The Joe Budden Podcast Episode 941 | 9th Wonder Is Watching

Pretty Ricky decisively won their Verzuz battle against B2K, with a reported score of 18-0. Their success was attributed to a more cohesive performance, mature-sounding music that aged better, and superior stage presence, including playful banter and even playing dominoes on stage. B2K, in contrast, was perceived as arrogant, started with weaker songs, lacked group synergy, and resorted to desperate tactics like Raz-B's heartfelt speech, which came across as pity.

Pretty Ricky opened with 'Grind With Me' against B2K's 'Girlfriend.' B2K's decision to go first was seen as arrogant. Raz-B's emotional speech was interpreted as a sign of desperation. Pretty Ricky's members were seen playing dominoes with their backs to B2K. Complex reported an 18-0 score, with no Pretty Ricky song receiving less than 60% of the vote.

The hosts debated the appropriateness of rappers like Jim Jones publicly asking for a beat to respond to Jadakiss's verse in a Big Daddy Kane challenge. Joe Budden argues that while competition is inherent in rap, there's a line where public 'disses' can impact a veteran artist's livelihood and legacy, suggesting a different reverence should be shown to top-tier rappers.

Discussion around Jim Jones asking for the Big Daddy Kane beat after Jadakiss's verse. Joe Budden states, 'When you understand that, then why would you want to kick somebody and say they whack and you trash and I could kill you. You might be taking food off somebody play.'

Lizzo's latest album sold only 2,650 units in its first week, dropping to 600 in the second. The hosts attribute this commercial failure not solely to the album's quality (which they found experimental and unfocused) but primarily to a significant disconnect with her label. They suggest the label did not invest in promotion, leading to a lack of awareness among the public. There's also speculation that her 'manufactured' fanbase, built on radio hits and social justice messaging, may not translate into dedicated album sales, especially with recent controversies and her weight loss.

Album sales figures (2,650 first week, 600 second week). Lizzo's own complaint about lack of label push/promotion. Discussion of her music being 'experimental' with punk, pop, and 70s R&B elements. Speculation about her 'social justice poster girl' image and recent lawsuits.

Lavar Ball's announcement of his divorce, coming shortly after his leg amputation, sparked debate about the timing and true reasons for the separation. While Ball stated his wife 'wanted to do something else,' the hosts questioned whether the health crisis was the direct cause or merely the final straw in a long-term relationship. They emphasize that in long marriages, breakups are rarely due to a single event and that individuals often frame narratives to make themselves look better.

Lavar Ball's statement: 'We had our run... she want to go do something else.' His wife had a stroke in 2017, and he recently had a leg amputation. Joe Budden's point: 'Usually after 30 years people don't leave for that kind of sh*t.'

The hosts collectively believe Ja Morant's career as an NBA superstar is effectively over. They cite his repeated off-court issues, loss of trust from the league and organizations, and a perceived decline in his on-court explosiveness and play. They argue that despite his talent, his unreliability has made him an undesirable asset for any franchise looking for a leader.

Discussion of his off-court issues, lack of commercials, absence of his father on the sidelines, and perceived decline in explosiveness. Joe Budden states: 'Couldn't trust you to be the face of the league. We couldn't trust you to be the face of an organization. We couldn't trust you to be a leader of men.'