The Joe Budden Podcast – Ep. 864 | "The Broad Street Daily Journal"

Date: September 27, 2025
Host: Joe Budden
Platform: The Joe Budden Network

Episode Overview

Episode 864 of The Joe Budden Podcast, "The Broad Street Daily Journal," delivers another freewheeling session with Joe and his rotating crew of co-hosts. The episode blends hip-hop debates, album reviews, industry news, sports discussions, personal stories, and plenty of signature humor, all against the backdrop of the group’s Philly-versus-Jersey rivalry and the ever-present topic of loyalty. The major segments include a detailed Young Thug album review, debates on rap beefs (Cardi B vs. Nicki Minaj), discussions on ticket pricing in the music industry, a deep dive into Saudi Arabian entertainment investments, and nuanced conversations about friendship, betrayal, and professional loyalty.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Best Freestyles & Philly/Jersey Rifts (00:29–06:13)

• The intro sets the podcast's “entertainment only” tone.
• The team jumps into a heated, playful argument about the greatest rap freestyles ever—Black Thought’s Funk Flex freestyle, Jay-Z’s Grammy Family, etc.
• Philly and Jersey affiliations spark inside jokes:
  • “Philly is Jersey.” (03:38)
  • “Camden was East Philly.” (03:44)
• Light-hearted ribbing about physical injuries and aging sets a personal, relatable mood.

Memorable Quote:
“Don’t be mad at me, but Philly people stick together… If a fight break out, me and him, back to back, we got it.” — E (04:07)

2. Young Thug "White Face" Album Review (17:16–55:04)

• The crew dives deep into Young Thug’s newest album and its controversial white-faced cover.
• Track reviews:
  • Mixed feelings about the "Whoopty Doo" record and Cardi B’s feature (“Cardi went crazy").
  • Concerns about the “white face” aesthetic and the use of the N-word (with hard 'er') on the intro track.
  • Some call it Thug’s weakest work, others like select tracks—TI, Mariah, Lil Baby, and Luchi collabs stand out.
  • Questioning if album sequencing and rushed production hurt quality.
  • Atlantic Records’ lack of visible push and marketing budget are discussed.

Notable Quotes:

• "This might be the first I put in the trash in a long time." — Joe (22:16)
• “Just a lot of words for white face.” — A (24:08)
• "Sequencing is so important with your album, dog. A lot of people don’t get it." — C (27:46)

Rap Beef Sidebar: Cardi B vs. Nicki Minaj (34:05–37:46)

• Cardi’s verse sparks debate on diss records and why beefs never fully resolve.
• Some compare Cardi/Nicki to Drake/Kendrick: "That beef is never gonna end." — A (34:03)

The Rat/Tattling Conversation (46:21–49:42)

• An impassioned discussion about "snitching" side-steps hip hop’s street code:
  • The group acknowledges the blurred lines between business choices and street loyalty.

Quote:
"Ratting is a character flaw... The fact that you turn when the police come—something’s wrong with you." — E (48:30)

3. Nicki Minaj’s Album Announcement & Industry Shot-Calling (49:43–53:53)

• Nicki Minaj’s cryptic tweet about a 2026 album release fuels speculation.
• Joe, E, and D debate calculated rollouts versus petty score-settling among artists.
• The group recognizes Nicki’s resilience and lasting dominance in rap.

4. Album Reviews (Doja Cat, Mariah Carey, etc.) (55:33–59:20)

• Doja Cat: Described as a pure pop album ("It feels like Sabrina Carpenter with DOA Cat").
• Mariah Carey: Critical of new music, suggesting her vocals lack earlier power.
  • Joe improvises lyrics mocking her new direction, drawing laughs.
  • Comparison to older talent aging out is made ("How long y’all want people to be able to sing?").

5. Loyalty in Management & Artists’ Business Decisions (63:45–77:01)

• Ace Bailey’s NBA drama sparks talk about when to move on from childhood managers or agents.
• The crew stresses the importance of professionalism over personal loyalty for athletes and entertainers:
  • "Don’t let your loyalty become slavery." — E (71:27)
  • "Don’t hire your friends in roles that don’t suit them unless they’re exceptional." — A (75:01)

6. Ticket Pricing/Live Nation CEO Controversy (83:50–94:45)

• Live Nation’s Michael Rapinoe claims concerts are “underpriced,” stirring outrage.
• Hosts argue most fans cannot access “average” prices due to bots/resellers, making it an “elitist” experience.
• Joe contends music is generally undervalued and supports premium pricing—but only if access improves for everyday fans.

