The Joe Budden Podcast
Episode 911 | "A Tribe Called Colonizers"
Date: March 14, 2026
Host: Joe Budden
With: Mark Lamont Hill, Parks, B Dot, Freeze, Mona, and more
Overview
In this lively, hilarious, and at times heated episode, Joe Budden and the crew dive into a wide range of topics blending hip-hop, pop culture, sports, relationships, and community issues with their trademark banter and sharp takes. Episode 911 features extended debates on Bam Adebayo’s historic 83-point NBA game, a critical review of Jack Harlow’s surprise neo-soul album “Monica,” new music releases, social issues like the Target boycott, relationship hot takes, and more. The hosts keep the energy high with jokes, honest takes, and a consistent undercurrent of nostalgia and introspection about hip-hop, fame, and black culture.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Opening Banter and Girl Scout Cookies
[00:44–06:20]
- The hosts start off with classic clowning—Joe flexes his "part of the month" chain, jokes about feeling "beautiful," and the group riffs on “shape-ups” and “boy toy” nicknames.
- Debate over the best Girl Scout cookies (“Thin Mints are the best”) and the political correctness of names (“You can’t call them Samoas anymore.” – F, 03:44).
- Discussion about Girl Scouts selling cookies in front of New Jersey dispensaries:
- “I’d encourage my kid to be outside the dispensary.” – B Dot, [05:12]
- “They got a future in strategic marketing.” – Joe, [05:01]
2. Bam Adebayo’s 83-Point Game & NBA Ethics
[19:53–42:08]
Bam’s Game Breakdown
- Ice and Mark Lamont Hill open with hate and congratulations for Bam’s 83-point game.
- Dissection of the stat line: “43 free throw attempts, 20/43 FGs, 7/22 from three.”
- Hosts take issue with:
- The unnatural circumstances (“The Wizards gave it away.” – F, [26:16])
- Prolonged stat-chasing in a blowout
- Both teams manipulating the game to help Bam get points
The “Ethics” of Big Scoring Nights
- Mark refers to Bleacher Report’s ranking of "most ethical" 70+ point performances ("Bam's is 11th; Luka’s 73 ranks #1, Kobe’s 81 is #2" – F, [33:03]).
- Historical context: Wilt’s 100, Kobe’s 81, David Robinson’s 71—all referenced with nostalgia, side-eye, and jokes.
Larger NBA Issues: Tanking, Gambling, and Product Quality
- “Adam Silver’s fallen off a bit.” – Joe, [31:20]
- “Scoring is inflated… historical comparison is hard. Triple-doubles don’t mean the same.” – Mark, [36:21]
On Bam and the Hall of Fame
- “If he scored 101, maybe…but just the 83? That’s not enough.” – Joe, [42:08]
Quote:
“This is not something that hit near and dear to any sports fans’ heart… If I were Adam Silver, I’d want the erasure of it immediately.”
— Joe, [38:15]
3. Jack Harlow’s Album “Monica” Review
[64:54–77:10]
- Confusion over the album’s inspiration and style.
- Noted as a surprising left-turn: “Not a rap album at all… it’s neo-soul.” – B Dot, [67:13]
- “If Tribe Called Quest were white. This is definitely a Tribe Called Colonizer.” – Joe, [68:05]
- The hosts dig in: “It sounds like a white guy making quote, unquote, black music for white guys that wanna fit in.” – C, [74:01]
Major Critique:
- The pivot from rap to “blacker-sounding” neo-soul is called out as a form of white privilege (“Fool us with some hip-hop, then make the turn…” – Joe, [71:27]).
- Jack Harlow compared (unfavorably) to the likes of Post Malone (“He didn’t do it like Post…”) and criticized for trying to “borrow from black cookouts.”
- Consensus: Technically well-produced, personally uninspired. “It’s fine background music… kinda corny… sucks if you’re expecting rap.” – Mona, [77:23]
Quote:
“This feels like a Glenn Lewis… a Jimmy Cozier album. What in the name of ‘Sometimes I love her and sometimes I love her not’ is this?”
— Joe, [72:09]
4. Relationship Takes, Paradise TV Recap, and Gender Debates
[45:08–54:59, 114:01–128:39]
- Joe complains about “Paradise” (a relationship-themed show): "In the end of the world, your vow means something!" – Joe, [47:16]
- The group riffs on relationships, with jokes and sometimes serious takes about loyalty, vows (“‘Til death do us part!”), and infidelity.
- Recap and critique of Ari Lennox’s public confession about preferring “bad guys” in dating:
- “Sometimes women don’t realize you’re attracting shittiness… cuz you kinda shitty,” – Mona, [124:34]
- Appreciation for her honesty, but pushback on how and when women realize their mistakes.
