The Joe Budden Podcast Episode 910 | Cannot Confirm

Joe Budden expresses extreme disappointment with the second season of 'Paradise,' calling it an 'epic falloff' and a 'travesty.' He criticizes the writing room, the excessive backstory, and the slow pacing, feeling the show has become a 'joke' compared to its acclaimed first season.

Joe Budden states, 'This is the most epic falloff of a television show between season 1 and season 2. I don't know what happened in that writer room... this is a travesty what y'all have done to arguably one of the best television shows of last season.' He adds, 'It's just too much backstory for an entire episode.'

The hosts discuss the public drama surrounding Dwight Howard's divorce, particularly a video posted by his wife, Amy Lucien, showing a large bag of alleged cocaine. They question the timing and strategy of this public display, especially with CPS reportedly involved, suggesting it might be a tactic for self-protection or divorce leverage, though likely counterproductive.

Amy Lucien's video details CPS involvement and her husband's alleged actions. The hosts question, 'If you're dealing with CPS coming to take your kids, is holding up a massive bag of cocaine a good idea?' and suggest she's 'trying to protect herself' or 'laying the groundwork for the divorce and the money.'

Dak Prescott and his fiancée cancelled their wedding a month before the date, shortly after a joint bachelor/bachelorette party. The hosts universally agree that joint parties are a 'terrible idea,' as they eliminate the traditional 'last night' of individual celebration and can expose couples to aspects of each other or their friends they might not like, leading to conflict.

Joe Budden states, 'The joint bachelor party... the worst idea ever.' Ish adds, 'It's weird cuz there's supposed to be a night to enjoy with your friends before you... take the vows.' The discussion highlights how such events can reveal 'a side of him that she might not have ever seen before or vice versa.'

Dr. Dre is officially confirmed as a billionaire, prompting a discussion about the significance of this milestone versus being a multi-millionaire. Some hosts argue that once a person reaches hundreds of millions, the practical difference between that and a billion is negligible, while others emphasize the symbolic and aspirational value of the 'billionaire' title.

A host announces, 'Dr. Dre has inner billionaire.' Joe Budden questions, 'What is the difference?' and references a past statement: 'Anybody at 200 million and up, go ahead. It's the same shit.'

Ray J's public accusation that Snoop Dogg is acting like 'the new Suge Knight' by withholding royalties from Death Row artists sparks a debate. The hosts discuss the ethical responsibility of an artist who acquires their former label to compensate original creators, balancing business acquisition costs with historical exploitation and personal relationships.

Ray J's comments are summarized: 'Snoop is the new Suge Knight... he's mistreating the Death Row artists and not their royalties.' The hosts ponder, 'What does he gain from holding royalties?' and 'Why don't you just look out your go ahead take this and go ahead go your way.'

A woman was charged with attempted murder after firing 10 shots into Rihanna's home while Rihanna and her children were inside. The hosts express horror at the incident, highlighting the extreme dangers of celebrity obsession and mental illness. They advocate for significantly increased security for high-profile figures to prevent such terrifying events.

The incident is described: '10 shots were fired and into the house. That's terrifying.' Mark emphasizes, 'That's the problem with mental illness. There's no rhyme or reason.' Joe Budden concludes, 'Rihanna is too valuable for us to have that the Selena moment.'

A video of a pastor demanding church members submit their tax returns to verify their tithes ignites outrage. The hosts condemn this as an exploitative tactic, questioning the audacity and lack of genuine spiritual guidance, suggesting it's a 'scam' that leverages faith for financial gain.

The pastor's video states, 'All church members bring a copy of your tax returns so that I can review them. I'm going to put a stop to some of y'all playing in my face during tithes and offerings.' Joe Budden exclaims, 'You ain't my principal that's grading me on how honest I am. Get the f*** out of here.'

Live Nation reached a settlement in its antitrust lawsuit with the US government, which includes divesting from some venues and capping service fees at 15%. While acknowledging some 'concrete things,' the hosts remain highly skeptical, viewing the settlement as a 'drop in the bucket' that won't dismantle the company's monopoly or truly benefit consumers.

The settlement details are discussed: 'Live Nation has to divest from some of investments in the venues' and 'Ticket Master will be required to open parts of its platform to rival ticket companies.' However, Joe Budden states, 'This was always going to be the outcome.' and 'I think this is absolute s***.'

During Jesse Jackson's funeral, President Obama delivered a eulogy but notably omitted any mention of Jeremiah Wright, his former pastor. Mark criticizes this as a 'low moment' and a disrespectful act, arguing Obama 'could have risen above the moment' and acknowledged Wright's significant contributions, especially given Jackson's own relationship with Wright.

Mark states, 'I watched President Obama give a very very good eulogy. Uh but I watched him shout out all the pastors that were there and he ignored Jeremiah Wright. He skipped right over Jeremiah Wright and I thought that that was awful.'