Quote:
"My worry is... the average person who only gets to go to one show. That's who I'm worried about." — D (91:45)

7. Ray J’s Kardashian 'RICO' Claims (154:45–159:02)

• Ray J’s outlandish announcement that he’s “working with the feds to bring a RICO case against the Kardashians” is met with amusement and skepticism.
• Panel debates whether Ray J’s involvement is serious or just entertainment.

8. Comedy, Sports & Big Money in Saudi Arabia (159:09–172:48)

• Breaks down U.S. entertainers (Chappelle, Hart, Aziz, etc.) taking massive paydays to perform at Saudi-sponsored events.
• D provides context on Saudi Arabia’s human rights issues.
• Raises question: "Should entertainers consider the ethics of who’s cutting the check?"
• Joe, B, and E debate the line between pragmatism and principles, especially when huge sums are involved.

Quote:
“You’re asking people to turn down a lot of money…” — C (163:54) "No number would make me go perform in Saudi Arabia." — D (165:15)

9. Music Industry News & Legendary Executive Steps Down (119:19–122:10)

• Notable shout-out as Sylvia Rhone, a trailblazing Black woman music exec, steps down as CEO of Epic Records.
• Hosts reflect on the need for a new generation of Black executives in the industry.

10. Mixing Friend Groups and Friendship Betrayal (122:25–127:04, 177:48–186:19)

• Mona brings up the challenges of blending different friend groups.
• Gender differences are explored in reactions to best friends hanging out without their “connector.”
• Later, an “Am I the Asshole?” scenario is answered: a man’s friend brings his (unbeknownst) side piece to a function, causing drama. The hosts dissect loyalty, codes among guys, and maturity.

11. Assata Shakur’s Passing & Legacy (109:01–113:02)

• Mark offers a heartfelt tribute to Assata Shakur, foregrounding her activism, time in exile, and hip-hop’s relationship to her legacy.
• “Always hands off Assata. Always free all political prisoners. Always love to Assata.” — D (111:52)

12. Current Events & Closing Banter (133:33–end)

• Sports: Discussion of Ace Bailey firing his agent, Zion Williamson’s weight loss, and NBA injuries.
• Dark humor: Debates about consumers running up “murder music” streams (regarding current true crime allegations).
• Random: Fried chicken talk, personal weekend plans, inside podcast jokes.
• Outro emphasizes gratitude, pod-family bonds, and the importance of loyal listeners.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Ratting is a character flaw…That means that you purposely turn whoop de do into something about tricking.”—A, on Young Thug’s lyrics (30:06)
• “If you don’t stand for something, you fall for anything.” — F (173:44), in the context of comedy in Saudi Arabia
• “Don’t let your loyalty become slavery.” — E (71:27)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:29–06:13 – Introductions, freestyle debate, Philly/Jersey talk
• 17:16–55:04 – In-depth Young Thug album review & rap beef discussion
• 63:45–77:01 – Loyalty in management, sports representation
• 83:50–94:45 – Live Nation CEO, ticket pricing outrage
• 109:01–113:02 – Mark’s tribute to Assata Shakur
• 119:19–122:10 – Sylvia Rhone's stepdown, Black execs in music
• 154:45–159:02 – Ray J's Kardashian "Rico" claims
• 159:09–172:48 – Debate: Should stars perform in Saudi Arabia?
• 177:48–186:19 – “Am I the Asshole?” scenario: Friendship betrayal

Language & Tone

Maintains The Joe Budden Podcast’s trademark: candid, irreverent, smart-yet-silly. Unfiltered joy in inside jokes, regional pride, and challenging each other’s views. Tone balances insightful debates with rowdy banter.

Summary Takeaway

Episode 864 delivers everything “JBP” fans expect: razor-sharp hip-hop critique, industry insider secrets, real talk on loyalty, lively debates on ethics, culture, and friendship, all layered with the spontaneous energy and authenticity that make the show a must-listen.