The Joe Budden Podcast
Episode 923 | “Old School Music Is Always A Vibe”
Date: April 25, 2026
Host: Joe Budden & The Joe Budden Network
Episode Overview
Episode 923 is a classically chaotic but insightful ride with Joe Budden and his crew. Titled "Old School Music Is Always A Vibe," the episode riffs on flirtation playbooks, social media etiquette, music reviews, sports hot takes, and viral controversies, all steeped in their signature banter. Noteworthy are their spirited breakdown of the new Michael Jackson biopic, a glowing review for Kehlani’s new album, and in-depth commentary on the nuances of modern relationships and recent cultural flashpoints.
Key Discussion Points & Highlights
1. “Running the Play” — Flirting, Friendship, and Old Tricks
- The guys open with classic back-and-forth, accusing one another of running the same old “plays” in flirting and how their skills have evolved.
- Joe applauds Ish’s recent game:
- Joe (04:02): "To hear him set up plays now—I’m like, my boy is the Eric Spoelstra. This n*** is Kevin Booker."*
- Lively debate on whether being quiet or shy counts as a “play,” with jokes about being accused of being “thirsty” for subtle social media interactions (commenting fire emojis, etc.).
- Extended riff on the dangers of fans introducing their girlfriends to the hosts (“boy suicide”—07:50) and the group’s awareness that their significant others are, in fact, watching everything.
2. Instagram Etiquette and Relationship Dynamics
- Joe shares a comical personal anecdote about his girlfriend catching him leaving “ooh, old school music is always a vibe” on a woman’s photo—setting off an extended philosophy discussion on what constitutes disrespectful online behavior:
- Joe (22:00): “Old school music is always a vibe.”
- Joe’s girlfriend: “If I see it one more time, that’s your ass.”
- Everyone admits to having lines at home around commenting, likes, and online interaction (“no comments under IG pictures...but maybe for a workout girl”).
- Breakdown of what type of comments are ‘safe’ (fire emojis for achievements, but not for bikini pictures).
3. Michael Jackson Biopic Review
- Main event: multi-faceted, passionate, and contentious group film review.
- Perspectives range from “I enjoyed it!” (especially from non-superfans) to sharp critique (“absolute trash,” “surface level,” “spoof slap in the face”) for its shallow storytelling and weak casting, especially the portrayal of young Michael:
- Joe (45:16): “That little n*** stunk...He didn’t move like Mike. He didn’t sound like him. He didn’t act like him.”*
- Serious debate about the film’s approach to Michael’s artistry, struggles, and family involvement in creative control.
- Mark Lamont Hill commends some nuance but echoes disappointment in neglecting creative depth and whitewashing family abuse.
- General agreement the movie’s best feature is “the music is so good, you can’t walk out.”
- Notable Moment (49:29):
- Parks: “My biggest laugh was Bubbles at the board.”
4. Kehlani Album Review – Full Track-by-Track Vibes
- The crew goes deep on Kehlani’s new album, giving it rave reviews for songwriting, performance, and production:
- Joe (83:02): “It’s amazing. Absolutely amazing.”
- Joe (84:16, on Brandy feature): “This sound like it’s supposed to be on the Full Moon album.”
- Praises Brandy’s features (“Folded” and “I Need You”), the Janet-Jackson-esque influences, and standout tracks written by Tank, Carrie Hilson, Leon Thomas, and production by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.
- Banter gets playfully raunchy and personal, celebrating R&B's “soft side of a thug” moments.
5. Anticipation for Drake’s New Album
- Debate on the aftermath of Drake’s recent “loss” in his battle with Kendrick and how that affects fan engagement for his upcoming album.
- Is it possible to trash a rapper for a loss and still celebrate new music? Gatekeeping, stan culture, and social media’s influence get a deep dive:
- Ice (109:24): “If Drake puts out a good album—yes, Kendrick smoked his boots—I’m going to come in here and be like, ‘This is fire.’”
- Joe states he’s rooting for “great Drake music” but expresses skepticism he’ll reach his past peaks.
- Discussion on how internet opinion and “stan wars” distort the real-world impact and enjoyment of music.
6. Sports Hot Takes — Playoffs & The Draft
- The gang analyzes the latest NBA playoff games (including Knicks, Sixers, and the surprising rise of certain players).
- Quick, knowledgeable recap of the NFL draft’s first round, with emphasis on surprise picks, the value of “sexy” vs. “need” picks, and Cowboys/Eagles/Dolphins moves.
- Side banter about travel restrictions in relationships and who gets to visit Dallas or Atlanta solo.
