Joe Budden Accuses J. Cole Of "Pandering," Claims He Lied About YouTube Release

BYErika Marie21.1K Views
Link Copied to Clipboard!
Collage Maker-06-Mar-2023-11-03-AM-9732
(Photo by Manny Carabel/Getty Images), (Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

Budden also joked that his cohosts were "co*ns" for seemingly praising Cole's collaboration with BTS's J-Hope.

It's been a hot season for Dreamville and J. Cole, but at least one of their much-talked-about releases didn't earn Joe Budden's praise. Last week, Dreamville helped usher in the official arrival of Creed III by sharing the soundtrack produced and hosted by Cole's label. Not only was the film yet another success in the franchise, raking in $100 million opening weekend, but its accompanying music was all the rave. As Michael B. Jordan celebrates his latest blockbuster hit, J. Cole was also a hot topic due to his surprise release with BTS's J-Hope. It's a collaboration that Budden criticized.

"J. Cole's pandering," said Budden. "He got a bag for that YouTube trick he pulled on y'all, too." He was talking about Cole's single "procrastination (broke)," which he released on YouTube from a producer who shared a "J. Cole-type beat." It was promoted as if Cole was digging through YouTube and came across this producer. However, Budden revealed that the musician is one of the most famous producers on the platform. He repeated, "It's pandering."

Joe Budden Reveals Truth About "J. Cole Type Beat"

Not all of his cohorts agreed, but that didn't stop Budden from sharing his thoughts. "Nothing wrong! Y'all swear I hate people. And I don't. I love J. Cole, so don't spread that," he continued. "But the story that they put out versus what they f*ck was really happening, like stop. I'm just not stupid. I'm sorry that so many of y'all hate me because I'm not stupid and I can see through what your publicist is pumping you, what your lawyers is pumpin' in you. The label, the A&R is pumpin' in you. I can see through that stuff."

The cohosts defended Cole against the theory of faking the funk for the public. Budden entertained the idea but said it could have been true "if four or five months later, you didn't pop up with the K-Pop guy who's supposed to be in the army." He is, of course, referencing J-Hope. Then, they played the song, which prompted Budden to get up from his chair and put his face directly into the camera lenses. Then, he got a whiteboard and wrote "co*ns" and showed it off to his team, who couldn't stop laughing.

All For Laughs

It seems he was referencing his cohorts in the background praising the Cole J-Hope collaboration. Everyone laughed it off and had a good time before returning to their debate. Check it out above.

About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.