The Joe Budden Podcast
Episode 855 | "You Let Andrew Tate Down"
Date: August 27, 2025
OVERVIEW
In this episode, Joe Budden is joined by Queens Flip, Ish, Dr. Mark Lamont Hill, El, and Parks for a lively, wide-ranging discussion, blending recaps of Invest Fest in Atlanta, reflections on viral news, social topics, and plenty of inside jokes. The crew dives into event stories, the nature of podcast beef, viral wrestling violence, the Jussie Smollett case, the Menendez brothers’ parole outcome, Snoop Dogg controversy, Lil Nas X’s troubles, relationship dynamics, OnlyFans talk, and music, all woven together in the show’s signature all-over-the-place, entertaining manner.
KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS
1. Invest Fest: Reflections and Highlights
Timestamps: 00:58–33:38
- Queens Flip discusses his eye-opening experience at Invest Fest outside of New York, realizing the scale and impact of the JBP audience.
- "That was just all JBP conversation. It was ill. It was just... it was eye opening for me." (03:14, Flip)
- Ish receives props for his “celebrity” presence at Invest Fest; other panelists highlight his role giving advice and helping other content creators.
- Mandy (from See, The Thing Is) is detailed as being part of Ish’s and Simba’s event “crew”; debate ensues over who got what all-access passes and why.
- Mark Lamont Hill and Cheyenne Bryant's panel: Mark’s dynamic with Dr. Cheyenne Bryant is analyzed, playfully criticized for not bringing the “smoke” expected by the JBP crew.
- "You let Andrew Tate down." (29:11, Ish)
- Magic Johnson’s keynote is celebrated—he “had niggas in there in tears”—and the event’s scale is applauded: "That's a black event from young black men… that shit was a success." (32:22, Dr. Mark Lamont Hill)
- Other notable moments: Invest Fest logistics snafus for Flip, Atlanta nightlife (Old San Juan rave-up), and more.
2. Rampage Jackson’s Son Wrestling Incident
Timestamps: 39:01–52:12
- Discussion of the viral video where Rampage Jackson’s son (an MMA fighter) brutally attacks a pro wrestler during an event, knocking him unconscious and severely injuring him.
- The panel debates responsibility, the culture clash between pro wrestling and MMA, and boundaries of discipline versus violence:
- "He was unconscious from the fall. This wasn't a fight." (52:02, El)
- The group agrees the response was out of line and touches on streamer culture amplifying impulsive reactions.
- "That's gruesome. From whatever angle... It's horrible." (49:32, Joe)
- RVD’s controversial support of Rampage’s son is mocked:
- "You can't almost kill someone..." (48:53, Joe)
3. Jussie Smollett Documentary & The Nature of Reasonable Doubt
Timestamps: 55:12–64:39
- El receives a direct evidence file from Jussie, critiques whether the documentary casts reasonable doubt on the infamous attack case.
- Group divides between “he’s lying” and “there could be more to the story,” but mostly stays skeptical.
- "Jussy, you are a lying sack of shit. I don't care what Netflix say." (62:05, Joe)
- Larger discussion on how true crime docs sway public opinion, referencing the Menendez brothers.
4. Menendez Brothers Parole & Justice System
Timestamps: 64:32–74:27
- The panel debates compassion, trauma, class, and consistency in the legal system’s handling of parole:
- "If we're going to lend empathy to that... then we gonna have to have the same level of sympathy for motherfuckers [in the ghetto]." (66:12, Dr. Mark Lamont Hill)
- Differing takes: should heinous crimes ever be eligible for parole?
- Connections drawn to famous cases (Selena’s murderer, trauma as mitigating factor).
5. Snoop Dogg’s Lightyear Movie Comments & Social Media Backlash
Timestamps: 78:53–88:55
- Addressing outrage over Snoop describing discomfort explaining a same-sex couple in the kids’ film “Lightyear.”
- "I don't think he said anything bad..." (82:06, Flip)
- Debate whether Snoop’s sharing was irresponsible, just honest parenting, or "not that serious."
- "I think it's irresponsible for us to call that irresponsible." (88:45, Joe)
6. Lil Nas X Jail Incident & Overcharging in Celebrity Law
Timestamps: 89:37–92:56
- Recap of Lil Nas X’s arrest (naked, inebriated, charged with multiple felonies).
- "I hope he's all right. I hope that he gets the help that he needs." (92:04, Joe)
- Broader digression about how the media amplifies charges before facts are clear.
7. Podcast ‘Beef,’ Unity & The Charlamagne Question
Timestamps: 93:05–103:15
- Flip’s “hugged up” photo with Charlamagne at Invest Fest prompts talk about perceived rivalry and the impulses driving “beef” narratives in hip hop podcast culture.
