The Joe Budden Podcast Episode 912 | Heaven Sent

The hosts celebrated Michael B. Jordan's Oscar win for 'Sinners,' emphasizing his dedication to developing his craft. Joe Budden, who previously criticized Jordan's early performances, acknowledged his rapid improvement and commitment to detail, such as manipulating facial structures to differentiate twin characters. His genuine humility during the acceptance speech also resonated with the crew.

Joe Budden recounts his past criticisms of Michael B. Jordan (27:48), then praises his development and commitment to craft, citing details like facial manipulation for twin roles (28:05). The hosts also note his genuine humility during the acceptance speech (29:35).

Jack Harlow's new album, 'Jackman,' was met with widespread internet mockery and critical panning, leading to a debate on whether negative viral attention benefits an artist. While some argued it's 'free promo,' others felt the album's perceived mediocrity, coupled with the intense online clowning, would ultimately harm his career and artistic credibility.

The hosts list numerous creative, mocking nicknames for Jack Harlow and his album (1:09:12). They discuss whether viral attention, even negative, serves as 'free promo' (1:11:25) versus the potential harm of critical panning and online ridicule (1:11:32).

Lar Russell's song 'Heaven Sent,' which listed figures like Satan, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Kanye West, and Adolf Hitler as 'heaven sent,' sparked outrage. The hosts criticized the song for its poor execution, lack of poetic depth, and insensitive timing, especially given current global events, arguing it was a shallow attempt at notoriety rather than genuine artistic expression.

The hosts play a clip of Lar Russell's song (2:23:00) and immediately criticize its lyrics, particularly the juxtaposition of figures like Adolf Hitler with others (2:24:17). They argue the song lacks artistic depth and is 'horribly unpoetic' (2:27:24), suggesting it's an attempt to 'insert himself in conversations that are unbecoming' (2:25:38).

New York City's proposed tax increases, including raising the city income tax for millionaires and lowering the threshold for inheritance tax to $750,000, were heavily debated. Ish argued that lowering the inheritance tax threshold would disproportionately affect middle-class and uninformed families in expensive NYC, as the wealthy use trusts to avoid such taxes. Mark, however, supported the idea of higher taxes on large inheritances, believing it could fund public services.

Mark details NYC's proposed tax changes, including raising the income tax for millionaires and increasing the inheritance tax with a lower threshold (2:50:10). Ish argues that the $750k inheritance tax threshold is 'crazy' for NYC's housing market (2:52:05) and that the rich will 'always find a loophole' (2:57:22), making it a burden on the uninformed middle class.

The shift of Spring Break destinations to Houston, following Miami's crackdown on rowdy behavior, was discussed. The hosts attributed Houston's popularity to its affordability and domestic accessibility for college students, despite viral clips showing chaotic and unglamorous scenes at gas stations and overcrowded venues. This highlights how economic factors now heavily influence youth travel trends.

Joe Budden describes Miami shutting down beaches due to 'niggerish' behavior (1:59:20) and questions why Houston became the new Spring Break destination (2:00:04). The hosts conclude that affordability, domestic travel, and the desire to be 'where all the other college kids are' (2:01:03) are the main drivers, despite the chaotic scenes.

The podcast paid tribute to Kiki Shepard, the co-host of 'Showtime at the Apollo,' following her sudden passing. She was remembered not just as a stage personality but as a multi-talented individual (dancer, actor, singer, producer) and a significant cultural figure for Black America, particularly during a time when Black representation on television was scarce. Her philanthropic efforts were also highlighted.

Mark delivers a eulogy for Kiki Shepard, detailing her role as co-host of 'Showtime at the Apollo' (2:11:58), her diverse talents (Howard grad, DC Rep, 'Mama I Want to Sing,' 'The Whiz') (2:12:37), and her importance as a Black icon and philanthropist during a period of limited representation (2:13:09).