The Joe Budden Podcast - Episode 903 | "That's Witty"

Date: February 14, 2026
Host: Joe Budden
Guests/Co-hosts: Demona, Mark Lamont Hill, Ish, Ice, Parks, Poe, Corey, Erickson, Tanner, Savon

Episode Overview

This episode lands on Valentine's Day with an extra celebratory vibe thanks to Demona's birthday. The crew goes from witty banter and playful roasts to heartfelt discussions on relationships, culture, and their lives. They tackle new music, address notable celebrity passings, deep-dive into current events such as the Epstein hearings and the Geechi Gotti arrest, and close with meaningful reflections on love and legacy.

The tone oscillates between comedic, irreverent, introspective, and at times poignantly serious, offering listeners a healthy dose of both entertainment and thoughtful commentary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Banter on Wit and Friend Dynamics

[00:34-02:40]

• Joe debates with the crew about who amongst them is truly "witty", often ribbing Ish for being low-key sharp but acting shy.
• "You gotta be witty. It's one of those things—how you funk so many bitches without wit? Cause you did." — Joe [01:05]
• This launches the episode’s playful energy, with jokes about ashy hands and Super Bowl parties.

2. Valentine's Day & Relationship Traditions

[03:32-21:17]

• Most of the cast shares their plans for Valentine’s Day, which range from a night at the Jill Scott concert at the Blue Note, nice dinners, to doing nothing special.
  • "Jill Scott at the Blue Note—say less." — Joe [16:44]
  • Ish admits he doesn't really celebrate Valentine’s Day, which sparks a discussion on the value (or lack thereof) of Hallmark holidays.
• Galentine’s and “Fellas Times” get roasted as “very sassy,” with consensus that it’s “weird” for men to copy the Galentine’s trend. [15:55]
• The crew jokes about restaurant reservations and being foodies, reminiscing about their old “Black Cards” and the perks they no longer get.

3. Kids, School Breaks, and Parenting

[13:31-19:54, 81:02-87:00]

• Conversation veers into school holiday schedules (“mid winter break”; "President’s Day and Lunar New Year on Tuesday").
• Discussion on how strict they are (or aren’t) with their kids using curse words and respecting adults.
  • "We couldn't even say, like, I don't curse in front of my mom." — Ice [84:59]
• The hosts reflect on “rules that make no sense” from their own upbringing.

4. Rest in Peace Tributes

[24:45-27:44]

• In a somber moment, the crew pays respects to actor James Van Der Beek and beloved NYC local Shanae Curry, both lost to aggressive cancers.
  • Mark Lamont Hill provides a touching tribute to Van Der Beek:
    • “[He] had almost universal praise and love. Even famous people in this country [...] often don’t have the means and resources to take care of their health.” [25:10]
  • This sparks a conversation about healthcare inequities, even for celebrities, and the collective grief in their community.

5. Celebrity Deaths & Social Media Mourning

[27:58-34:12]

• The group discusses the etiquette (and awkwardness) of posting bedside or funeral photos on social media.
  • "Don't even post me on my deathbed." — Joe [33:05]
  • They debate whether posts showing grief are for remembrance or clout.
• The recent viral photo of Alfonso Ribeiro with Van Der Beek, taken by Van Der Beek’s wife, prompts a lighthearted but honest debate about boundaries ("Palm the [head] with his eyes closed. Almost mouth to mouth with me. Sorry, buddy." — Joe [31:06]).

6. J. Cole's Album, Lawsuit, and “Performative” Critique

[51:41-57:37]

• Joe and crew celebrate J. Cole’s 300k first-week album sales, dissect his unique "Civic" marketing, and address accusations of being “performative.”
  • "I love the idea. There's a billion ways to be performative. Look at what he chose—right?" — Joe [55:47]
• They also explain Cam'ron’s lawsuit against Cole for an alleged unpaid “swap” (feature for feature/sample clearance), ultimately agreeing that informal, non-contractual “swap” deals are tough to enforce.
  • "If you don't have paperwork [...] then by the terms of law, Cam, the lawsuit not gonna make sense." — Ish [59:29]

7. J. Cole Song Controversy & Growth

[62:34-66:37]

• The verse about his regret for being homophobic as a youth prompts debate about accountability, evolution, and generational change in Black communities.
  • "I think a lot of times people be outraged by verses and they don't actually understand them. [...] That was the mark of growth." — Mark Lamont Hill [65:04]
  • They stress the importance of context, self-reflection, and not holding people forever to old standards.