Quote:
“Women out here sleeping on male discernment. These dudes just going in with a clear conscience…”
— Joe, [122:32]
5. Music Roundup: New Releases & Diss Tracks
[83:00–93:32]
- YG’s “State of Emergency”, 50 Cent dropping a new soundtrack single, and Buddy’s new single.
- Debate about diss tracks: Maino, Papoose, and even an AI-generated 50 Cent diss (“They bleed just like us… we don’t believe you, you gonna have to prove it to me!” – Maino, [87:01]).
- The bar for a successful diss is now sky-high post-Kendrick, but the hosts still enjoy a good, raw track.
6. Janet Jackson vs. Michael Jackson Movie
[55:25–62:22]
- Alleged reports that Janet Jackson hates the new Michael Jackson biopic—mainly because of artistic choices, perceived lack of quality, and potential personal/professional jealousy.
- Mark notes there are “sources” that claim Janet always held some competitive tension with Michael.
- Multiple references to the classic Jackson 5 biopics, questioning if another MJ film is even necessary or will do the story justice.
7. Live Shows, Social Media & No-Phones Policies
[94:14–99:00]
- Jill Scott’s upcoming tour will enforce a no-phones policy — unanimously supported:
- “I love it. You gotta be present.” – E, [94:22]
- Recording shows/phone usage: “None of us actually go back to watch that footage…”
- Nostalgia for the days of in-person, unmediated, legendary show moments.
8. Community: Target Boycott Controversy
[162:22–168:58]
- Jamal Bryant, megachurch pastor, controversially announces the end of the black community’s Target boycott—despite not being the boycott’s actual originator.
- Mark explains how local women organizers started the actual boycott and feel Bryant is trying to “co-opt” the narrative (“You can’t end a boycott you didn’t start!” – Mark, [165:04]).
- Extended discussion on how often Black women do movement work but are erased by men taking credit at the finish line.
9. Quick Hits:
- Carnival Cruise Viral Hoax: Family fakes being left behind for viral fame, Carnival threatens lawsuit ([171:28–173:39]).
- Nancy Guthrie Disappearance: Cases of missing white women in the media, police clearing the family too quickly, Joe suspects a coverup ([173:50–175:51]).
- Oscar Predictions: Rooting for “Sinners” (Michael B. Jordan, Ryan Coogler); criticism for Timothée Chalamet’s anti-arts comments ([141:47–147:27]).
- Soulquarians Reunion: Mixed feelings—nostalgia and skepticism—about a new chapter of the legendary collective after key members’ deaths ([109:39–113:14]).
- Rest in Peace Tributes: Lord Sear, hip-hop legend, and Ernie Anastas, NY news anchor ([106:01–108:23]).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
On Bam’s 83:
"None of my tightness is directed at Bam… but the other team is—it’s assumed they’re trying to win and they not.” — Joe, [26:38]
On Jack Harlow’s ‘Monica’:
“This is definitely a Tribe Called Colonizer.” — Joe, [68:05]
“It’s a white guy making black music for white guys that wanna fit in.” — C, [74:01]
On Janet Jackson Movie
"You can't end a boycott you didn't start!” — Mark, [165:04]
On Diss Tracks:
“They bleed just like us. We don't believe you, you gotta prove it.” — Maino (diss track), [87:01]
“The bar is different for everyone... but when you say 'diss record,' I expect that artist's best foot forward.” — Joe, [88:47]
On Male Discernment:
"Women out here sleeping on male discernment... toxic men—boy, we are some of the sweetest men. Like, if we get to falling..." — Joe, [122:32]
On No-Phone Shows:
“I love it. You gotta be present.” — E, [94:14]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Bam Adebayo & NBA Talk: 19:53–42:08
- Jack Harlow “Monica” Review: 64:54–77:10
- Paradise TV Show & Relationships: 45:08–54:59
- Janet Jackson Movie Controversy: 55:25–62:22
- Music Roundup/New Diss Tracks: 83:00–93:32
- Jill Scott No Phones: 94:14–99:00
- Ari Lennox Dating Admissions: 114:01–128:39
- Target Boycott Controversy: 162:22–168:58
Tone & Style
- Language: Unfiltered, irreverent, and full of inside jokes, friendly insults, and personal references.
- Energy: High—debates run hot, everyone chimes in, passionate about music, sports, and Black community issues.
- Dynamic: Joe is the ringleader, moving topics, poking fun but also steering deeper conversations; Mark, B Dot, and Mona especially keep it real with personal and political insights.
Summary Takeaway
Episode 911 is quintessential Joe Budden Podcast: personal, hilarious, and sharply cultural. The crew mixes deep sports talk, pop culture reviews, and authentic cultural discussion—always blending humor with serious critique, placing Black culture and hip-hop history at the center. The review of Jack Harlow’s “Monica” and critical discussion of Bam Adebayo’s 83 are standout segments; equally, the relationship talk and hot takes on Target boycott drama and social clout-chasing add depth and variety to a long but engrossing ride.