NEWS
Joe Budden has responded to being mocked for his appearance and performance in a viral basketball game between the co-hosts of his podcast.
On Patreon, Budden uploaded a video of him and his crew playing a game of hoops, with the retired rapper appearing in less-than-perfect shape and not exactly showing NBA potential.
The “Pump It Up” hitmaker proceeded to be playfully roasted on social media, with one user commenting: “Joe Budden hooping is unhinged.”
Another said: “Watching the Joe Budden basketball game. these are the most WASHED individuals on the planet. [laughing emoji] they gotta delete this.”
One fan was in hysterics about the lack of ability on display, writing: “The Joe Budden Podcast crew playing basketball is hilarious.”
Joe Budden has taken the jokes in strikes and replied on his Instagram Stories: “You aren’t kind people. Check back in April. It’s go time.”
He also joked about his physical state after the game, writing on X: “My knees have been cracking all day,” before adding: “I’m crying…. We look like pure shit out there. This might be the funniest footage ever released.”
One person who Budden is not playing with is fellow New Yorker 50 Cent.
The two have been embroiled in a back and forth in recent weeks, ever since the former Slaughterhouse member said 50 needed therapy for mocking Irv Gotti’s death.
The feud has escalated to the point where 50 brought up an old clip of Budden admitting he inappopriately touched his pet dog.
In the video, which dates back to 2020, the rapper-turned-podcaster says: “Why do I always wanna make the dog feel good by playing with their fucking privates? … Anybody with a pet — come on, you did a little something down there to make your dog feel good.”
Fif tore into Budden for the weird confession, writing on Instagram: “Wait a minute, Joe you need therapy something is not right. You touch your pet sexually, master bate so often you need travel lube and sleep walk naked out side of your home. You should have to register as a sex offender.”
He also tagged animal welfare charity PETA.
Budden had previously threatened to sue 50 Cent for posting AI-generated pictures of him in his underwear on social media.
NEWS
In a major setback for the UK summer festival season, global drinks brand Pepsi has confirmed it is ending its relationship with Wireless Festival. The move comes after strong political criticism and public reaction to the festival’s decision to book American rapper Kanye West, who is now legally known as Ye, as a headliner.
The situation intensified this week after Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke out against the booking, according to reporting from The Guardian. Starmer described the decision as "deeply concerning," pointing to the artist’s past antisemitic comments and his open praise of Nazi related figures as being at odds with the values of the United Kingdom. His remarks reflect a wider position within the government that antisemitism must always be challenged firmly to protect the Jewish community and maintain public safety.
Recent releases from the rapper have added further controversy. In the previous year, he drew global criticism after putting out a song called Heil Hitler and attempting to sell products displaying swastika imagery. Although West later apologized in the Wall Street Journal and said his actions were connected to a manic episode, many critics believe his influence still presents serious concerns.
The event, which is planned for July at Finsbury Park in London, is now dealing with growing uncertainty. Aside from losing a key sponsor, there are also questions about whether West will even be able to enter the country. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has the power to refuse entry if someone is considered not beneficial to the public good. These rules allow the Home Office to refuse visas to individuals whose behavior or connections could increase social tensions or encourage hate.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has already urged officials to impose a ban on his entry, while organizations such as the Board of Deputies of British Jews have described the booking as "deeply irresponsible." With a major sponsor stepping away and increasing calls for government action, organizers of Wireless Festival now face significant challenges in keeping the event moving forward.
