The Joe Budden Podcast

Episode 878 | "Streets Need A Body"

Date: November 15, 2025

Episode Overview

In this lively episode, Joe Budden and co-hosts Mona Scott-Young, Mark Lamont Hill, Ish, and Imani return for a classic session of laughter, storytelling, music reviews, and real talk. The episode covers burning hip-hop controversies, social media drama, in-depth music reviews (including Summer Walker and Wale’s new projects), generational debates, relationship ethics, hot news topics, and a healthy dose of unfiltered banter. Each host brings signature energy and humor while also addressing serious issues around race, apologies in the digital age, and navigating friendships under public scrutiny.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Navigating Social Media Backlash and Apologies

Rory’s Old Tweets & Internet “Cancel Culture”
- The crew unpacks Rory’s Twitter controversy triggered by resurfaced tweets interpreted as racist and offensive.
- [20:40] Mark Lamont Hill details the incident: “Some of them were RTs... some were rap lyrics… and some were offensive to celebrities… The story got bigger than I thought it would be — when I saw it on TMZ, I was like ooh.”
- [23:54] Joe: “His position was, anybody that knows me knows that I don't hate black people… but people were trying to tell him, we all don't know you...”
How to Apologize & the Futility of Pleasing the Internet
- Kayla Nicole’s apology letter is held up as an “anatomy of an apology” masterclass, but the hosts debate if apologies ever satisfy public outrage.
- [35:09] Mark: “They want a pound of flesh... I’d rather they be mad at me for my apology than my non-apology.”
- [37:10] “Here’s what apology should be: I’m sorry. Here’s my understanding of what I did wrong. I'll never do it again. Here’s how I’m gonna make this right.”
Double Standards in Forgiveness
- Hosts debate societal grace (or lack thereof) for public figures, especially white allies in Black spaces.
- Mona emphasizes extra vigilance: “If you’re white and you benefit off shit like that, you have to be super vigilant about what you say and do. Period.” ([28:47])

Music Review Deep Dive

Summer Walker – New Album

General consensus: Mixed opinions, with most hosts loving the first half and feeling the second half becomes more cliche.
[39:41] Mona: “I’m proud of Summer. Summer has social anxiety real bad... she grew a lot.”
[52:11] Joe’s comic honesty: “I don't want to hear Summer loving herself. I don’t want to hear Summer finally over him... finding herself. In real life, I applaud it. On records, I want the pain!”
Group banter about expectations, song length, and the power of messy, pained R&B.
- [47:26] Ish compares lengths of Summer’s projects, revealing she’s always favored short songs.
Notable moment: Mark admits he’s “texting people from the nurse home bathroom” hyped by the album ([43:47]).

Wale – New Album

Unanimous praise for introspective lyricism, song structure, and sampling.
[60:56] Joe: “Wale is special, bro. He’s highly underrated. Consistently.”
[65:56] Ish: “Certain albums you need to hear in the car.”
[63:40] Mark: “It’s a very good vibe. Vibey album. You could put this on... night or day.”

Other Music Highlights

Meek Mill’s indie pack, Kodak Black’s surprising consistency, Cardi B’s remix drops, Jeezy’s features.
Mona: “People underestimate Kodak. He’s not sober... but he makes good music” ([78:01]).
Nostalgic banter on early music listening habits and “getting thick” at the gym ([79:55]).

Generational & Relationship Debates

The “Blessing” Dilemma: Friendship Ethics

Debate about giving friends permission (a “blessing”) to work with or befriend an adversary.
[86:27] Joe: “When you give the fake blessing, does the room acknowledge that’s a thing?”
The panel explores real vs. fake blessings, and whether it’s on the “blesser” or “blessee” to discern true intentions.
Conversation expands into dating exes, “the code,” and double standards for men and women.

Age Gaps in Dating: The Kevin Gates Controversy

Heated segment regarding Kevin Gates’s remarks on dating younger women.
[108:29] Mona: “That’s regular. Men can do what women can't, that’s just how it is.”
[111:12] Joe: “Go Kevin Gates for standing on it. You rarely hear a man say, I love this shit, I’m not gonna stop.”

Hot Topics & Social Commentary

Cultural Accountability & Double Standards

Klay Thompson, Meg Thee Stallion & “Battleship” Analogy
- [123:10] Jason Williams’s saying (“pussy can drag a battleship across a desert”) sparks debate over blaming women for athletes’ performance dips.
- Klay’s public response rejected objectification of Meg and called for more respect.
- Hosts discuss whether relationship distractions are blamed unfairly, especially on Black women.

