The Joe Budden Podcast

Episode 879 | “Vote For Twan!”
Release Date: November 19, 2025
Host: Joe Budden (J), with Queens Flip (QF), Parks (P), Ish, Ice (IC), and Mark Lamont Hill (MLH)

Episode Overview

This episode of The Joe Budden Podcast blends hilarious banter, candid social commentary, and deep dives into music industry happenings. The crew covers everything from wardrobe roasting and life updates, to thoughtful reactions on viral news stories, album reviews, street ethics, politics, and drama in hip-hop. Special energy surfaces around Ish’s charitable work and growing “Vote for Twan!” subplot, with the team speculating on his potential political career. The group also thoughtfully discusses Roc Nation’s new distribution platform, music rollout strategies, charges against Tory Lanez and Tekashi 6ix9ine, and the ever-present question of street code and personal growth.

Segment Highlights & Key Moments

Opening Banter: Fashion Roasts & Friendship

[00:27 – 07:00]

• The episode kicks off with the crew clowning each other’s fashion choices—beard dyes, weight loss, khaki vs olive fits, and “back to school” styles.
• Ice confesses his beard dye is actually just shampoo, to which QF responds:

  “He got the good [one] this time though.” (QF, [01:30])

• Ish mentions his recent weight loss:

  “I am down 11 pounds.” (Ish, [03:34])

• The crew jokes about shopping habits, with Ish revealing his girl has to wrangle him into buying new clothes:

  “She’ll convince me to buy this, like, yo, get that. Get this too. And get that. That’s what she’ll do. … I’d rather shop for everybody else.” (Ish, [10:16])

Turkey Drive & Political Ambitions

[22:01 – 27:50 | 145:01 – 160:00]

• Flip reveals he was arrested and missed a commercial shoot, sparking a deep conversation on legal systems and I-card warrants.
• The podcast pivots to Ish’s charitable turkey drive in Newark:

  “No, we had a turkey drive in Newark. All over Newark. … Ras Baraka, shout out to Roz and Mitty, Faith Evans, myself, a couple people…” (Ish, [24:59])

• Joe jokes about Ish’s rise to political power, calling for audience support:

  “That’s how it start. That’s how it start.” (J, [26:56])

• The “Vote for Twan!” storyline peaks with the group ribbing Ish about campaign plans and his readiness to earn the gay vote:

  “Are you worried about how you’ll come across the gay [community]?” (J, [162:22])
  “You should let Mark run—be your campaign manager.” (J, [156:55])

• Running joke: Would giving out turkeys be enough to get Ish elected?
• Ish maintains he’s not running but enjoys the banter.

  “I don’t know what y’all talking about. I’m not.” (Ish, [156:44])

DoorDash Viral Incident & Internet Entitlement

[30:01 – 38:50]

• The team analyzes the story of a DoorDash driver arrested for filming a passed-out customer and posting it online, unpacking internet culture, privacy, and the dangers of clout-chasing.

  “You put it on the Internet—you are now, like, doxxing this man's life.” (P, [34:03])

• Mark offers a measured analysis:

  “What the evidence showed from further investigation is that that's not what happened…there were at least two or three things that she said he did that didn't happen, which…changes everything.” (MLH, [35:09])

• The hosts critique gig app practices and recount issues with Uber and food delivery, stressing:

  “Just in case…pole up. You don’t know what type of time motherfuckers is on.” (J, [40:19])

Summer Walker Album Deep Dive & Music Rollouts

[41:12 – 56:17]

• Joe, Parks, and the group revisit Summer Walker’s new album sales and critical reception after multiple listens.

  “Now I totally understand why this album, for me, wasn’t what it was supposed to be.” (J, [45:35])

• Discussion about the lack of rollout, single choices, and introverted artists:

  “I just didn’t hear a lot about the release. I don’t think they pay for marketing promotion anymore.” (P, [42:08])

• Group reflects on why artists like Summer Walker or Wale may struggle to expand beyond a core fanbase, and how marketing and creative shifts are sometimes mishandled.
• Notable exchange:

  “There’s nothing on here…that matches the album title or the tone of any of the albums that have come before. Again, I challenge you to tell me where she is finally over it…” (J, [56:01])

Roc Nation Distribution Controversy & The Indie vs Major Debate

[88:08 – 98:58]

• Mark raises the question: Why is Roc Nation’s new 85/15 distribution split a big deal?

  “It was launched as this big victory for independent artists…but…couldn’t get why it was supposed to be such a big deal.” (MLH, [88:08])

• Parks and Joe criticize the economics:

  “Fixed fees protect artists. Percentages drain artists.” (Russ, [92:47], as read by J)

• General skepticism about whether these platforms provide real value and if artists are chasing visibility over actual earnings.

