The Joe Budden Podcast

Episode 908 | "NY Undercover"

Date: March 4, 2026
Host: Joe Budden & The Joe Budden Network

Overview

Episode 908 of The Joe Budden Podcast, titled "NY Undercover," features Joe Budden and the crew—Parks, Ish, Ice, Mark Lamont Hill, Flip, and others—in an expansive, unpredictable conversation that ranges from joking about personal antics to deeply dissecting global politics, current events, and culture. Major themes include the war with Iran, political media literacy, relationships, pop culture news, industry trends, and, of course, sharp humor and live camaraderie.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Banter & Potter of the Month (00:35 – 04:50)

Banter: The crew greets each other and jokes about Ish’s new glasses.
Potter of the Month: Joe celebrates his "Potter of the Month" chain for February (Black History Month), highlighting the in-pod competition and ribbing:

"I'm wearing my custom one of one Joe Budden Podcast Potter of the Month chain. It does have some weight to it." — Joe Budden [03:11]
Jokes about eyesight and prescription glasses.
Flip returns from Trinidad: The group welcomes him back and teases about his travels and catching guys during Carnival.

2. Fourth Wall, Show Dynamics & Energy (08:05 – 10:10)

Flip discusses “beefing with management” and insists he’s here to work, not to go off the rails as expected.
The podcast's energy and editing are acknowledged—more edits are needed when Flip is gone.
The team breaks the fourth wall discussing how they view their podcast personas versus audience expectation.

3. Mark Lamont Hill's Family’s Legal Battle (22:13 – 27:57)

Mark shares a personal story: His brother, a successful attorney in Philly, was recently cleared after facing felony charges for two years. Mark details the incident involving self-defense, a weapon, and the justice system:

"For two years, the police refused to do the right thing. And finally, the district attorney agreed to drop the charges a couple days ago." — Mark Lamont Hill [25:36]
Social commentary: The crew notes the disparity in media and legal treatment for Black gun owners:

"Suddenly when it's a Black guy with a gun, it's a whole different game. Now all those right wingers, all the Second Amendment people didn’t say shit." — Mark Lamont Hill [26:17]

4. War in Iran: Analysis & Media Literacy (30:09 – 54:00)

In-depth, sobering focus on the Iran conflict and U.S. foreign policy, led by Mark Lamont Hill:

Timeline: U.S. & Israel bombings in Iran, 50+ schoolchildren killed, escalating retaliations, nuclear fears.
Narrative critique: Mark details how the "nuclear threat" narrative is a recurring pretext for military action, often unsupported by facts or evidence.
Media literacy:

"Do your own research. Don’t just listen to mainstream cable news... Listen to media from other places." — Mark Lamont Hill [33:41]
Recommended sources: Al Jazeera, Zeteo (Mehdi Hasan), listening to local voices via Twitter/X for perspective.
Economic implications: Oil’s role is discussed—how political conflict drives up not just gas prices but the cost of materials and goods across the board.
Political structure: Congress vs. Executive Power—why presidents keep making war decisions unchecked.
Propaganda, Racism & Double Standards:

"We always say we're gonna go out there and liberate the women… all we do is go in and plunder and destroy. It's basically imperialism by new means." — Mark Lamont Hill [34:04]
Cynicism about U.S. motives: Disaster capitalism; intentions with “liberation” are questioned.
Emotional weight: The gravity of war—its effect on American families, helplessness, and trauma.

"The world is on fire, y'all, on so many places and in so many ways." — Mark Lamont Hill [33:18]

5. Domestic Life & Co-Parenting Debates (63:12 – 81:31)

Gift giving in relationships: Corey buys his new girlfriend a TV and mattress, which sparks a conversation:

"If y’all buy a chick a mattress, do you take agency over who’s on it?" — Joe Budden [64:33]
Moneybagg Yo, Blended Families:

Debate erupts over whether it’s respectful for a baby’s father to be in a house that a new boyfriend is paying for. Mature vs. petty takes on blended family relationships.
Cheating and boundaries in relationships: Humorous and self-deprecating anecdotes of being caught cheating by partners.
Mature co-parenting: Several hosts describe positive relationships with exes and their children’s step-parents.

