The Joe Budden Podcast Episode 917 | Memoirs

Joe Budden reflects on how his perception of fatherhood drastically changed in his 40s. He initially envisioned himself as a 'generational curse breaker' dad, but now identifies more as an 'Uber Eats Dad,' acknowledging the difference between his idealized self and his current reality. This shift highlights a common experience of adapting expectations to the practicalities of life and parenting.

Joe states, 'the dad I thought I would be versus the dad that I am. I'm super clear on it. I thought I would love these [kids]... being there for them, feeding them, first steps... it ain't that. Now you with the curses. No, I woke up. Now you like, man, I get them curses just like that. Woke up to a house full of kids.'

The hosts discuss the complexities of child support, emphasizing that it's rarely 'cut and dry.' They highlight how income fluctuations (e.g., a musician's hit song revenue vs. subsequent decline) can lead to unmanageable payments, and how state laws vary significantly in their 'male-friendliness.' New Jersey and Texas are cited as more equitable, while California, Florida, and New York are perceived as less so. Joe shares personal experiences with navigating the system and a friend's story of being jailed despite paying what he could afford.

Joe states, 'I just don't think child support is a cut and dry thing. It's usually not like if it's black if it's black and white.' He later adds, 'New Jersey, very male friendly state. New Jersey and and Texas. Child's best interest.' He recounts, 'It was a point in my life I was walking around with the receipt on me, scared to death.'

The alleged kidnapping and robbery of Gucci Mane by Pooh Shiesty and his associates is dissected, focusing on the perpetrators' 'stupidity' in posting evidence online. The hosts debate the 'no snitching' code, arguing that it doesn't apply when victims are not involved in criminal activity with their attackers, especially in a business context. They also point out the increased surveillance in modern times makes such 'old school' tactics ineffective and self-incriminating.

Mark states, 'They thought that as long as Gucci didn't tell the police, then they'd be fine. They're banking on a no snitching culture.' Joe adds, 'We glorify the dumbest in the world. And so the kids are listening to you glorify stupid and they trying to emulate it, not knowing that it's nothing but a one-way ticket.'

Brandy's memoir reveals details about her relationship with Wany Morris (of Boyz II Men), stating they began dating when she was 15 and he was 22. She describes him as controlling and manipulative, and that her parents were unaware. This contradicts Morris's past public statements. The hosts discuss the age of consent laws, the predatory nature of the music industry towards young artists, and the ethical implications of monetizing such a sensitive story decades later.

Mark explains, 'She says she was 15 when they started dating... 22. So that that's part and she says they were sneaking around. Uh her parents didn't know.' He later adds, 'the industry is very predatory toward young artists, particularly young women artists.'

Mark Lamont Hill expresses strong disapproval of LeBron James's public comments trashing Memphis and suggesting the NBA team move to Nashville. He argues that as a prominent black voice, LeBron's criticism of an economically divested, historically significant black city is irresponsible. Mark suggests LeBron should use his platform to invest in Memphis's infrastructure, like building better hotels, rather than advocating for the city to lose a major revenue source.

Mark states, 'LeBron as a prominent the most prominent voice in the NBA... standing on a public platform and and advocating for Memphis, which is such an important a black city... to advocate to move to Nashville to me is is is is whack.' He suggests, 'build a better hotel. Build a James Hotel.'

Joe Budden recounts a specific Jay-Z lyric from a Kanye collaboration that he believes was a subliminal diss aimed at him. The lyric, disguised within a story about Kanye, included references to Joe's record label (Asylum Records) and his nickname ('Flee'). This illustrates Jay-Z's genius in crafting disses that are only understood by the target and those 'in the know,' maintaining plausible deniability while still delivering a potent message.

Joe quotes Jay-Z: 'Live from the Mercer. Run up on DZ the wrong way, I might murk you. Flee in the G450. I might surface political refugee asylum can be purchased.' He then explains the personal connections to 'Flee' (his nickname) and 'Asylum' (his record label).