Conspiracy Corner & Epstein Files

Mark provides an update on the Epstein email leaks connecting Trump and other powerful figures.
The group debates whether Ghislaine Maxwell is still in jail, and if releasing "the list" would ever be allowed:
- [159:15] Mona: “They coming for us. We can’t even say ‘if you know, you know’...”
- [164:19] Mona: “How do y’all decide which conspiracy theories to take part in?”
- Mark: “They're from Newark. They believe everything except the Malcolm X story.”

Target’s "Smile Policy" & Service Sector Labor

Target now requires employees to smile more.
[144:12] Mark: “Making it a policy just creates ways to fuck with workers.”
Joe defends the policy for customer experience but agrees companies must also pay workers better.

Headline Oddities & “Whose Side Are You On?”

Viral story: A man buys a storage unit for $500, finds $7.5M inside, and is asked to return the cash.
- [173:33] Joe: “Assuming the law says you own it... Whose side are you on?”
- Hosts mostly agree they’d take the $1.2M payout rather than risk drama (“I like my family, I like my fingers”).
Lighthearted pennygate: Should you throw away pennies? Mona (shockingly) admits to it, prompting spiritual debate.

TV, Streaming, and Offbeat Banter

Review of “All Her Fault” (Peacock): All agree it’s a “good bad show,” messy, fun, and impossible not to finish. Joe complains about white kid actors: “By episode seven, all I could say is this is a cute little white baby. This white little baby... was having the greatest time. Mac and cheese again.” ([183:39])
Upcoming show recommendations: “Plus/” (Apple TV) described as a comedic, weird, but intriguing.
Banter about hot dog (glizzy) etiquette at Knicks games, with Joe confessing to eating “double barrel” ([169:28]).
Closing out with family stories, celebration of Mona’s new home, and playful warnings about not stealing deodorant from Target anymore.
Final words: A signature musical outro.

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

[28:47] Mona: “If you’re white and you benefit off shit like that, you have to be super vigilant about what you say and do.”
[35:09] Mark Lamont Hill: “They want a pound of flesh. But I’ll tell you one thing, I’d rather be mad at me for my apology than my non-apology.”
[52:11] Joe Budden: “I don't want to hear Summer loving herself... I want the pain!”
[60:56] Joe: “Wale is special, bro. He’s highly underrated. Consistently.”
[79:55] Ish: “You getting thick, dog. Ain’t nothing wrong with guys doing squats.”
[111:12] Joe: “Go Kevin Gates for standing on it. You rarely hear a man say, I love this shit, I’m not gonna stop.”
[123:12] Jason Williams (via Mark Lamont Hill): “Pussy can drag a battleship across a desert.”
[149:38] Ish (on retail wages): “Target: $17.09/hour. Chick-fil-A: $14.69. Starbucks: $16.09. Y’all still want a smile?”
[173:33] Joe: “Assuming the law says you own it... Whose side are you on?”
[183:39] Joe: “By episode seven, all I could say is this is a cute little white baby. This white little baby... was having the greatest time. Mac and cheese again.”

Timestamps for Major Segments

[00:00]–[14:00]: Opening banter, social media, fashion, and parenting jokes
[20:16]–[37:55]: Rory’s Twitter controversy, apology science, Kayla Nicole apology
[37:41]–[56:52]: Summer Walker album review
[57:02]–[66:36]: Wale album review; Meek Mill, music drops
[78:00]: Kodak Black discussion
[86:27]: Fake blessings, friendship codes, dating exes
[108:29]: Kevin Gates age gap debate
[123:10]: Athlete dating distractions, “battleship” analogy; respecting partners
[159:15]: Epstein, conspiracy theories, political sidebars
[140:21]: Target “Smile More” rule & labor debate
[173:33]: “Whose Side Are You On?”— the $7.5M storage unit saga
[181:06]: “All Her Fault” review and show wrap-up
[191:18]–[End]: Musical outro, closing celebrations, and signature farewells

Summary

This episode delivers The Joe Budden Podcast experience in full: a blend of intelligent (and hilarious) culture commentary, music takes, relationship arguments, hip-hop news, viral stories, and irreverent humor. The chemistry, realness, and quick pivot from jokes to deep conversations make this session as engaging for newcomers as for longtime fans. If you want to understand hip-hop media’s most honest (and unpredictable) living room—start here.

