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
The multi-hyphenate entertainer has scored five new certifications, including a platinum plaque for “Issues/Hold On,” which has sold over one million equivalent units in the U.S. The Kanye West-produced track is lifted from her 2018 album, K.T.S.E., which has been crowned gold for selling over 500,000 equivalent units.
Taylor’s third LP, The Album, has also reached gold status, tallying her second project to become RIAA certified. The King Combs-assisted “How You Want It,” a single from The Album, has been certified platinum.
Last, but not least, Taylor’s “Do Not Disturb” featuring Chris Brown is now gold. The steamy jam appears on her 2014 debut album, VII.
Taylor took to social media to celebrate her new RIAA updates. “Father God I thank you and I praise you in the name of Jesus. Thank You for showing patience with me, your kindness, grace & mercy every day. Your mercies never cease,” she wrote in a caption for her photo of her with her new plaques.
She continued, “Father God, please continue to instruct and teach me as I continue my faith walk. Thank you for keeping my head high to keep my crown from falling. I love you. Thank you for reminding me the wait is not punishment, it was preparation. Thank you to everyone involved with helping me bring these albums and songs to life. I am filled with much gratitude! WE PLATINUM & GOLD YALL.”
In other news, Taylor just released her new single “Long Time.” It’s the first offering from her upcoming album Escape Room, which will be accompanied by a short film. Taylor directed and produced the visual under her production company, The Aunties. It co-stars LaKeith Stanfield and Aaron Pierre, who appear in the video for “Long Time” as well.
Further, Taylor joined Ciara on her “Ecstasy (Remix)” alongside Normani. “When Ci hit me about jumping on this remix, it was an automatic yes,” Taylor said. “To be a part of this moment with two queens I love so much! Not only do I get to call Ciara and Normani my friends I get to call them my sisters! That’s black girl magic. We bringing the sensual, the sisterhood, and the soul. Let’s go!”
Taylor stars in Tyler Perry’s new drama Straw, now streaming on Netflix, alongside Taraji P. Henson and Sherri Shepherd.
