The Joe Budden Podcast – Episode 841 | “Don’t Look Away Now” Summary
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Joe Budden Podcast
- Host/Author: The Joe Budden Network
- Description: Tune into Joe Budden and his friends. Follow along the crazy adventures of these very random friends.
- Episode: Episode 841 | “Don’t Look Away Now”
- Release Date: July 9, 2025
1. Opening Remarks and Initial Banter (00:00 - 02:30)
The episode kicks off with a playful disclaimer from Joe Budden emphasizing that the podcast content is entertainment-focused and not to be taken seriously. This sets a lighthearted tone as the hosts begin their conversation.
- Joe Budden (00:00): “We do not encourage you to try this at home. Enjoy the show.”
The hosts engage in casual banter about the challenges of maintaining attention, especially during long stories from friends or significant others.
- Ish (00:29): “That's funny. That was a funny story.”
- Joe Budden (01:20): “If it's too long, I'll be like, yo, what are they talking about?”
2. Gaslighting: Origins and Misuses (02:30 - 04:30)
A significant portion of the early discussion centers around the concept of gaslighting. Mal shares a historical insight, correcting the common misconception that the term originated from the 1941 movie.
- Mal (02:55): “The phrase 'gaslighting' originated from a 1933 play where the man would turn the gas light down to make his wife seem like she's going blind.”
The conversation evolves into how modern usage often misapplies psychological terms, particularly in casual settings like brunch conversations.
- Erickson (04:01): “Every year it's a new one. Narcissists started getting used for everything.”
3. Weekend Activities and Gender Reveal Party (04:30 - 09:00)
The hosts transition into discussing their weekend experiences, including attending a gender reveal party hosted by Ish.
- Ish (08:47): “I had a surprise gender reveal on Sunday at my house. Congrats, Sam.”
They critique the trend of elaborate gender reveals using branded products, questioning the authenticity and originality of such events.
- Joe Budden (09:35): “They’re selling OnlyFans... People use it wrong.”
4. Critique of OnlyFans Authenticity (14:00 - 16:30)
The discussion delves into the legitimacy of content on platforms like OnlyFans. Joe Budden expresses skepticism about the authenticity of interactions and content, suggesting that a significant portion may be driven by bots.
- Joe Budden (14:20): “It's all bots is what I'm talking about.”
- Mal (15:02): “When he asks me, I'm like, yo, I don't know.”
5. Drake’s New Album: “Iceman” (30:00 - 90:00)
A substantial segment of the podcast is dedicated to dissecting Drake's new album, "Iceman."
a. General Reception and Quality:
The hosts share varied opinions, with some appreciating the production quality while others critique Drake's shift from rapping to a more melodic, emo style.
- Joe Budden (40:37): “We’re gonna get a lot of good Drake hate from him. So I’m gonna play the other side.”
b. Song Analysis: "What Did I Miss":
They analyze the track "What Did I Miss," discussing its themes of self-reflection and accountability.
- Mark Lamont Hill (44:51): “We got a lot of people I saw... I feel like this is a bop for the people that with me for something.”
c. Debate on Drake’s Evolution:
The conversation highlights a divide among the hosts regarding Drake's artistic direction, with some longing for his earlier, more rap-centric work.
- Mark Lamont Hill (51:03): “He’s a very good point guard... but he’s no longer the machine.”
d. Conclusion on the Album:
While acknowledging the production strengths, the hosts remain critical of Drake's lyrical depth and emotional vulnerability in "Iceman."
- Joe Budden (65:08): “It's the most powerful part of blended with the music for me. It’s all about...”
6. ESSENCE Fest: Organizational Shortcomings and Cultural Impact (100:00 - 130:00)
The hosts shift focus to ESSENCE Fest, critically examining its recent decline in attendance and organizational issues.
a. Sponsorship and Management:
They discuss the impact of corporate sponsorship, particularly Target, and how it may have alienated local black businesses and attendees.
- Mark Lamont Hill (114:31): “When you have a contract with Target, they have been a long-running sponsor.”
- Joe Budden (118:24): “They missed the Attendance boat, then it's time to talk about other boats.”
b. Decline in Attendance:
Analyzing factors contributing to lower turnout, the hosts consider whether inadequate promotion and changing demographics play roles.
- Mark Lamont Hill (117:18): “They could have gotten the great value version of Wallow...”
c. Cultural Significance:
Emphasizing ESSENCE Fest’s role in sustaining black media, they lament the festival’s struggles as a reflection of broader challenges within black-owned enterprises.
- Mark Lamont Hill (120:22): “ESSENCE is one of the ones that has thrived, but it's because of this festival.”
7. Mental Health in Sports and Other Local Issues (130:00 - 190:00)
The conversation touches upon high-profile mental health issues in sports, including Naomi Osaka’s struggles, and recounts various tragic events like shootings, highlighting the pervasive nature of violence in communities.
- Mark Lamont Hill (158:34): “Azir Harris is a young man who was a victim of gun violence before he was shot and killed at 17.”
- Joe Budden (160:03): “Shout out to the people that survived that horrific incident...”
8. Sports Figures and Violence (190:00 - 210:00)
Further discussions revolve around sports figures like Chris Paul and their impact both on and off the court, including leadership in player unions and community engagement.
- Mark Lamont Hill (185:08): “What I love about Chris Paul is his spirit, his heart...”
- Joe Budden (187:09): “They say I'm hating on Larry.”
9. Megan Thee Stallion Lawsuit and Legal Discussions (190:00 - 210:00)
The hosts discuss Megan Thee Stallion’s ongoing lawsuit against her former cameraman Emilio Garcia, debating the nature of the allegations and the dynamics of accountability versus victimhood.
- Joe Budden (132:18): “I don't care if I'm hating and I didn't agree to that, but if I am, the facts ain't gonna change it.”
- Mark Lamont Hill (137:16): “She was saying... cause you're gay.”
10. Closing Remarks and Final Banter (210:00 - End)
The episode concludes with the hosts reflecting on recent events, offering condolences, and engaging in light-hearted banter about traveling, airport experiences, and sports. They emphasize the importance of community support and mental health awareness.
- Joe Budden (173:42): “Rest in peace to the people that we lost this weekend... Use the phone. Not just text.”
- Mark Lamont Hill (175:42): “We have to think about that.”
Notable Quotes:
- Joe Budden (02:27): “Once the words make it to the hood and what we do with it, Gaslight may be a real thing somewhere that means something.”
- Mal (03:35): “A lot of people use the word gaslighting wrong to me.”
- Mark Lamont Hill (114:51): “Essence is one of the ones that has thrived, but it's because of this festival.”
- Joe Budden (51:03): “He's a very good point guard... but he's no longer the machine.”
- Mark Lamont Hill (137:50): “He’s a good dude... making a fair war.”
Conclusion:
Episode 841 of "The Joe Budden Podcast" offers a multifaceted conversation covering topics from psychological terms misuses and weekend social activities to in-depth critiques of Drake's album and ESSENCE Fest's organizational challenges. The hosts blend serious discussions with humorous banter, providing listeners with a comprehensive and engaging episode that balances entertainment with thoughtful analysis.