8. Geechi Gotti’s Arrest & Struggles of Battle Rappers

[117:18-147:59]

• News breaks about battle rap champ Geechi Gotti being arrested with a large stash of narcotics and allegedly involved in multiple pharmacy robberies.
  • The conversation becomes a raw exploration about the limits of battle rap earnings, the draw back to “the streets,” and larger cycles of poverty, pride, and poor decisions.
  • Joe is clear: "If you're making $10,000 a battle, then go do 15 of them and make a buck 50 a year. And now you're not in this poor class that you keep trying to make go." [127:05]
  • “Everyone makes mistakes. I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt that this is indeed a mistake. But this is one of the dumbest mistakes I've ever seen.” — Joe [125:56]

9. Culture, Capitalism & The Epstein Hearings

[173:10-197:08]

• The group reacts in disbelief to the recent congressional hearings regarding the Epstein case and DOJ’s lack of accountability, highlighting Pam Bondi’s cold responses and the systemic cover-up.
  • "It's all about the bread." — Ice [193:34]
  • Profound discussion reinforces that profit in America often comes “at the expense of certain bodies,” using historical context (transatlantic slavery, capitalism).
  • “Endless growth demanding endless sacrifice [...] If we keep celebrating the climb ignoring the backs who bear it, we remain complicit in the oldest American sin.” — (quoting McCad Brooks) [193:51]
• They draw a clear line from America’s history of commodifying Black bodies to its present-day hypocrisy about justice and wealth.

10. Music Highlights & Critique

[97:03-111:21]

• Jill Scott’s new, genre-blending album is praised, with her live performances hyped as highly recommended.
• New songs spun and reviewed include records from Victoria Monét, Alex Isley, Baby Rose, Leon Thomas, Isaiah Haran, and Brent Faiyaz.
• Brief (hilariously scathing) reactions to Sexy Red’s attempted Michael Jackson "Beat It" cover, and Karisha (City Girls)’s recent viral track.
  • “That mute. It didn’t sound good. The vibe, I don’t know what the fuck it was.” — Demona [163:30]
• Discussion of upcoming posthumous Nipsey Hussle album, with skepticism about album rollouts.

11. Race, Identity, & The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

[199:34-206:26]

• Debate whether hip hop “belongs” in the Hall of Fame was sparked by Kiss’s Gene Simmons repeating his stance that hip hop doesn’t, and shouldn’t, count.
  • “My response … would be, I believe that hip hop belongs anywhere you put it — part of that is because it encompasses all things.” — Joe [202:55]
• Chuck D’s measured response is played: “Those who really were in the middle of the muck creating something out of nothing — you got to consider that too.” [209:14]
• Ice and Demona argue for building their own institutions, not seeking validation from white-run museums.

12. Closing, Reflections, and Notable Quotes

[215:25-218:56]

• The episode closes on a touching note, playing a message from James Van Der Beek himself on the nature of love and self-worth:
  • “If I am worthy of God’s love, shouldn’t I also be worthy of my own?” — James Van Der Beek [215:39]
• The crew reflects on his words and wishes listeners well, emphasizing self-care, love, and growth.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It's not just a $40,000 battle. You can make more money after that. You can host parties. You pop in for a while after you in that big battle.” — Demona [124:25]
• “If all else fails, I go back to what I know.” — Joe (referencing his old song) [130:27]
• “You don’t have to worry about getting a billion fans when the 30,000 you have will pay you.” — Demona [158:18]
• “Ignorance is bliss. That’s why I block it out—but just ignoring consistently, that’s irresponsible.” — Demona [198:14]
• “You’re not even a runner!” — Joe (on Geechi Gotti’s failed escape) [133:11]
• “Some of the hip hop act. You can't say that for some of the rock and roll acts. That has nothing to do with hip hop. So why would it be in the hip hop Hall of Fame?” — Joe [203:31]
• “If you keep celebrating the climb ignoring the backs who bear it, we remain complicit in the oldest American sin.” — Quoting McCad Brooks [193:51]
• “You are worthy of love, simply because you exist.” — James Van Der Beek [215:41]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Opening wit/debates: [00:34–02:40]
• Valentine’s/Fellas Times: [14:07–19:54]
• Demona’s Birthday Arrival: [41:02]
• Rest in Peace Tributes: [24:45–27:47]
• Vanderbeek/Carlton deathbed photo debate: [29:25–33:12]
• J. Cole sales/lawsuit: [51:41–57:37]
• Geechi Gotti arrest/battle rap economics: [117:18–147:59]
• Epstein hearings/capitalism: [173:10–197:08]
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame debate: [199:34–206:26]
• James Van Der Beek closing message: [215:25–218:56]

Final Thoughts

This episode is a masterclass in balancing rowdy banter and genuine vulnerability, with a deft handling of both the absurd and the profound. Listeners are reminded of the “witty” backbone of the show but also encounter earnest, sometimes gut-punching perspectives on America, celebrity, fame, justice, and Black survival. The closing message on self-worth and love, set against the backdrop of prevailing injustice and exploitation, feels especially resonant—a fitting “Valentine” for the audience.

Happy Valentine’s Day from The JBP!

For those interested:

• Skip to [16:41] for Valentine’s plans and concert recommendations
• [51:41–57:37], for the latest with J. Cole, his new album, and the Cam'ron lawsuit
• [117:18–147:59], for the full breakdown of Geechi Gotti’s arrest and an unfiltered look at life after battle rap
• [173:10–197:08], thoughtful analysis on the Epstein hearings and America’s continued reckoning with its past
• [215:25–218:56], for a moving message from James Van Der Beek on love and self-worth

Next episode: More jokes, more takes, and—if you’re lucky—a better Civic.