The Joe Budden Podcast

Episode 878 | "Streets Need A Body"

Date: November 15, 2025

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Navigating Social Media Backlash and Apologies

Rory’s Old Tweets & Internet “Cancel Culture”
- The crew unpacks Rory’s Twitter controversy triggered by resurfaced tweets interpreted as racist and offensive.
- [20:40] Mark Lamont Hill details the incident: “Some of them were RTs... some were rap lyrics… and some were offensive to celebrities… The story got bigger than I thought it would be — when I saw it on TMZ, I was like ooh.”
- [23:54] Joe: “His position was, anybody that knows me knows that I don't hate black people… but people were trying to tell him, we all don't know you...”
How to Apologize & the Futility of Pleasing the Internet
- Kayla Nicole’s apology letter is held up as an “anatomy of an apology” masterclass, but the hosts debate if apologies ever satisfy public outrage.
- [35:09] Mark: “They want a pound of flesh... I’d rather they be mad at me for my apology than my non-apology.”
- [37:10] “Here’s what apology should be: I’m sorry. Here’s my understanding of what I did wrong. I'll never do it again. Here’s how I’m gonna make this right.”
Double Standards in Forgiveness
- Hosts debate societal grace (or lack thereof) for public figures, especially white allies in Black spaces.
- Mona emphasizes extra vigilance: “If you’re white and you benefit off shit like that, you have to be super vigilant about what you say and do. Period.” ([28:47])

Music Review Deep Dive

Summer Walker – New Album

General consensus: Mixed opinions, with most hosts loving the first half and feeling the second half becomes more cliche.
[39:41] Mona: “I’m proud of Summer. Summer has social anxiety real bad... she grew a lot.”
[52:11] Joe’s comic honesty: “I don't want to hear Summer loving herself. I don’t want to hear Summer finally over him... finding herself. In real life, I applaud it. On records, I want the pain!”
Group banter about expectations, song length, and the power of messy, pained R&B.
- [47:26] Ish compares lengths of Summer’s projects, revealing she’s always favored short songs.
Notable moment: Mark admits he’s “texting people from the nurse home bathroom” hyped by the album ([43:47]).

Wale – New Album

Unanimous praise for introspective lyricism, song structure, and sampling.
[60:56] Joe: “Wale is special, bro. He’s highly underrated. Consistently.”
[65:56] Ish: “Certain albums you need to hear in the car.”
[63:40] Mark: “It’s a very good vibe. Vibey album. You could put this on... night or day.”

Other Music Highlights

Meek Mill’s indie pack, Kodak Black’s surprising consistency, Cardi B’s remix drops, Jeezy’s features.
Mona: “People underestimate Kodak. He’s not sober... but he makes good music” ([78:01]).
Nostalgic banter on early music listening habits and “getting thick” at the gym ([79:55]).

Generational & Relationship Debates

The “Blessing” Dilemma: Friendship Ethics

Debate about giving friends permission (a “blessing”) to work with or befriend an adversary.
[86:27] Joe: “When you give the fake blessing, does the room acknowledge that’s a thing?”
The panel explores real vs. fake blessings, and whether it’s on the “blesser” or “blessee” to discern true intentions.
Conversation expands into dating exes, “the code,” and double standards for men and women.

Age Gaps in Dating: The Kevin Gates Controversy

Heated segment regarding Kevin Gates’s remarks on dating younger women.
[108:29] Mona: “That’s regular. Men can do what women can't, that’s just how it is.”
[111:12] Joe: “Go Kevin Gates for standing on it. You rarely hear a man say, I love this shit, I’m not gonna stop.”

Hot Topics & Social Commentary

Cultural Accountability & Double Standards

Klay Thompson, Meg Thee Stallion & “Battleship” Analogy
- [123:10] Jason Williams’s saying (“pussy can drag a battleship across a desert”) sparks debate over blaming women for athletes’ performance dips.
- Klay’s public response rejected objectification of Meg and called for more respect.
- Hosts discuss whether relationship distractions are blamed unfairly, especially on Black women.

Conspiracy Corner & Epstein Files

Mark provides an update on the Epstein email leaks connecting Trump and other powerful figures.
The group debates whether Ghislaine Maxwell is still in jail, and if releasing "the list" would ever be allowed:
- [159:15] Mona: “They coming for us. We can’t even say ‘if you know, you know’...”
- [164:19] Mona: “How do y’all decide which conspiracy theories to take part in?”
- Mark: “They're from Newark. They believe everything except the Malcolm X story.”

Target’s "Smile Policy" & Service Sector Labor

Target now requires employees to smile more.
[144:12] Mark: “Making it a policy just creates ways to fuck with workers.”
Joe defends the policy for customer experience but agrees companies must also pay workers better.

Headline Oddities & “Whose Side Are You On?”

