The Joe Budden Podcast Episode 914 | Cult Fish

Jay-Z, in a GQ interview, expressed regret over the negative aspects of modern hip-hop battles, particularly how social media amplifies personal attacks and creates lasting divisions among fanbases. He suggested that while the musical 'sparring' is exciting, the collateral damage, including involving artists' families and character assassination, outweighs the benefits. He posited that hip-hop might have 'outgrown' such direct adversarial engagements due to the pervasive nature of technology, advocating for collaborations instead.

Jay-Z stated, 'It's so much negative stuff that comes with it that you almost wish it didn't happen... it's almost like it's a final thing. Now people that like Kendrick hate Drake... it's like bringing people kids in it... I don't know if it's helpful to our growth.' He added, 'I don't know if it could stand it with the technology that we have 'cause it takes up so much oxygen.'

Jay-Z reflected on his mentorship of J. Cole, indicating that while he offered tools and opportunities, Cole chose a more independent path, declining suggestions for collaborations with hit-making producers like Stargate. Jay-Z expressed pride in Cole's self-made success, framing it as Cole finding his 'own direction' rather than following a prescribed commercial route.

Jay-Z said, 'I was giving him a chance to take his talent and show it to the most people possible, but his way. I didn't say here's this record from Stargate and you putting it out... For JCole, he has to find his own direction and I'm going to give him the tools.' He concluded, 'I don't have any negative feelings for him. I'm actually super proud of him and what he's done.'

The release of Justin Timberlake's DUI arrest footage sparked discussion about how celebrities attempt to navigate legal troubles. The hosts observed that Timberlake hesitated to immediately invoke his celebrity status and, when he did, it was 'weird' and ineffective. This led to a broader conversation about the expectation of celebrity privilege and how it often fails when the evidence of impairment is undeniable.

The hosts noted Timberlake 'didn't drop the I'm Justin Timberlake thing as fast as I would have' and that 'he got to it weird. The world tour part was funny.' They contrasted this with the idea that a celebrity should 'immediately create a situation where the officer is not focusing on me being drunk.'

Meek Mill's public announcement of joining LinkedIn generated discussion about its utility for a high-profile artist. While some hosts expressed confusion, others acknowledged LinkedIn's growing role in corporate networking and brand deals. The consensus was that Meek's move might reflect his independent status and a search for new business avenues, though the public announcement could be perceived as less polished than a direct partnership.

The hosts explained LinkedIn as 'social media for business networking' and a tool for 'corporate announcements' and 'job opportunities.' They questioned if Meek's use was 'a brand deal' or if he was 'trying to just navigate' independently, noting it 'seems like old guy trying to figure out the Wi-Fi code.'

Mary J. Blige recounted an early career encounter where an unnamed veteran vocalist critiqued her hair roots and singing 'on key.' Later, a clip of Chaka Khan revealed she was the critic, publicly stating she told Mary J. Blige she 'f***ed up' her cover of 'Sweet Thing' due to flat vocals and implying drug use. This highlighted a generational difference in delivering and receiving artistic feedback, with Mary J. Blige's account emphasizing grace and Chaka Khan's emphasizing blunt, 'auntie' honesty.

Mary J. Blige recalled the person saying, 'You really should dye your hair your roots the same color as your hair, and you need to learn how to sing on key.' Chaka Khan, in her interview, stated, 'I told Mary J. Blige she f***ed it up... you don't sing nothing at 8:00 in the f***ing morning... you'd have been up all night smoking crack or something.'

A listener, 'Ishman,' presented a dilemma: his wife had an abortion against his wishes years prior, and now plans a tubal ligation, again without his full agreement. He feels she's 'abusing' the 'my body, my choice' mentality, especially as he desires more children. The hosts debated the wife's right to bodily autonomy versus the husband's feelings of resentment and desire for a shared future, acknowledging the emotional complexity and the potential impact on their existing children.

Ishman's wife texted, 'she's going to get an abortion. I responded saying, 'No, you are not.'... She hit me with my body, my choice.' Later, she's 'saying she's getting her tubes tied... I said I'm not okay with that.' The hosts agreed it's 'her body, her choice' but also that 'it's a conversation to be had' in a relationship.

A viral clip of a white coach intensely yelling at a black female basketball player sparked debate about appropriate coaching methods. While some viewed it as abusive, the hosts, after reviewing the coach's words ('I believe in you. This is your story.'), defended it as necessary 'tough coaching' to motivate players in competitive environments. They argued that such intensity, when rooted in a strong coach-player relationship, can be effective and is often misunderstood by those outside competitive sports.

The coach was seen 'doing some real intense coaching... very close to her.' The lip readers revealed she said, 'I believe in you. This is your story... Now's your moment. Go take it to him.' The hosts argued, 'You need a rough coach sometime... I don't think there's another way to get a player in a sport this competitive motivated sometimes other than to be match their intensity.'