6. Culture, Music & Sports (88:03 – 97:51)

NBA x Magic City Controversy:

The Hawks promote Magic City (strip club/restaurant), sparking debate on cultural significance vs. league image: "We parade the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders… I'm not saying that they're equal, but I'm saying they are in the same vein." — Ish [92:15]
Objectification & Consistency: If gambling is embraced, why not Atlanta’s club culture? Should local culture dictate franchise promotions?
Music & Awards:

Raphael Saadiq’s comments on “Neo Soul” as a label imposed for marketing, not as a musical movement.
"Neo Soul was a term created by one black executive purely as shorthand..." — Joe Budden (reading Saadiq) [117:44]

7. Industry Trends: Retail Apocalypse & Awards Skepticism (157:12 – 159:58; 130:07 – 139:49)

Luxury Retail Decline:

Bergdorf Goodman/Neiman Marcus bankruptcy, and the dying of big box department stores as shopping moves online.
Movie theaters closing (AMC):

"The way we used to live life is a rap, bro." — Ish [159:08]
Awards show cynicism:

Joe rants against the podcast/entertainment award submission process: "I'm not submitting for an Emmy, a Webby… nothing they do is going to change what it is." — Joe Budden [131:39]

8. Pop Culture Oddities & Humor (98:00 – 105:28)

Luigi the Musical: Satire about infamous inmates (Luigi, Diddy, etc.) lampooning America’s true crime obsession—debate over trivialization vs. social commentary.
Jim Carrey “conspiracy”: Discussing internet speculation about whether Jim Carrey is still himself following an odd award show appearance.

"I don't believe that that was Jim Carrey. I don't think that was Jim Carrey. Now I'm basing that on absolutely nothing, so I have no fact..." — Joe Budden [144:42]

9. Raphael Saadiq & Neo Soul Labels (116:48 – 121:53)

The term "Neo Soul" is critiqued for being an industry-invented category used to limit marketing budgets for Black artists.
Consensus: The lived musical moment mattered, but the term itself is problematic and essentially “othered” artists from the tradition of soul.

10. Tributes & Award Show Reflections (125:15 – 129:29)

Heartfelt praise for the Actor Awards’ (SAG-AFTRA) In Memoriam segment. The crew is emotionally affected by the losses in the acting community.

"There are plenty… of actors we like and love and adore their work that I would have never known their names that passed away last year." — Joe Budden [124:34]
The power of storytelling, perseverance (Delroy Lindo's story), and the emotional resonance of legacy.

11. Closing Segments: Culture, Weather, Upcoming Events (163:14 – 176:16)

End-of-pod laughs about personal style, haircuts, and fashion transformations.
Flip’s vulnerability about unwanted viral content involving his wife.
Crew shares upcoming plans—Pittsburgh shows, Blue Note performance, studio work.
Advice for listeners: Check on your strong friends, family, parents, and children.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

On foreign policy:

"While this is happening, people are being bombed in Lebanon, people are being bombed in Gaza, partly because the smoke screen is up about what's happening in Iran." — Mark Lamont Hill [33:18]
On parenting:

"If you buy a chick a mattress, do you take agency over who’s on it?" — Joe Budden [64:33]
On media skepticism:

"The public trust is at an all-time low when it comes to politicians and politics and government…" — Ish [50:09]
On personal growth:

"I'm happy to be at this space that we made some new… That's real, that's real shit." — Ice [76:09]
On cultural labeling:

"…By giving him that category, he's now pulling from a much smaller pool of minority business funds…" — Mark Lamont Hill [120:23]
On the label Neo Soul:

"It disconnects you from the tradition. It’s like, I’m a soul artist. Why am I different than this person?" — Mark Lamont Hill [120:55]
On award shows:

"As a rebel and a hip hop lover, any chance I get to say ‘f*** you’ to the system, I'm going to try to say it. Unless I'm hurting myself." — Joe Budden [138:38]

