The Joe Budden Podcast
Episode 915 | "21 Shots"
Release Date: March 28, 2026
Podcast Network: The Joe Budden Network
Episode Overview
Episode 915, titled "21 Shots," brings the full Joe Budden Podcast crew together for another high-energy and hilarious round-table. With the entire gang present—Joe, Parks, Ish, Ice, Queenzflip, and Damona, plus guests B Dot and Mark Lamont Hill—the episode plays out as a three-hour stream of random, thoughtful, and often wild discussions. The crew cycles through everything from strip club banter and viral health trends, to in-depth music reviews, cultural commentary, and lots of friendly (sometimes rowdy) debate. The headline topic is the R&B "Verzuz" battle between Tank and Tyrese, but the episode also takes memorable detours into relationships, masculinity, discipline, and the politics of feminism. Sprinkled throughout are music reviews, pop culture hot-takes, and comedic moments that showcase the unique chemistry and chaotic friendship of the cast.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Setting the Tone: Friendship and Humorous Tension
[00:32–05:20]
- The episode begins in comedic chaos, with the crew joking about seats in the studio and their playful turf wars. B Dot is teased for being too comfortable in someone else’s seat.
- There’s friendly trash talk about clothes, colors, skin tones, and who is the “prettiest” in dark or light colors, with playful blocks and mock jealousy.
- Flip checks in, adding to the running banter:
- Flip: "I'm just paying attention to what's going on. There's a lot of effery...knuckle sandwiches!" (04:31)
- Joe admits he has a “dumb question” and shifts the mood with an explicit sex conversation, typical of the show’s irreverent, anything-goes early minutes.
2. Viral Health Trends & Masculinity
[06:08–10:00]
- Mark introduces the recent viral claim that men should ejaculate “at least 21 times a month” to prevent prostate cancer.
- Mark: "They were saying the way to prevent prostate cancer is to ejaculate at least 21 times a month. Did y'all see the story?" (07:08)
- The crew debates the logic, brag about (or question) their own “numbers,” and crack on who uses “the hand” versus partner sex.
- Jokes abound about whether partners feel threatened by masturbation:
- Joe: “She be relating it to my sex drive…It’s different, yo.” (09:36)
- They blend medical banter with their own sex/life stories, highlighting the gender divide over how men and women perceive solo sex.
3. Relationships: Sex, Partners, and Performance
[10:16–12:17]
- Conversation expands to the workout value of sex:
- Joe: “I worry about my Apple Watch. Count my calories. Count my thrusts.” (11:00)
- Jokes about whether women put in equal “work” during sex and the double standard about riding during sex.
- The group discusses the different effort levels and growing “sex stamina” as people age.
- Joe: “Sex wears me out. I don’t know how y’all do that.” (10:16)
4. Highlight Topic: Tank vs. Tyrese Verzuz Recap
Initial Thoughts and Crowd Reception
[27:06–50:35]
- The heart of the episode is a lengthy and animated review of the R&B Tank vs. Tyrese “Verzuz” battle.
- Joe and the crew break down song-for-song, performance-for-performance, examining what worked (Tank’s energy, features, band) and what didn’t (Tyrese’s song choices, crowd reaction, wardrobe choices).
- Joe: “I think that Tank is going to completely put belt to ass on Tyrese…He was gonna kill him.” (29:30–32:02)
- Imani: “Tank mopped the floor at a certain point but I really came up here to say I’m disappointed with this whole Verzuz, period.” (37:07)
- Notable moments include Tyrese’s on-stage insecurity, wardrobe jokes (“turtleneck’s gonna hurt him on TikTok for a month”), and Trey Songz’s random sweatsuit cameo.
- Joe: “Trey looked a mess, dog...He was dressed for Roscoe's.” (51:13)
Behind-the-Scenes: Tank Calls In
[59:03–67:37]
- Joe calls Tank, who graciously speaks about his process, rehearsals, letting Tyrese be comfortable, and the “Turtleneck” viral moment.
- Tank: “That whole opportunity was not necessarily me versus Tyrese, but an opportunity for me to show the world who I am and what I do.” (60:28)
- On bringing background singers over from Tyrese’s band:
“It all became, let’s make Tyrese comfortable for Verzuz.”
- The “Turtleneck” song is further hyped, with the crew demanding the official version.
Crew’s Takeaways & Broader R&B Commentary
- Tank wins the crew’s respect for professionalism, while Tyrese is (somewhat sympathetically) roasted for appearing unprepared and outclassed.
- Broader commentary on how some artists “don’t know their catalog,” and what these battles say about live performance in R&B today.
- They rank this Verzuz among other lopsided matchups, but agree nothing compares to Dipset vs. The Lox.
5. Music Reviews & Hip-Hop/R&B Discussion
[74:35–89:26]
- Reviews of new drops:
- Fetty Wap’s "Xavier": Praised for R&B-leaning tracks; crew highlights "Spot Back."
- Juvenile’s "Boiling Point": Described as “jazzy” and strong, with standouts and Birdman features.
- Central C, Jesse Reyez, and more briefly covered; Parks mentions enjoying Jesse Reyez’s EP.
- Locks (The Lox) New Single: Played and celebrated—Chic, Styles, and Jaheim are praised in particular.
- Jazzy's new album: Joe gives high praise—"absolutely tough," with a focus on R&B and his appreciation for getting album links early.
6. Relationship and Social Topics
Wingman Conversations & Gender Banter
[93:32–98:21]
- Extended jokes and debate about who's the best wingman, what makes a good one, and playful rivalries about “pulling women.”
