The Joe Budden Podcast – Episode 869 | "Tricky Words"

Date: October 15, 2025
Host: Joe Budden & The Joe Budden Network

Main Theme

This episode delivers classic comedic banter, debates on pop culture, and heartfelt reflection as the crew discusses "tricky words," memorable music lyrics, personal stories, current headlines, and pays emotional tribute to the late D’Angelo. The show is imbued with playful back-and-forth, raw honesty, and genuine celebration of Black culture, with the sudden passing of D’Angelo serving as an emotional centerpiece.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. "Dancery," Crunk, & Tricky Words in Lyrics

[00:35 – 04:58]

• The crew debates Mary J. Blige’s "Family Affair" and the famously made-up word "dancery," leading to a history of misunderstood lyrics.

• Mark Lamont Hill shares insider info that the original lyric might have been “dance soiree,” and how it possibly morphed into "dancery."

• The crew riffs on how certain words and moments become cultural staples:

  “I’mma start referring to every bar and club as the dancery from now on.” – Flip [01:42]

• They reflect on the differences between "white crunk" and "black crunk," describing how people react when their song comes on in the club.

• The story meanders into a shared memory: the use of Joe Budden's song "Fire" in Mean Girls and Entourage, sparking nostalgia for their clubbing days.

2. Relationships, Dogs, and Domestic Negotiations

[24:03 – 31:44]

• The "dog discourse" unfolds as Ice shares how he got “bullied” into getting a "doodle" breed by his partner, despite wanting a Rottweiler. The guys commiserate—everyone’s lost that negotiation at some point.

  “If it ends in doodle… you got the wrong dog.” – Mark Lamont Hill [24:49]

• They discuss the economics of dog ownership, "relationship compromises," and the way partners have the real power on big life decisions.
• Joe highlights the gendered draw of large vs. small dogs and the futility of saying "I'm allowed to do what I want" in relationships.

3. D’Angelo Tribute & Legacy

[32:05 – 43:09, 165:20 – 192:44]

• The news of D’Angelo’s passing becomes the episode’s emotional axis. Mark Lamont Hill offers a detailed explanation of D’Angelo’s impact on neo soul, hip-hop, and Black music culture.

  "Brown Sugar [is] the album that defines 90s soul and R&B." – Mark Lamont Hill [33:13]

• Stephen A. Smith is discussed as a modern example of media silhouette and public perception, which echoes D’Angelo’s “reluctant superstar” energy.
• The segment closes with multiple D’Angelo songs played as "sleepers," a heartfelt sign-off for an R&B giant.

4. Personal Growth, Money, and The Trap of Success

[104:38 – 118:28]

• The hosts muse about the psychological and social changes that accompany wealth—how "getting in certain rooms" alters worldviews, especially for Black men who come from modest backgrounds.

  “With every dollar comes expectation.” – Joe Budden [113:23]

• There’s a philosophical discussion on whether freedom comes from options or limitations, with Parks suggesting, "Freedom comes from stability and peace of mind."

5. Family & Holidays

[74:17 – 77:41]

• Joe gets “caught” by his partner into hosting Thanksgiving, reflecting on the soft power of relationships and the evolution of family priorities with age.

  “Kids around sometime. ...Provide for the kid. Our turn is done.” – Joe Budden [77:15]

6. Headlines: Akon Divorce, Feminism, and Stephen A. Smith

• Akon’s Divorce and Hiding Money
  Discussed with humor but also analysis; the hosts debate whether it’s ethical or savvy for Akon to store assets under his mother’s name and speculation about the true dynamics of 29-year marriages.

  “With loyalty, if you were there when I had nothing... you get the whole ten.” – Flip [63:17]

• Feminism & Race
  Mark Lamont Hill explains Black feminism's historical trajectory and differences from white liberal feminism.

  “Sometimes the feminism that gets called feminism has never included us.” – Mark Lamont Hill [65:51]

• Stephen A. Smith & Public Persona
  The crew dissects Stephen A.’s recent controversial opinions, their political overtones, and progression from sports commentary to provocative political content.

7. MTV’s End of an Era

[130:16 – 132:49]

• Brief but pointed discussion about MTV shutting down its music channels. The hosts reminisce about what MTV signified for generations and what, if anything, will replace its cultural role.

  "YouTube has replaced MTV for a very long time." – Flip [131:20]

8. Identity, Reputation & Self-Perception

[135:38 – 139:44]

• An introspective segment where each host reflects on who they “really are,” the public perception vs. true self, and how honesty and growth shift those lines.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On D’Angelo’s Life:

  “He was a reluctant superstar... Musicians wanted to hurry up what they said… to see him and greet him and speak to him.” – Joe Budden [36:06]

• On Relationship Compromises & Dogs:

  “Yo, you let your girl punk you out of getting the dog you wanted.” – Joe Budden [29:11] “If your partner wants a dog, you’re getting a dog.” – Ice [30:14]

• On Money & Morality:

  “There’s a number where they let you in the room—and there’s expected behavior that comes with admittance.” – Joe Budden [109:03]

• On Family & Change:

  “If you have family, you should do this... your turn is done.” – Joe Budden [77:12]

• On Female Empowerment:

  “Black women can be feminists... it’s that mainstream feminism has never included us.” – Mark Lamont Hill [65:51]

Important Segment Timestamps

• Mary J. Blige’s "Dancery" Lyric Debate: [00:39–02:56]
• Defining "Crunk," Club Antics: [03:34–05:52]
• Joe on Relationship Power Dynamics ("Dog" story): [24:03–31:44]
• D’Angelo Death Tribute and Reminiscence: [32:12–43:09], [165:20–192:44]
• Akon Divorce and Hiding Assets: [53:15–64:31]
• Feminism & Black Identity: [64:43–66:20]
• MTV’s End of Music Television: [130:16–132:49]
• Personal Identity & Self-Reflection: [135:38–139:44]
• Money and Freedom Debate: [104:38–118:28]
• Family Holiday & Aging: [74:17–77:41]

Song Sleeper Tributes – D’Angelo

• D’Angelo – "Feel Like Makin’ Love" [165:20]
• D’Angelo – "Brown Sugar" [171:44]
• Jizza feat. D’Angelo – "Cold World Remix" [176:08]
• D’Angelo – "Devil’s Pie" [180:54]
• D’Angelo – "Really Love" [186:35]

Tone & Banter

The mood is fluid: irreverent, thoughtful, and emotionally responsive, with a trademark mix of sincerity and humor. They tease, interrupt, and reveal vulnerabilities, culminating in group moments of reflection and collective grief (for D’Angelo), and frequent, hilarious detours on relationships, family, and the nature of "being a man" in changing times.

Overall Flow for New Listeners

This episode is an engaging, winding journey through Black music history, pop culture, and the unpredictable patterns of adult life. Come for the laughs and debates on lyrics and end up staying for honest ruminations on love, loss, and legacy. The D’Angelo tribute is not to be missed—raw, real, and resonant for anyone who loved neo soul or has ever lost a cultural hero.

Skip to:

• [32:12] for the D’Angelo tribute & music
• [53:15] for relationship comedy and Akon
• [104:38] for money, growth, and the “trap”
• [135:38] for identity and self-reflection

Avoid:

• [68:00–69:50]: Prize Picks ad
• [193:00–End]: Closing shout-outs, Patreon plugs

Rest in peace, D’Angelo.
“We are here to celebrate. We are here to celebrate his life.” – Joe Budden [36:47]