Summary of The Joe Budden Podcast – Episode 846: "The Wet In Sweat"

Release Date: July 26, 2025

1. Introduction and Host Interactions (00:00 - 03:33)

The episode kicks off with a vibrant introduction from Joe Budden and his co-hosts, Queens Flip, Parks, Ishmael, and Imani. The hosts engage in playful banter, setting an energetic tone for the episode. Queens Flip announces, "The takeover has now begun. We are in the building. We here." (00:37) This camaraderie establishes the informal and entertaining atmosphere characteristic of the show.

2. Gripping Hip Hop Media Rankings (03:34 - 38:44)

One of the primary discussions centers around the latest Hip Hop Media Rankings. The hosts delve into the factors influencing these rankings, particularly the shift from traditional streaming to newer platforms that attract a younger demographic.

• Key Points:

  • Streaming Evolution: The panel discusses how platforms like Academics and Kai Sonada have risen in prominence by catering to a younger audience with longer watch times. Imani notes, "It's getting younger. The younger audience, their attention span is longer." (32:11)
  • Impact on Traditional Media: The hosts express concern over traditional hip hop journalists losing ground to new-age streamers. Parks remarks, "They're not deeply ingrained in hip hop to know everybody." (34:21)
  • Comparison with Established Personalities: There's a debate on whether established figures like Charlamagne still hold their ground or if they're being overshadowed by emerging personalities. Joe Budden states, "Hip Hop Media Ranking number five with Charlamagne..." (31:23)

• Notable Quote:

  • Joe Budden: "Only one way to find out, right?" (04:17)

3. Tribute to Hulk Hogan (38:45 - 44:36)

The hosts pause to pay respects to the late Hulk Hogan, a monumental figure in professional wrestling. This segment blends personal anecdotes with broader reflections on Hogan's impact.

• Key Points:

  • Hogan's Legacy: Joe Budden emphasizes Hogan's role in mainstreaming professional wrestling. "Hulk Hogan was the person who really made pro wrestling turn from mainstream into the mainstream." (43:08)
  • Controversial Aspects: While acknowledging his contributions, the hosts also discuss Hogan's contentious moments, including racist remarks and personal scandals.
  • Emotional Dichotomy: Parks shares a nuanced perspective, stating, "Personally, I could see both. I could say, yo, this man here is a piece of shit. I can also acknowledge that this man here was an important part of my childhood." (51:07)

• Notable Quote:

  • Joe Budden: "He's an American original. I mean, there just aren't many people like Hulk Hogan." (43:39)

4. Hiring Friends and Family in Business (44:37 - 58:10)

The conversation shifts to the challenges and pitfalls of hiring friends and family members within one's business ventures.

• Key Points:

  • Potential Conflicts: Joe Budden shares his unfortunate experience of hiring a family member who misappropriated funds, leading to strained relationships. "They stole money. What can you do?" (28:12)
  • Communication and Boundaries: The hosts stress the importance of clear communication and maintaining professional boundaries to prevent entitlement and favoritism.
  • Success Stories vs. Pitfalls: While some have successfully integrated family into their businesses, others, like Tyler Perry, have had to make tough decisions to maintain professionalism.

• Notable Quote:

  • Joe Budden: "Nobody else is gonna do that. Protect yourself, man." (30:22)

5. Navigating Dating with Mortality in Mind (58:11 - 84:36)

A deep and introspective segment where the hosts explore the complexities of dating while grappling with the awareness of one's mortality.

• Key Points:

  • Emotional Challenges: Imani discusses the emotional turmoil of dating someone terminally ill, emphasizing the need for transparency and managing expectations. "I would tell you from date one, hey, this is my situation." (156:07)
  • Love Bombing Concerns: Parks highlights the dangers of love bombing—intentionally leading someone on for short-term gains—and its emotional repercussions. "Love bombing means that I'm going to purposely lead you on and then disappear." (171:58)
  • Balancing Genuine Connections: The hosts debate whether it's selfish or noble to pursue relationships under such circumstances, advocating for honesty and respect.

• Notable Quote:

  • Imani: "I'm just gonna outgrow 'cause you learn, you get embarrassed, you get pressed outside." (07:03)

6. New Music Reviews: Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist (84:37 - 118:00)

The hosts transition to discussing the latest in hip hop music, focusing on Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist's collaborative efforts.

• Key Points:

  • Album Highlights: Parks lauds the production quality, stating, "It's a cohesive album... The production is a plus." (70:00)
  • Artistic Evolution: Joe Budden appreciates the experimental sounds and cohesive themes, comparing it to past successful collaborations. "The production is crazy. They got to go get that." (70:02)
  • Comparison with Peers: The panel compares this album to works by artists like Tyler Perry and Kendrick Lamar, debating the merits of cohesive concept albums versus freestyle approaches.

• Notable Quote:

  • Parks: "This album is absolutely incredible... It's right there with that Clips album." (71:21)

7. Marvel Movie Discussions (118:00 - 141:58)

A spirited debate on the latest Marvel releases, particularly criticizing the direction and execution of recent films.

• Key Points:

  • Critique of "Fantastic Four": The hosts express disappointment with the film's rushed feel and departure from beloved characters. "It was rushed... They killed Galactus and it seemed too easy." (142:26)
  • Reflection on Marvel's Strategy: There's a consensus that Marvel is pandering to specific demographics at the expense of storytelling quality. "They started pandering everywhere instead of focusing on the quality." (174:05)
  • Nostalgia vs. Modernity: The panel contrasts the glorious past of Marvel films with the perceived decline in recent years, lamenting the loss of deeper narratives.

• Notable Quote:

  • Imani: "They rode something that didn't matter anymore... I don't care about the secret war." (141:03)

8. Community and Personal Anecdotes (141:59 - 180:00)

The episode concludes with various personal stories, community issues, and light-hearted banter among the hosts.

• Key Points:

  • Neighborhood Concerns: Discussions about safety, police interactions, and community dynamics in urban settings highlight the hosts' engagement with real-world issues.
  • Personal Relationships: The hosts share anecdotes about past relationships, emphasizing the importance of honesty and setting boundaries.
  • Upcoming Plans: The team talks about their weekend activities, including attending events and personal celebrations.

• Notable Quote:

  • Queens Flip: "I'm not gonna lie. I'm dead ass." (147:36)

9. Closing Remarks and Prize Picks (180:00)

The episode wraps up with the promotional segment for Prize Picks, where Joe Budden encourages listeners to engage with the platform by using his promo code "JBP" for bonus rewards.

• Promotional Highlight:
  • Prize Picks Pitch: "Now up to 2,2000 times your cash... use promo code JBP, you get fifty dollars instantly when you play your first five dollar lineup." (60:02)

Conclusion

Episode 846 of The Joe Budden Podcast offers a blend of insightful discussions, personal anecdotes, and lively debates. From dissecting hip hop media rankings and honoring wrestling legends to navigating complex personal relationships and critiquing blockbuster movies, the hosts provide a comprehensive and engaging listen. Notably, the episode balances serious topics with humor and camaraderie, ensuring both depth and entertainment for the audience.

Note: All timestamps correspond to the moments within the provided transcript.