- Comedic gender/sexuality gamesmanship between Joe, Flip, Ish, B Dot, and Damona.
Parenting & Discipline
[99:10–111:51]
- The group delves into the topic of hitting children and old-school discipline vs modern parenting.
- Flip: “I went to a school that whooped my ass…with rulers.” (102:19)
- Mark argues against corporal punishment, citing research and generational change.
- Mark: “I disagree with that position. I think it's wrong to, to, to beat kids.” (104:44)
- Damona and Joe add their perspectives on growing up in environments where “the village” collectively disciplined children.
Feminism and Masculinity
[183:58–188:43]
- The question of whether men can (or should) call themselves feminists leads to a feisty, layered debate.
- Mark: “Being uncomfortable with the word ‘fem’ is part of the problem…feminist just means ‘supporter of women’s rights.’”
- B Dot: “We need a different word, it just sounds crazy with ‘fem’ for men.”
- The crew hashes out language, labels, and the cultural baggage associated with supporting women’s equality, with Mark championing a universal, not gendered, definition.
7. Viral, Political & Pop Culture News
Usher’s Statement on Diddy (Sean Combs)
[123:10–128:17]
- Analysis of Usher’s nuanced public defense of Diddy amid controversy.
- Usher: “My experience was not what the world has seen…and I can’t, with any sense of humanity, not recognize the valuable contributions that this man made for us as black entrepreneurs.”
- The crew critically discusses whether Usher’s position was honest, respectful, or dismissive of victims’ experiences.
- Mark: “It felt like a five-minute straw man…You’d almost think Puff was mistreated.”
Bob Barker Documentary
[137:17–153:04]
- Discussion of the “Dirty Rotten Scandals” docuseries and revelations about Bob Barker’s racism, sexism, and the exploitative environment of "The Price is Right".
- Joe: "Bob Barker would only allow two black people on the show at a time...when a black contestant came out, he would, like, run from them." (144:26)
- Side debate on forgotten TV hosts (Richard Dawson, Ray Combs) and nostalgia for 80s/90s daytime television.
Divorce Settlements: Kandi Burruss & Todd Tucker
[153:39–162:41]
- Detailed rundown of the Buzz-heavy divorce settlement (cars, cash, restaurant ownership), what’s fair in celebrity splits, and the difference in public perception if genders were reversed.
- Joe and Ish discuss men “not wanting to look like a bitch” by seeking spousal support, but Mark argues for men’s equal financial rights after marriage.
Air Travel Mayhem & TSA (Tyler Perry Anecdote)
[166:27–168:24]
- Joe notes how boyfriends online are more vocal than girlfriends about their partners being stranded due to flight cancellations—suggesting women keep their actions more private.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Joe: "It's not serious. It's not real. No one is exposing, revealing, indicting, or telling you anything about themselves. Enjoy the show." (00:00)
- Flip: “I'm just paying attention…There’s a lot of effery going on. Sandwiches for all you. Sandwiches!” (04:32)
- Mark: “I disagree with beating kids—I think it’s wrong to beat kids.” (104:44)
- Joe (re: Tyrese): “He seemed more insecure than I have ever seen him before.” (42:19)
- Tank (call-in): “That opportunity was not necessarily me vs Tyrese, but an opportunity for me to show the world who I am and what I do.” (60:28)
- On Usher’s Diddy comments:
- Joe: “That shit sounds like J. Cole’s second thought.” (123:56)
- Mark: “A lot of people don't expect their friends to trash them in public. That's not what I'm asking.”
- On the Bob Barker doc:
- Joe: “He had the nerve to live a nice, healthy, long life of racism.” (145:36)
- On men being feminists:
- Mark: “The idea that a man is uncomfortable being attached to ‘fem’… is itself part of the problem.”
- On Kandi’s divorce:
- Joe: “15 days is very, very low. Like, normally it’s 90 days. You’re trying to be a dick.” (155:19)
- Mark (on rage bait): “All y’all do that, right? ... You fall for rage bait?” (206:54)
Important Timestamps
| Time | Segment | |---|---| | 00:32–05:20 | Opening banter, seat wars, strip club weekend | | 06:08–10:00 | “21 shots”/prostate health & sex conversation | | 27:06–50:35 | Tank vs Tyrese Verzuz breakdown | | 59:03–67:37 | Tank call-in; background on rehearsal & showmanship | | 104:44–111:51 | Parenting, discipline, and spanking debate | | 123:10–128:17 | Usher on Diddy—public statement analysis | | 137:17–153:04 | Bob Barker doc, Price is Right racism stories | | 153:39–162:41 | Kandi Burruss/Todd Tucker divorce settlement | | 166:27–168:24 | Airport strike, Tyler Perry, and partner loyalty | | 183:58–188:43 | “Feminist” language & masculinity debate | | 204:09–208:17 | Drew Ski’s “white face” skit and political rage bait discussion |
Closing & Final Notes
- The crew jokes about their weekend plans and wraps with genuine camaraderie, teasing, and a Motown musical tribute.
- Joe urges listeners: “Life is a series of moments…and moments pass. So let’s make this one last as if it's all we have...”
Summary: Why You Should Listen
Episode 915 is The Joe Budden Podcast at its fully-chaotic, hilarious, and sneakily insightful best. Whether you care about R&B, hip-hop, or just want to hear brilliant personalities argue, reminisce, and roast each other, you'll get laughter, real debate, and plenty of memorable cultural commentary—with some wild sex jokes along the way.
