The Joe Budden Podcast Episode 901 | The Loser Sibling

J. Cole's new double album is perceived as a deeply personal work primarily for himself and his hometown of Fayetteville. Disc 1 narrates his experiences at age 29, while Disc 2 reflects on his life at 39. While praised for its storytelling and lyrical prowess, particularly on tracks like 'Safety' and 'Buns Road Blues,' the album's production, largely handled by T-Minus and J. Cole, received mixed reviews, with some critics finding it monotonous or a 'regression' compared to his previous work. The hosts debated whether it should be compared to iconic double albums like 'All Eyez on Me' or 'Life After Death,' with some arguing J. Cole hasn't reached that stature.

Joe Budden states the album felt 'very personal and very local' (15:28). Ish notes Disc 1 is 'a tale of the experiences' at age 29 (15:54). Mona finds Disc 1 'very boring' (20:33), while Joe calls some production 'fine' (17:29). Mark suggests Kendrick's 'Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers' as a better comparison (19:50). The album's overall length and lack of features are cited as contributing to a 'monotonous' feel (37:26, 48:31).

The public outcry from Glorilla's sister, Scarface, demanding financial support on TMZ, sparks a contentious debate about family obligations. Scarface claims Glorilla has not retired their mother (who still works at FedEx) and only offers minimal support. Joe Budden introduces the 'loser sibling' theory, asserting that some siblings inherently lack ambition and that successful individuals are not obligated to financially support them. He argues that parents often know which child will be the 'loser' and that public demands for money, especially from a sibling with a history of conflict (like threatening Glorilla with a pistol), are unwarranted.

Scarface claims Glorilla 'ain't doing nothing' for the family and their mom is 'still clocking the clock at FedEx' (1:24:39). She demands '$2,500 a piece' from Glorilla's alleged $2 million (1:26:01). Joe Budden states, 'I'm tired of opening my bedroom door and looking at the loser version of me with no ambition, no goals, no hustle' (1:29:11). He references Glorilla posting a text from her mother thanking her, implying the mother is supported (1:30:44). The sister's past arrest for threatening Glorilla with a pistol is mentioned (1:31:34).

Independent artist La Russell's decision to sign a deal with Roc Nation, after years of championing independence and publicly criticizing 'predatory' label contracts, draws significant scrutiny. While La Russell claims to retain ownership of his masters and publishing, fans and hosts question whether the move undermines his previous stance and alienates his dedicated fanbase who supported his independent journey. The debate centers on whether a deal with a major entity, even with favorable terms, can still be considered 'independent' and if it was a premature move given his lack of mainstream hit songs.

La Russell was 'championing independence' and 'being very transparent about some of the deals that were coming across the table' (2:05:23). He previously stated Roc Nation offered a 'predatory deal' (2:09:35). His signing was 'met with mixed reviews because of what he has stood on for so long' (2:06:23). Joe argues, 'You cannot summize that you've taken it as far as you can take it if we don't know a song' (2:11:12). Parks defends the move, noting La Russell 'owns all his masters, he owns all his publishing' (2:10:07) and that Nipsey Hussle also signed a licensing deal after independent success (2:12:43).