Notable Segments & Timestamps

[03:11] — Joe unveils "Potter of the Month" chain
[25:36] — Mark shares his brother’s exoneration story
[30:09–54:00] — Detailed war in Iran discussion, media and economic analysis
[63:12–81:31] — Blended families, co-parenting boundaries, and cheating tales
[88:03–97:51] — NBA/Magic City partnership debate
[116:48–121:53] — Raphael Saadiq on Neo Soul & musical labels
[125:15–129:29] — Heartfelt SAG-AFTRA (Actor Awards) memorial reflections
[157:12–159:58] — Retail decline, department stores closing debate
[130:07–139:49] — Joe’s passionate rant about awards show submissions
[163:14–176:16] — Lighter, comedic closer; upcoming plans and community advice

Tone & Style

Language: Conversational, blunt, humorous, at times raw.
Tone: Varied—oscillates rapidly between serious, emotional, irreverent, and downright wild. Characteristic chemistry and inside jokes blend with moments of genuine vulnerability and critical social analysis.

For New Listeners

This episode is quintessential “JBP”: offbeat, sometimes chaotic, and at its best when shifting from punchlines to poignant social commentary. If you missed it, expect:

Candid, sometimes contentious, group dialogue
In-depth thoughts on both world events and personal matters
Unapologetically Black cultural perspective
A balance of serious world commentary and “barbershop” fun

Subscribe to Patreon, check on your people, and be safe out there.

The Joe Budden Podcast

Episode 908 | "NY Undercover"

Date: March 4, 2026
Host: Joe Budden & The Joe Budden Network

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Banter & Potter of the Month (00:35 – 04:50)

Banter: The crew greets each other and jokes about Ish’s new glasses.
Potter of the Month: Joe celebrates his "Potter of the Month" chain for February (Black History Month), highlighting the in-pod competition and ribbing:

"I'm wearing my custom one of one Joe Budden Podcast Potter of the Month chain. It does have some weight to it." — Joe Budden [03:11]
Jokes about eyesight and prescription glasses.
Flip returns from Trinidad: The group welcomes him back and teases about his travels and catching guys during Carnival.

2. Fourth Wall, Show Dynamics & Energy (08:05 – 10:10)

Flip discusses “beefing with management” and insists he’s here to work, not to go off the rails as expected.
The podcast's energy and editing are acknowledged—more edits are needed when Flip is gone.
The team breaks the fourth wall discussing how they view their podcast personas versus audience expectation.

3. Mark Lamont Hill's Family’s Legal Battle (22:13 – 27:57)

Mark shares a personal story: His brother, a successful attorney in Philly, was recently cleared after facing felony charges for two years. Mark details the incident involving self-defense, a weapon, and the justice system:

"For two years, the police refused to do the right thing. And finally, the district attorney agreed to drop the charges a couple days ago." — Mark Lamont Hill [25:36]
Social commentary: The crew notes the disparity in media and legal treatment for Black gun owners:

"Suddenly when it's a Black guy with a gun, it's a whole different game. Now all those right wingers, all the Second Amendment people didn’t say shit." — Mark Lamont Hill [26:17]

4. War in Iran: Analysis & Media Literacy (30:09 – 54:00)

In-depth, sobering focus on the Iran conflict and U.S. foreign policy, led by Mark Lamont Hill:

Timeline: U.S. & Israel bombings in Iran, 50+ schoolchildren killed, escalating retaliations, nuclear fears.
Narrative critique: Mark details how the "nuclear threat" narrative is a recurring pretext for military action, often unsupported by facts or evidence.
Media literacy:

"Do your own research. Don’t just listen to mainstream cable news... Listen to media from other places." — Mark Lamont Hill [33:41]
Recommended sources: Al Jazeera, Zeteo (Mehdi Hasan), listening to local voices via Twitter/X for perspective.
Economic implications: Oil’s role is discussed—how political conflict drives up not just gas prices but the cost of materials and goods across the board.
Political structure: Congress vs. Executive Power—why presidents keep making war decisions unchecked.
Propaganda, Racism & Double Standards:

"We always say we're gonna go out there and liberate the women… all we do is go in and plunder and destroy. It's basically imperialism by new means." — Mark Lamont Hill [34:04]
Cynicism about U.S. motives: Disaster capitalism; intentions with “liberation” are questioned.
Emotional weight: The gravity of war—its effect on American families, helplessness, and trauma.

