The Joe Budden Podcast Episode 891 | The Bane Of My Existence

Drake and the online gambling platform Stake are being sued in a Federal Class Action RICO lawsuit. The suit alleges Stake circumvents U.S. gambling regulations by operating as a 'social casino' where users buy 'stake coins' that can be converted to real money winnings. Drake and other streamers are accused of misleading the public by posting winning betting slips while playing with 'house money,' encouraging others to gamble their real funds. The lawsuit also claims a 'tipping feature' was used to artificially inflate Drake's music streams.

The lawsuit alleges Drake and others used Stake's tipping feature to transfer money, which was then used to artificially inflate Drake's music streams. It also claims Stake operates as a 'sweepstakes' to bypass U.S. gambling laws, misleading people into gambling their real money while influencers play with 'house money.'

Professional violinist Brian King Joseph is suing Will Smith and his management company for sexual harassment, predatory behavior, and wrongful termination. Joseph alleges Smith made inappropriate remarks and that a hotel room incident occurred where he found a handwritten note ('Brian, I'll be back. Just us. - Stone F') along with personal items and HIV medication in another person's name. Joseph claims he was fired days after reporting the incident, despite no replacement violinist being hired.

Joseph alleges Smith made comments like 'you and I have a special connection that I don't have with anyone else.' He reported finding a handwritten note and HIV medication in his hotel room booked by Smith's team. He was terminated days later, with the company citing 'moving in another direction' but not hiring another violinist.

The hosts observe a significant cultural shift in New Year's Eve celebrations, moving away from large public gatherings like Times Square. They note that international cities like Sydney and Dubai now offer more spectacular drone and fireworks shows, making New York's celebrations seem 'bland' and 'goofy.' Factors contributing to this shift include concerns about safety in large crowds, the lingering effects of the pandemic, and the convenience of streaming global events from home.

Joe Budden states, 'Time Square look like some some bullshit.' The hosts discuss how 'the rest of the world is whooping our ass in New Year's Eve celebration' with drone shows. They also mention safety concerns in large crowds and the convenience of staying home as reasons for the shift.

A listener's submission prompts a debate on whether to inform a friend about their partner's cheating. The hosts discuss the complexities, including the potential for the messenger to be blamed, the friend's reaction (shame, embarrassment), and the impact on the friendship. Mona suggests a 'mind your business' approach unless explicitly asked by the friend, while others argue that loyalty demands disclosure, even if it leads to conflict.

Mona states, 'I don't care if you seen my [man] on Broad Street with a dick in his mouth. Don't call me about that [man].' Joe Budden argues that if a friend knows and doesn't tell, he 'can't call you my brother.' The listener's story details how telling his best friend about his baby mom's cheating led to the end of their friendship.