The Joe Budden Podcast Episode 920 | Around From A Distance
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖Justin Bieber's Coachella performance was seen as either 'creative' or 'lazy' due to his catalog sale, impacting song choices and revenue.
- ❖The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's induction process is criticized as arbitrary and capricious, lacking consistent criteria for age or genre.
- ❖The hosts debate the dynamics of male-female rap beefs, noting the difficulty for male artists to respond without appearing 'classless'.
- ❖Fab's limited music output is attributed to potential contractual issues, highlighting the challenges artists face in regaining control of their work.
- ❖Prince's strict policy of not collaborating with artists signed to labels is revealed, emphasizing his commitment to ownership.
- ❖The tragic death of influencer Ashley Jana in Tanzania is discussed with deep suspicion regarding the official 'self-transition' report, citing inconsistencies in the narrative.
- ❖Wallo's independent sneaker line is celebrated as a successful black entrepreneurial venture, selling out multiple colorways.
- ❖Funeral etiquette is debated, with hosts expressing disdain for selfies with caskets and overly long or inappropriate eulogies.
Insights
1Justin Bieber's Coachella Performance and Catalog Sale Strategy
Justin Bieber's Coachella set, which included acoustic versions, faith-based segments, and even playing YouTube videos of his old hits, was met with mixed reactions. The hosts speculate this 'creative' or 'lazy' approach was a strategic decision following his sale of performance and streaming rights for his catalog (pre-2022) for over $200 million. By playing older hits via YouTube or acoustically, he avoids generating revenue for the catalog owner while promoting newer, independently owned music.
Discussion of his performance style (), the sale of his catalog for over $200 million (), and the implication that performing old songs would benefit the company, not him ().
2Arbitrary Nature of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductions
The hosts express outrage over the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's induction choices, particularly the exclusion of artists like New Edition, Mariah Carey, and Lauren Hill in favor of others like Jeff Buckley (who is noted for one famous cover song). They argue the criteria are 'arbitrary and capricious,' lacking a consistent standard for chronological order, cultural impact, or genre, often appearing to mix selections to engage different demographics.
Discussion of specific inductees versus nominees (), the argument that New Edition should be in before Wu-Tang Clan due to age (), and the general critique of the Hall's inconsistent logic ().
3Challenges and Strategies for Artists with Bad Contracts
The discussion around Fabolous's dormant music career leads to an exploration of how bad contracts can hinder artists. Joe Budden shares his personal experience, stating that depression didn't stop him from making music, but he had to find new outlets. The hosts highlight Prince's extreme stance of refusing to work with any artist signed to a label, emphasizing ownership and financial independence as crucial for long-term success.
Fabolous's talent being 'dormant' (), Joe's personal experience with depression and finding outlets (), and Prince's refusal to collaborate with signed artists to protect their ownership ().
4Suspicious Circumstances Surrounding Ashley Jana's Death
Joe Budden expresses profound grief and strong suspicion regarding the reported 'self-transition' of influencer Ashley Jana in Tanzania. He details inconsistencies in the boyfriend's account, including a prior argument, the timing of finding her, her alleged vital signs at the hospital, and the lack of communication from the boyfriend to her parents after her death. Joe emphasizes Ashley's vibrant life, future plans, and strong character, making the suicide narrative difficult for those who knew her to believe.
Joe's personal connection and grief (), the reported details of the incident (), the boyfriend's passport being withheld (), and Ashley's parents echoing disbelief ().
Opportunities
Independent Celebrity Sneaker Line
Wallo's successful launch of his own sneaker line, selling out multiple colorways, demonstrates the viability of celebrities and influencers creating and owning their product lines rather than relying solely on endorsement deals. This model allows for a larger slice of the pie and direct control over branding and distribution.
Lessons
- Prioritize ownership and independent ventures in creative industries to avoid restrictive contracts and maximize earnings, drawing inspiration from artists like Prince and Wallo.
- Be mindful of online narratives, especially concerning sensitive topics like death and personal tragedies, and avoid contributing to agenda-driven or insensitive speculation.
- Take time to grieve and process personal losses, rather than immediately returning to work, as highlighted by a host's experience after his father's death.
Notable Moments
Joe Budden recounts crying on live television during a 'Black Ink Crew' reunion, three days after his father's death, triggered by another cast member discussing their mother's passing.
This personal anecdote reveals a vulnerable side of Joe, contrasting with his public persona, and underscores the emotional toll of personal loss, especially when compounded by professional obligations.
The hosts engage in a heated, yet humorous, debate about the arbitrary nature of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction process, with Mark expressing dramatic outrage over exclusions.
This segment highlights the subjective and often criticized selection criteria of prestigious awards, reflecting broader cultural debates about legacy, genre, and representation in music history.
Joe Budden delivers a heartfelt and suspicious account of influencer Ashley Jana's death in Tanzania, expressing deep personal grief and strong doubts about the official suicide narrative.
This moment shifts the podcast's tone to a serious investigation, showcasing Joe's personal connection to the victim and his skepticism towards a public narrative, raising questions about truth, media, and the safety of travelers abroad.
Quotes
"Grieve, man, you know, just grieve. Yo, don't don't take take the time."
"I'm starting to feel like some of the we say is creative, it's just basic dumb that is so basic and dumb that we we we twist ourselves in a pretzel pretending that it's uber interesting and creative."
"The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame don't make no damn sense. It's arbitrary and capricious."
"You can't say personal to your ex as a man on a song. You want to look... I know, but his chicks couldn't rap."
"He stood in that. It's too many stories of people asking for features and them saying, 'Well, do you own your stuff or are you a slave?'"
"It's a strange story, man. I'm I'm I'm not I'm I'm very suspicious. My antenna is up. I don't Again, I don't want to make any accusations. I don't want to jump the gun, but the reports are developing in a way that seem consistent with some pasties."
"She loved black men. She just also loved white. She loved men. Yo, she she loved men. She loved women. She was a just bolt of light. She was energy."
Q&A
Recent Questions
Related Episodes
Ep 609 - Mega Heider (feat. Corey Heider & Nate Marshall)
"Contractor Corey Heider recounts his bizarre experiences cleaning out hoarder houses and foreclosures, including discovering dead bodies and navigating extreme filth, all while maintaining a surprisingly upbeat and comedic outlook on life's absurdities."
Tracy Morgan Claims He Is the King of New York and Started the Riverboat Brawl, Talks Reggie Dinkins
"Tracy Morgan delivers a masterclass in comedic chaos, claiming to be Jacques Cousteau's grandson, the 'King of New York,' and the instigator of the infamous Alabama riverboat brawl."
Government Shuts Down. Chicago Mayor Puts Ice On Notice. Democrats Gain in Texas.
"This episode breaks down a federal government shutdown, Chicago's challenge to ICE, a New York Times report on disproportionate job losses for Black women, the termination of TPS for Haitians, and key moments from the Grammy Awards."
French Montana & Max B on 'Coke Wave 3.5,' prison stories & "All The Way Up" | Fat Joe & Jadakiss
"Max B details his return to music after 17 years in prison, while French Montana and Fat Joe share candid stories about navigating the music industry, from independent success to global hits like 'Unforgettable' and 'All The Way Up'."