Once again, The “Joe Budden Podcast” finds itself at the center of internet discourse. This time, it’s not Joe Budden himself stirring the pot…well, not exactly. The latest debate has taken place among co-hosts during a Patreon-exclusive episode, igniting social media chatter.
This week, co-hosts Marc Lamont Hill and QueenzFlip engaged in a fiery exchange that quickly captured the attention of listeners and social media users alike. Beginning with a seemingly innocuous discussion about hypothetical pay cuts, the conversation spiraled into a heated dispute. Hill’s joke regarding a previous pay cut negotiation didn’t sit well with Flip, who accused him of constantly throwing shade.
The initial light banter took a sharp turn as Flip raised the stakes, suggesting he would willingly take a pay cut for the team. This prompted a question from another co-host, challenging Hill to consider whether he would do the same — take less so others could earn more or receive equal pay. In response, Hill expressed his belief that not everyone should earn the same, leading to a passionate debate about team dynamics, individual contributions, and who truly represents what’s best for the group.
Out of this chaotic discussion arose what could very well be Black social media users’ new favorite meme: “I say regular words that are tricky to you.” This witty retort from Hill came after Flip accused him of using “a lot of tricky words” meant to confuse others. This phrase quickly became a viral sensation, encapsulating not only the moment’s humor but also a more significant commentary on the dynamics of intellectualism in conversations.
This moment also sparked a broader conversation on social media about the role of intellectualism within Black communities. One user pointed out that the exchange highlighted the importance of promoting a “pro-intellectual wave” across the country. This sentiment resonates deeply, emphasizing the need for accessible and comprehensive knowledge while countering the notion that smart communication is inherently “tricky.”
Many listeners felt that Hill’s presence on the podcast felt somewhat out of place. Unlike the podcast’s atmosphere, which has typically embraced a more casual, “barbershop banter” style, Hill comes with a background as a journalist and professor. This contrasting vibe has sparked discussions about the value of his contributions versus the podcast’s established dynamic.
However, others argue that Hill’s presence enriches the conversation. A user on Threads mentioned that while some may feel he shouldn’t be a part of the show, his intellectual voice is exactly what the podcast landscape needs. As the appetite for “go viral” moments grows, there’s also a crucial need for informative and insightful dialogue, showcasing that every voice on the platform carries its significance, even if it steers away from entertainment-first discussions.
@therealdthomasforreal Somebody had to do it #marclamonthill #joebudden ♬ original sound – Dwight Thomas
After the heated exchange, Hill later took to Patreon to discuss the situation in an 11-minute video, while Flip responded on social media to clarify some of his comments made during the discussion.