Joe Budden has never been shy when it comes to voicing his opinions about Drake. Years after their rap beef and diss tracks, the tension may not be loud, but it’s still very much present, especially when new music drops.
That energy resurfaced this week when Budden and his cohosts broke down 21 Savage’s latest album, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE STREETS?, on The Joe Budden Podcast. One track in particular sparked conversation: Drake’s feature on “MR RECOUP.”
The discussion quickly made its way across hip-hop social media, with clips circulating online as fans reacted to Budden’s brutally honest take on the collaboration and what he believes Drake should be doing at this stage of his career.
Joe Budden reacts to Drake and 21 Savage’s new collaboration
While reviewing WHAT HAPPENED TO THE STREETS?, Joe Budden didn’t hold back when “MR RECOUP” came up. Although he acknowledged the song’s placement and production, he made it clear it didn’t hit the way he expected.
“I don't have anything positive to say about that song,” Budden remarked before slightly contradicting himself. “So I'm going to reserve thought. But I do think it was important for Drake to be featured on this project. And I think in sequencing, if you just letting it rock, then maybe you won't be mad at it. The beat, it fits. It's not my particular favorite on there. I thought that Drake probably... It's time for the heat, man. Enough of this.”
A missed moment in hip-hop, according to Budden
Budden expanded on his point by comparing the collaboration to other recent rap moments that dominated conversation.
“They could've took that moment... Not to compare it, 'cause I hate to compare it,” he continued. “But the moment that Drake made with J. Cole, 'First Person Shooter'? The moment that Kendrick [Lamar] made on 'Like That,' on somebody else's st? Like, you can make a moment on somebody else's st. Missed opportunity to me.”
Joe Budden’s criticism fits into a long-running history with Drake that dates back nearly a decade. While the hostility isn’t as aggressive as it once was, Budden has remained skeptical of Drake’s recent musical direction.
Drake is reportedly preparing his upcoming album. ICEMAN, Budden’s comments suggest he’s still waiting for the Toronto superstar to deliver something undeniable. Whether Drake responds with “heat” remains to be seen, but in hip-hop, moments matter, and Budden believes this one slipped away.