The Joe Budden Podcast – Episode 836: "Alaska To Nebraska"

Hosts: Joe Budden, Mark, Melissa Ford, Flip, Parks, Ish
Release Date: June 21, 2025
Description: Tune into Joe Budden and his friends as they navigate through a myriad of topics, offering insights, debates, and entertaining banter.

1. Opening Banter

The episode begins with the hosts engaging in light-hearted conversation about fashion, tackling topics like jackets and sneakers. The discussion sets a casual and relaxed tone for the episode.

• Melissa Ford (00:39): "It's too hot."
• Joe Budden (00:50): "We gotta stop sleeping on Leroy."

2. Billboard’s Top 75 R&B Acts List

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to debating Billboard’s recent list of the top 75 greatest R&B acts of all time. The hosts express strong opinions on the rankings, particularly focusing on iconic artists such as Aaliyah, R. Kelly, Marvin Gaye, and Aretha Franklin.

• Joe Budden (23:29): "I think we could swap. They're 12 to 16 with 17 to 22, and nobody would blink out."
• Melissa Ford (24:06): "I don't see no criteria where she makes this. Where she's in a force impact. Again, I don't see it."
• Mark (37:02): "If Stevie would have been outside the top three, then it's blasphemy."

Key Points:

• Aaliyah’s Ranking: Joe initially criticizes Aaliyah’s placement, feeling it's too high despite her impact. The consensus among the hosts leans towards questioning the criteria used.

• R. Kelly’s Controversial Position: A heated debate arises over R. Kelly being ranked above legends like Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin. Hosts like Flip and Melissa defend his placement based on his discography, while others argue it undermines the significance of his controversies.

• Aretha Franklin and James Brown: Melissa Ford and other hosts passionately argue for Aretha Franklin’s rightful place, emphasizing her unparalleled vocal talent and cultural impact. The discussion highlights perceived shortcomings in the Billboard list’s representation of R&B legends.

• Genre Definition Issues: The hosts critique the list for its vague criteria, especially when categorizing genre-crossing artists like Michael Jackson, Prince, and Mariah Carey. They argue that the lack of clear definitions dilutes the authenticity of the rankings.

3. Sexual Misconduct Lawsuit Against Fat Joe

The conversation shifts to serious allegations against rapper Fat Joe. T.A. Dixon, a former hype man, files a civil RICO lawsuit accusing Fat Joe of sexual misconduct with minors and coercion.

• Melissa Ford (155:26): "Fat Joe sued him first for slander. And then we saw this as the response."
• Ish (160:57): "We are talking about a $260 million lawsuit."

Key Points:

• Details of the Lawsuit: Dixon accuses Fat Joe of orchestrating a scheme involving sexual abuse and financial exploitation, alleging up to 4,000 sexual acts with underage girls.

• Boolian Countersuit: Fat Joe countersues Dixon, branding the allegations as retaliatory and unfounded. The discussion delves into the complexities of civil RICO charges and the potential impact on Fat Joe’s legacy.

• Public Perception and Justice: The hosts explore how such allegations affect public perception, the challenges in addressing misconduct within the entertainment industry, and the evolving landscape of accountability.

4. Sale of the Los Angeles Lakers

A historical discussion unfolds around the Buss family selling the LA Lakers for a record-breaking $10 billion, marking it as the most valuable sports franchise sale globally.

• Mark (156:10): "Probably not. In the great words of my man Ian Dunlap, sell Grandma's house."
• Joe Budden (161:14): "It's the same way Pusha T totally disregarded anything Travis Scott has to say because you ain't a rapper."

Key Points:

• Historical Significance: The hosts reflect on Jerry Buss’s legacy and the emotional weight of selling a beloved franchise. They debate whether the sale aligns with the family's intentions and Buss’s passion for the team.

• Market Valuation: The discussion highlights factors influencing team valuations, such as market size, TV rights, and on-field success. Comparisons are drawn between the Lakers’ $10 billion sale and other major sports franchise sales.

• Legacy and Future Ownership: Conversations revolve around how new ownership might impact the Lakers’ legacy, fan base, and future success, considering the transition from a legacy-owned to a corporate-owned franchise.

5. Gender Double Standards and Relationships

The hosts engage in a robust discussion about societal double standards in relationships, focusing on how men and women are perceived differently when it comes to behaviors like tracking partners or expressing freedom.

• Melissa Ford (154:55): "Believing victims doesn't mean that every victim's always telling the truth. It means we shouldn't start from a position of dismissiveness."
• Joe Budden (175:50): "She got one of these."

Key Points:

• Power Dynamics: The conversation explores how power dynamics influence relationships and the challenges faced by individuals when confronting misconduct, especially in hierarchical settings like the workplace.

• Societal Perceptions: The hosts debate the societal stigmas attached to certain behaviors, arguing that men and women are often judged differently, leading to a lack of understanding and acceptance.

6. New Music Releases

The episode features brief reviews and discussions of new music from various artists, including Roddy Ricch, Keshi, Offset, and others. The hosts share their opinions on beats, mixes, and lyrical content, providing a snapshot of contemporary R&B and hip-hop.

• Mark (197:05): "Slide out the garage I got a."
• Parks (204:18): "That's a dope."

7. Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with the hosts extending their thanks to each other and their audience, promoting their Patreon, and reflecting on the intense discussions of the night. Playful banter and light-hearted moments wrap up the episode, maintaining the camaraderie among the hosts.

• Joe Budden (207:09): "We're pretty popular. They can rub your curls for the podcast."
• Melissa Ford (205:45): "I'm mad."

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Budden (12:44): “They have an unrivaled vantage point to observe the rapper's offstage lifestyle and behavior.”

• Mark (23:35): “She is the template.”

• Melissa Ford (39:30): “I never loved a man...”

• Joe Budden (75:06): “It's the same thing to us, but we need to find a home for this stuff.”

• Mark (104:32): “Get some other old head peppers.”

Conclusion:

Episode 836 of The Joe Budden Podcast delves into a blend of light-hearted banter, intense debates on R&B rankings, serious discussions on sexual misconduct allegations, and reflections on significant sports franchise sales. The hosts balance entertainment with insightful commentary, offering listeners a comprehensive and engaging listening experience.

Note: This summary captures the primary discussions and key moments from the provided transcript. Due to the conversational and overlapping nature of the dialogue, some nuances may be condensed for clarity.