:01 - 371:00

Towards the end, the hosts engage in a profound dialogue about gender dynamics, particularly focusing on postpartum challenges and the responsibilities of both parents in a household.

Mel (297:00):
"It's dangerous to point the blame at the other person. Instead of finding solutions on how to deal with postpartum."

Jeremy Hecht (311:00):
"A lot of times, added pressure and lack of understanding lead to challenging situations."

The conversation emphasizes the emotional and psychological toll of parenthood, advocating for mutual support and understanding between partners. They critique societal expectations placed on mothers while highlighting the often-overlooked struggles of fathers in similar circumstances.

Parks (348:00):
"You gotta make sure they're healthy... it's a joint effort."

Joe Budden (361:00):
"I feel like calling people stable... producing great music falls on the rapper, producer, team, etc."

The hosts advocate for more open conversations around mental health, postpartum depression, and the importance of balanced parenting roles. They stress the need for shared responsibilities and support systems to foster healthy environments for both parents and children.

8. Closing Remarks and Shoutouts

Timestamp: 371:01 - 423:00

In the final segment, the hosts wrap up with shoutouts to fellow podcasters, upcoming music projects, and casual banter about personal lives and interests. They reinforce the podcast's community-centric ethos, celebrating milestones and expressing gratitude towards their listeners.

Joe Budden (421:00):
"Shout out to friend of the show, Amory. Her Tiny Desk episode released yesterday."

Duke Dennis (422:15):
"It's a good chance."

The episode concludes on a light-hearted note, with the hosts teasing future discussions and maintaining the episode's lively and engaging atmosphere.

Notable Quotes

• Joe Budden (00:27):
  "The true test of maturity... for adult men, is being able to turn down a scam."

• Jeremy Hecht (96:02):
  "She's just trying to manage a career, manage a relationship, have a baby... he's antagonizing to a woman who just had his child."

• Joe Budden (33:03):
  "It just sounds like he went through a hard drive of records and just randomly picked."

• Duke Dennis (93:09):
  "October 3, 2024, public breakup... In March of 2025, DDG expresses that he's unable to see his son and that she's keeping Halo from him."

• Mel (297:00):
  "It's dangerous to point the blame at the other person. Instead of finding solutions on how to deal with postpartum."

This episode of The Joe Budden Podcast covers a wide array of topics, from personal anecdotes and music critiques to in-depth discussions on custody battles and political feuds. The hosts maintain a balance between humor and serious discourse, providing listeners with both entertainment and thoughtful commentary.