  “They want to go to the Roc Nation brunch…to the building…the Roc Nation offices that are beautiful.” (J, [94:24])

• Broader conversation on artist aspirations, major label vs. independence, and the changing information landscape for young musicians.
• Mark:

  “I think a lot of times just attaching yourself to a brand for sure…makes you…feel like you’re a certain caliber. And it can be valuable.” (MLH, [105:50])

Ray J vs. Mario Show Etiquette

[64:25 – 74:44]

• Ray J airs grievances on Instagram, feeling disrespected for not being given stage time at Mario & Wale’s show.
  • “Your show was weak as tonight in your own hometown…you don’t know how to be a real [artist]…” (Ray J, [65:22])
• The crew debates proper concert etiquette, guest expectations, and “big artist” privilege.

  “It matters none if I have a set and I have an album out…I’m not stopping my set…” (J, [68:37])

• Conclusion: Ray J’s expectations are out of pocket, and the incident is more performative than real.

Tory Lanez & Tekashi 6ix9ine: Snitching, Jail, and Street Code

[122:10 – 128:12; 106:27 – 114:12]

• Updates on legal woes for both Tory Lanez (refusing to answer deposition questions) and Tekashi 6ix9ine (his mom held at gunpoint during a home invasion).
• Crew debates whether snitching would even help Tory and the real meaning of street credibility.

  “If a girl and not ratting got you where you at, I would be at the edge of the bed waiting to rat…” (J, [126:07])

• Empathy shown to Tekashi’s mother:

  “You invited the devil to your home, and the devil came…let you know, nigga.” (E, [113:49])

• Reflection on “ethics” and how street codes have shifted in 2025:

  “The bad part is you don’t know what set of rules they play by until you’re in the situation.” (J, [112:34])

Music & Culture: Congratulating Pusha T, OJ’s Estate, Hot Cheetos, and More

[75:25 – 144:40]

• Crew congratulates Pusha T on his growing family.
• Discuss the internet backlash for Pusha’s “deadbeat” joke in his baby announcement post, with the hosts upholding the importance of respecting private dynamics.
• Debate on the O.J. Simpson estate and decades-old civil suit drama.
• Announcement that Hot Cheetos will no longer be artificially red, leading to a hilarious food tangent.
• “Disabled baddies” segment: The group rib Ice about his Instagram follows, defending inclusion (“Don’t kink-shame up here”).

Sports: Draymond Green vs. Angel Reese Fan Insult

[167:04 – 169:17]

• Draymond Green gets heckled by a fan calling him “Angel Reese,” responds by involving the refs.
• Crew decides it’s a “good insult” but not crossing the line—far from the worst things shouted at NBA games.

  “They would be calling Allen Iverson a jailbird…Ask NBA players what they were called in Utah or Boston.” (E, [168:41])

Notable Quotes & One-Liners

• On Indie vs Major:

  “This is the first time in history where all of the information has been laid out on a table and people are actively choosing.” (J, [98:17])

• On the Roc Nation platform:

  “Fixed fees protect artists, percentages drain artists.” (Russ via Joe, [92:47])

• On the DoorDash case:

  “You put it on the Internet—you are now, like, doxxing this man's life.” (Parks, [34:03])

• On artist growth and fanbases:

  “You can't alienate your core and just do that.” (J, [53:25])

• Joking with Ish:

  “Are you working on it? Are you working on it? …I need to hear more for my vote.” (J & QF, [155:55-146:02])

Timestamps for Key Topics

• Wardrobe Roasting, Ice’s Beard Dye: [00:27 – 07:05]
• Ish’s Turkey Drive & Political Banter: [22:01 – 27:50], [145:01 – 160:00]
• DoorDash Viral Incident: [30:01 – 38:50]
• Summer Walker Album Deep Dive: [41:12 – 56:17]
• Roc Nation Distribution Discussion: [88:08 – 98:58]
• Ray J Show Etiquette: [64:25 – 74:44]
• Tory Lanez & Tekashi 6ix9ine Legal Drama: [122:10 – 128:12], [106:27 – 114:12]
• Pusha T Family Congrats: [75:25]
• OJ Simpson Estate Drama: [134:12 – 144:40]
• Hot Cheetos, Ramen, Food Tangents: [146:10 – 149:55]
• Draymond Green/Angel Reese NBA Insult: [167:04 – 169:17]
• Disabled Baddies Segment: [172:12 – 174:58]

Summary & Takeaway

Episode 879 of The Joe Budden Podcast is a classic blend of humor, cultural critique, and music industry savvy—punctuated by regular reminders not to take themselves (or each other) too seriously. Musical commentary is forward-thinking, with the crew calling out industry hypocrisy, failed marketing strategies, and the tension between business and artistry. Side stories about charitable giving, street code, and politics keep the vibe current and relatable; the “Vote for Twan!” arc weaves playful disruption throughout. The show remains a unique hub for raw, authentic barbershop conversation and insightful music debate.

“Life is a series of moments, and moments pass. Let’s make this one last as if it’s all we have.” (J, [178:43])
—Joe’s closing mantra, capping a wide-ranging and laughter-packed episode.