"The world is on fire, y'all, on so many places and in so many ways." — Mark Lamont Hill [33:18]

5. Domestic Life & Co-Parenting Debates (63:12 – 81:31)

Gift giving in relationships: Corey buys his new girlfriend a TV and mattress, which sparks a conversation:

"If y’all buy a chick a mattress, do you take agency over who’s on it?" — Joe Budden [64:33]
Moneybagg Yo, Blended Families:

Debate erupts over whether it’s respectful for a baby’s father to be in a house that a new boyfriend is paying for. Mature vs. petty takes on blended family relationships.
Cheating and boundaries in relationships: Humorous and self-deprecating anecdotes of being caught cheating by partners.
Mature co-parenting: Several hosts describe positive relationships with exes and their children’s step-parents.

6. Culture, Music & Sports (88:03 – 97:51)

NBA x Magic City Controversy:

The Hawks promote Magic City (strip club/restaurant), sparking debate on cultural significance vs. league image: "We parade the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders… I'm not saying that they're equal, but I'm saying they are in the same vein." — Ish [92:15]
Objectification & Consistency: If gambling is embraced, why not Atlanta’s club culture? Should local culture dictate franchise promotions?
Music & Awards:

Raphael Saadiq’s comments on “Neo Soul” as a label imposed for marketing, not as a musical movement.
"Neo Soul was a term created by one black executive purely as shorthand..." — Joe Budden (reading Saadiq) [117:44]

7. Industry Trends: Retail Apocalypse & Awards Skepticism (157:12 – 159:58; 130:07 – 139:49)

Luxury Retail Decline:

Bergdorf Goodman/Neiman Marcus bankruptcy, and the dying of big box department stores as shopping moves online.
Movie theaters closing (AMC):

"The way we used to live life is a rap, bro." — Ish [159:08]
Awards show cynicism:

Joe rants against the podcast/entertainment award submission process: "I'm not submitting for an Emmy, a Webby… nothing they do is going to change what it is." — Joe Budden [131:39]

8. Pop Culture Oddities & Humor (98:00 – 105:28)

Luigi the Musical: Satire about infamous inmates (Luigi, Diddy, etc.) lampooning America’s true crime obsession—debate over trivialization vs. social commentary.
Jim Carrey “conspiracy”: Discussing internet speculation about whether Jim Carrey is still himself following an odd award show appearance.

"I don't believe that that was Jim Carrey. I don't think that was Jim Carrey. Now I'm basing that on absolutely nothing, so I have no fact..." — Joe Budden [144:42]

9. Raphael Saadiq & Neo Soul Labels (116:48 – 121:53)

The term "Neo Soul" is critiqued for being an industry-invented category used to limit marketing budgets for Black artists.
Consensus: The lived musical moment mattered, but the term itself is problematic and essentially “othered” artists from the tradition of soul.

10. Tributes & Award Show Reflections (125:15 – 129:29)

Heartfelt praise for the Actor Awards’ (SAG-AFTRA) In Memoriam segment. The crew is emotionally affected by the losses in the acting community.

"There are plenty… of actors we like and love and adore their work that I would have never known their names that passed away last year." — Joe Budden [124:34]
The power of storytelling, perseverance (Delroy Lindo's story), and the emotional resonance of legacy.

11. Closing Segments: Culture, Weather, Upcoming Events (163:14 – 176:16)

End-of-pod laughs about personal style, haircuts, and fashion transformations.
Flip’s vulnerability about unwanted viral content involving his wife.
Crew shares upcoming plans—Pittsburgh shows, Blue Note performance, studio work.
Advice for listeners: Check on your strong friends, family, parents, and children.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

On foreign policy:

"While this is happening, people are being bombed in Lebanon, people are being bombed in Gaza, partly because the smoke screen is up about what's happening in Iran." — Mark Lamont Hill [33:18]
On parenting:

"If you buy a chick a mattress, do you take agency over who’s on it?" — Joe Budden [64:33]
On media skepticism:

"The public trust is at an all-time low when it comes to politicians and politics and government…" — Ish [50:09]
On personal growth:

"I'm happy to be at this space that we made some new… That's real, that's real shit." — Ice [76:09]
On cultural labeling:

"…By giving him that category, he's now pulling from a much smaller pool of minority business funds…" — Mark Lamont Hill [120:23]
On the label Neo Soul:

"It disconnects you from the tradition. It’s like, I’m a soul artist. Why am I different than this person?" — Mark Lamont Hill [120:55]
On award shows:

"As a rebel and a hip hop lover, any chance I get to say ‘f*** you’ to the system, I'm going to try to say it. Unless I'm hurting myself." — Joe Budden [138:38]

Notable Segments & Timestamps

[03:11] — Joe unveils "Potter of the Month" chain
[25:36] — Mark shares his brother’s exoneration story
[30:09–54:00] — Detailed war in Iran discussion, media and economic analysis
[63:12–81:31] — Blended families, co-parenting boundaries, and cheating tales
[88:03–97:51] — NBA/Magic City partnership debate
[116:48–121:53] — Raphael Saadiq on Neo Soul & musical labels
[125:15–129:29] — Heartfelt SAG-AFTRA (Actor Awards) memorial reflections
[157:12–159:58] — Retail decline, department stores closing debate
[130:07–139:49] — Joe’s passionate rant about awards show submissions
[163:14–176:16] — Lighter, comedic closer; upcoming plans and community advice

Tone & Style

Language: Conversational, blunt, humorous, at times raw.
Tone: Varied—oscillates rapidly between serious, emotional, irreverent, and downright wild. Characteristic chemistry and inside jokes blend with moments of genuine vulnerability and critical social analysis.

For New Listeners

This episode is quintessential “JBP”: offbeat, sometimes chaotic, and at its best when shifting from punchlines to poignant social commentary. If you missed it, expect:

Candid, sometimes contentious, group dialogue
In-depth thoughts on both world events and personal matters
Unapologetically Black cultural perspective
A balance of serious world commentary and “barbershop” fun

Subscribe to Patreon, check on your people, and be safe out there.

Episode 908 | "NY Undercover"

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Summary

The Joe Budden Podcast

Episode 908 | "NY Undercover"

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Banter & Potter of the Month (00:35 – 04:50)

2. Fourth Wall, Show Dynamics & Energy (08:05 – 10:10)

3. Mark Lamont Hill's Family’s Legal Battle (22:13 – 27:57)

4. War in Iran: Analysis & Media Literacy (30:09 – 54:00)

5. Domestic Life & Co-Parenting Debates (63:12 – 81:31)

6. Culture, Music & Sports (88:03 – 97:51)

7. Industry Trends: Retail Apocalypse & Awards Skepticism (157:12 – 159:58; 130:07 – 139:49)

8. Pop Culture Oddities & Humor (98:00 – 105:28)

9. Raphael Saadiq & Neo Soul Labels (116:48 – 121:53)

10. Tributes & Award Show Reflections (125:15 – 129:29)

11. Closing Segments: Culture, Weather, Upcoming Events (163:14 – 176:16)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

Notable Segments & Timestamps

Tone & Style

For New Listeners

Summary

The Joe Budden Podcast

Episode 908 | "NY Undercover"

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Banter & Potter of the Month (00:35 – 04:50)

2. Fourth Wall, Show Dynamics & Energy (08:05 – 10:10)

3. Mark Lamont Hill's Family’s Legal Battle (22:13 – 27:57)

4. War in Iran: Analysis & Media Literacy (30:09 – 54:00)

5. Domestic Life & Co-Parenting Debates (63:12 – 81:31)

6. Culture, Music & Sports (88:03 – 97:51)

7. Industry Trends: Retail Apocalypse & Awards Skepticism (157:12 – 159:58; 130:07 – 139:49)

8. Pop Culture Oddities & Humor (98:00 – 105:28)

9. Raphael Saadiq & Neo Soul Labels (116:48 – 121:53)

10. Tributes & Award Show Reflections (125:15 – 129:29)

11. Closing Segments: Culture, Weather, Upcoming Events (163:14 – 176:16)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

Notable Segments & Timestamps

Tone & Style

For New Listeners