- "If it ain't about unity... then that's all I want to do." (100:12, Joe)
- Joe explains detachment from beefs with peers, underscores focus on support and growth.
8. Drake vs. Hip Hop Media & Rob Markman’s Restraint
Timestamps: 104:05–109:00
- Rob Markman’s dignified humor in response to Drake’s Instagram jabs is celebrated.
- Discussion of the changing music journalism landscape:
- "Artists that want you to review their music... most don't. They want to go to their controlled places." (106:23, Joe)
- Bemoaning loss of in-depth or critical interviews as stars opt mostly for controlled YouTube/podcast appearances.
9. Relationship Dynamics: Clothes, Honesty, and Growth
Timestamps: 139:27–151:59
- Extended, funny debate about whether men are justified in asking their partners to dress less revealing as relationships grow/marriage approaches.
- "If we get... closer to marriage, strap it up, and let's keep it pushing." (143:51, Joe)
- Flip: "Now that we're married, you should present yourself a certain way."
- El/Mark: "No, that should be an issue of maturity, not marital status."
- Honesty about clothes, fashion ability, and communication in relationships is dissected, with panelists sharing their own approaches.
10. OnlyFans Earnings — Secrecy in Relationships
Timestamps: 170:44–180:51
- The group tackles moral, emotional, and financial implications of a partner secretly making huge sums on OnlyFans.
- "If you my girl, I want to know where we… You don't gotta give me the specifics… but…"
- Notion of “escape funds” and gender dynamics of secrecy within couple finances.
- "Her saving is not normally for us." (180:51, Joe)
11. Music: Awards, Sleepers, and Hip-Hop Name Game
Timestamps: 196:03–214:07
- Music interludes throughout: Coco Jones, 2 Chainz, L.A. & GoldLink, Offset & JID featured as “sleepers.”
- Dr. Mark Lamont Hill challenged to name 30 contemporary rappers–he pulls it off (with much laughter and suspense).
- "That's why this is a music podcast!" (195:56, El)
12. Lighter Segments & Comedy
Timestamps: Sprinkled Throughout
- Marriage vow renewals, birthday party dress code debates, kids ignoring their parents, and the eternal struggle of men at formalwear stores provide recurring comic relief.
- The signature JBP dynamic of clowning each other (“minor beefs in-house,” rewinding each other’s statements, etc.).
NOTABLE QUOTES & MEMORABLE MOMENTS
- Mark Lamont Hill (on being called surprisingly immature):
"He's using us to rebrand for the immaturity. No, he's hiding. He's hiding. I know what he's doing." (11:18, Joe) - On forgiving and moving past podcast beefs:
"If it ain't about unity, bringing people together… that's all I want to do." (100:12, Joe) - On the toxicity of streamer culture and real-time reactions:
"It doesn't allow time for a train of thought. Like, we see how you feel at this moment… we shouldn't have known this part." (44:02, Joe) - On Snoop Dogg’s ‘Lightyear’ comments:
"He's saying, I came to the movie just to watch the movie, not to have to have this conversation right here." (83:06, Joe) - Mark on being honest with your partner’s earnings:
"130 a month, that's a lot of money. Yo, dog, I want to know." (174:08, Mark)
TIMESTAMPS FOR IMPORTANT SEGMENTS
- Invest Fest Recap: 00:58–33:38
- Rampage Jackson Wrestling Violence Discussion: 39:01–52:12
- Jussie Smollett Documentary Debate: 55:12–64:39
- Menendez Brothers/Justice System: 64:32–74:27
- Snoop Dogg Backlash/Social Issues: 78:53–88:55
- Lil Nas X Legal Troubles: 89:37–92:56
- Drake vs. Media/Rob Markman Beef: 104:05–109:00
- Relationship Wardrobe Debate: 139:27–151:59
- OnlyFans Relationship Dynamics: 170:44–180:51
- Music & Sleepers/Hip Hop Name Game: 196:03–214:07
TONE & STYLE
- Language: Candid, irreverent, humorous, self-deprecating, sometimes pointed but always with camaraderie.
- Spirit: Largely playful, with honest personal admissions, sharp wit, and the usual mix of real talk and immaturity.
CONCLUSION
This episode is a quintessential JBP marathon—funny, chaotic, and probing, as the hosts alternate between clowning each other, debating event stories, and tackling “culture war” moments. Whether you’re catching up on viral drama, the current climate of hip hop and podcasting, or just looking for a window into how men navigate relationships and status, this is “the most immature broadcast you could possibly, possibly find”—but with more insight under the surface than you might expect.
Notable Final Word:
"The baddies are insecure, the stagnant women want to travel, and the closed minded women want you to teach them things. Grab you a Tylenol; you might need it." (218:45, Joe)