Viral story: A man buys a storage unit for $500, finds $7.5M inside, and is asked to return the cash.
- [173:33] Joe: “Assuming the law says you own it... Whose side are you on?”
- Hosts mostly agree they’d take the $1.2M payout rather than risk drama (“I like my family, I like my fingers”).
Lighthearted pennygate: Should you throw away pennies? Mona (shockingly) admits to it, prompting spiritual debate.

TV, Streaming, and Offbeat Banter

Review of “All Her Fault” (Peacock): All agree it’s a “good bad show,” messy, fun, and impossible not to finish. Joe complains about white kid actors: “By episode seven, all I could say is this is a cute little white baby. This white little baby... was having the greatest time. Mac and cheese again.” ([183:39])
Upcoming show recommendations: “Plus/” (Apple TV) described as a comedic, weird, but intriguing.
Banter about hot dog (glizzy) etiquette at Knicks games, with Joe confessing to eating “double barrel” ([169:28]).
Closing out with family stories, celebration of Mona’s new home, and playful warnings about not stealing deodorant from Target anymore.
Final words: A signature musical outro.

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

[28:47] Mona: “If you’re white and you benefit off shit like that, you have to be super vigilant about what you say and do.”
[35:09] Mark Lamont Hill: “They want a pound of flesh. But I’ll tell you one thing, I’d rather be mad at me for my apology than my non-apology.”
[52:11] Joe Budden: “I don't want to hear Summer loving herself... I want the pain!”
[60:56] Joe: “Wale is special, bro. He’s highly underrated. Consistently.”
[79:55] Ish: “You getting thick, dog. Ain’t nothing wrong with guys doing squats.”
[111:12] Joe: “Go Kevin Gates for standing on it. You rarely hear a man say, I love this shit, I’m not gonna stop.”
[123:12] Jason Williams (via Mark Lamont Hill): “Pussy can drag a battleship across a desert.”
[149:38] Ish (on retail wages): “Target: $17.09/hour. Chick-fil-A: $14.69. Starbucks: $16.09. Y’all still want a smile?”
[173:33] Joe: “Assuming the law says you own it... Whose side are you on?”
[183:39] Joe: “By episode seven, all I could say is this is a cute little white baby. This white little baby... was having the greatest time. Mac and cheese again.”

Timestamps for Major Segments

[00:00]–[14:00]: Opening banter, social media, fashion, and parenting jokes
[20:16]–[37:55]: Rory’s Twitter controversy, apology science, Kayla Nicole apology
[37:41]–[56:52]: Summer Walker album review
[57:02]–[66:36]: Wale album review; Meek Mill, music drops
[78:00]: Kodak Black discussion
[86:27]: Fake blessings, friendship codes, dating exes
[108:29]: Kevin Gates age gap debate
[123:10]: Athlete dating distractions, “battleship” analogy; respecting partners
[159:15]: Epstein, conspiracy theories, political sidebars
[140:21]: Target “Smile More” rule & labor debate
[173:33]: “Whose Side Are You On?”— the $7.5M storage unit saga
[181:06]: “All Her Fault” review and show wrap-up
[191:18]–[End]: Musical outro, closing celebrations, and signature farewells

Episode 878 | "Streets Need A Body"

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Summary

The Joe Budden Podcast

Episode 878 | "Streets Need A Body"

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Navigating Social Media Backlash and Apologies

Music Review Deep Dive

Summer Walker – New Album

Wale – New Album

Other Music Highlights

Generational & Relationship Debates

The “Blessing” Dilemma: Friendship Ethics

Age Gaps in Dating: The Kevin Gates Controversy

Hot Topics & Social Commentary

Cultural Accountability & Double Standards

Conspiracy Corner & Epstein Files

Target’s "Smile Policy" & Service Sector Labor

Headline Oddities & “Whose Side Are You On?”

TV, Streaming, and Offbeat Banter

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

Timestamps for Major Segments

Summary

Summary

The Joe Budden Podcast

Episode 878 | "Streets Need A Body"

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Navigating Social Media Backlash and Apologies

Music Review Deep Dive

Summer Walker – New Album

Wale – New Album

Other Music Highlights

Generational & Relationship Debates

The “Blessing” Dilemma: Friendship Ethics

Age Gaps in Dating: The Kevin Gates Controversy

Hot Topics & Social Commentary

Cultural Accountability & Double Standards

Conspiracy Corner & Epstein Files

Target’s "Smile Policy" & Service Sector Labor

Headline Oddities & “Whose Side Are You On?”

TV, Streaming, and Offbeat Banter

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

Timestamps for Major Segments

Summary