7. Virality & Online Backlash
- Time spent unpacking the internet dragging of Emma Grede following her interview about women advancing in the workplace and remote work culture.
- Key discussion on privilege, messaging, audience sensitivity, and miscommunication online.
- Mark Lamont Hill (161:03): “When you talk about people selling drugs, we always ask, why is that person selling drugs?...The messenger matters.”
- The guys play the actual clip; dissect what she actually said versus social media reinterpretation.
8. Legal News & Cultural Conversation
- Lawsuit updates: Drake, Aiden Ross, and academics facing legal scrutiny over online gambling promotions and proper disclosures.
- Brian McKnight sues ex-wife, son, Mark Lamont Hill, and others for supposed defamation; Mark explains he’s not actually being sued, but details the drama and his past interviews with McKnight’s ex-family.
- Extended jokes about being named in lawsuits, Mark’s “Patreon smoke,” and whether journalists can ever be truly “objective.”
9. Pop Culture Sidebars
- Joke breakdown of infamous “oxtail vs. oxtails” debate—running gag with dictionary deep dives and Caribbean culinary pride (178:04).
- Drea is now a chef: the room celebrates her growth from viral “Drea Plate” ridicule to owning her narrative.
- Spectacular of Pretty Ricky spits honey in Mandy’s mouth during a live show; discussion about kink, consent, and boundaries without shaming.
- Russell Brand audio of self-acknowledged predatory behavior is played and universally condemned.
10. Notable Quick Hits
- The viral Mary J. Blige “Hillary Clinton” election commercial revisited (“Is it a gun, is it a knife, is it a wallet, this is your life…”—152:16).
- Mark highlights a medical school scholarship for Black male students with high GPAs and test scores (194:19).
- Joe closes by urging support for new films and “pros making music,” big-upping Kehlani, and referencing the culture’s need to focus less on stan beefs.
Memorable Quotes and Moments (with Timestamps)
- Joe on flirt etiquette:
- “My main fight was… I try to break the ‘no comment under IG pics’ rule but only for one person—my workout girl. According to her, that's the same person every time.” (20:45)
- Mark about the Kehlani album:
- “This is the room full of pros.” (98:25)
- Ish on social media rules:
- “Fire’s too much. Fire’s a lot. Fire’s too much.” (17:33)
- Joe on Michael biopic’s issues:
- “This movie didn’t do nothing. Like, if you didn’t know much about Michael Jackson going in, you don’t know nothing now.” (45:50)
- Joe on stan culture and album rollouts:
- “Don’t fuck up the good equity Drake’s built in his silence. Please. I’m telling you.” (103:31)
- Ish on Kehlani:
- “She did that. Kon, you did it.” (98:07)
- Flip riffs on cheating:
- “You can’t cheat if you don’t got your boxes checked.” (192:59)
Important Segments and Timestamps
- Running the Play/Flirt Game: 00:31–10:30
- Instagram Rules & Relationships: 16:03–26:00
- Michael Jackson Biopic Review: 34:38–62:00
- Kehlani Album In-Depth: 83:00–98:18
- Drake Album Anticipation/Stans: 98:52–114:50
- NBA/NFL Sports Discussion: 71:46–82:14
- Emma Grede Backlash/Priviledge: 154:06–167:39
- Legal Updates (Drake, McKnight): 124:13–143:50
- Cultural TV/Doc Talk: 203:16–204:02
- Final Thoughts and Weekend Plans: 204:28–206:13
Episode Vibe & Takeaways
This episode is vintage JBP—a rowdy amalgamation of cutting humor, honest critique, music nerd gospel, and cultural pulse-checks. If you want a feel of contemporary Black barbershop talk—where loyalty, legacy, love, and lyrics are equally up for hot debate—you’ll hear it here. Music—especially old school R&B—remains the heart of their worldview, and the group’s banter about social media rules, relationship transparency, and holding each other accountable is as much comedy as it is a mirror for listeners.
Closing Note:
- “Life is a series of moments and moments pass, so let’s make this one last as if it’s all we have.” (205:49, Joe Budden)
Essentially:
- Don’t comment fire emojis, unless you’re ready to be caught.
- Old school music (and Kehlani) will save your soul.
- If you’re in the spotlight, your playbook’s on public display—on and off IG.
- And, yes, oxtail can be pluralized—sometimes.
For fans, this episode is a prime example of why JBP remains must-hear culture commentary, whether you want music takes, real talk, or just to laugh at grown men arguing about oxtails.
