Joe Budden Reacts to Kanye West Name-Dropping Him During South Korea Show

In an unexpected turn of events, Kanye West’s recent performance in Seoul, South Korea alongside Ty Dolla $ign on August 23rd became a talking point for various reasons. Among the highlights was West’s decision to name-drop several rappers during his set, including the ever-controversial Joe Budden. This move came as a surprise to many, given the history and dynamics within the hip-hop community. West’s performance, dubbed the Vultures 2 listening experience, began with an extravagant entrance as he arrived on horseback, setting the stage for an unforgettable night.

One of the most surprising elements of the evening was West showing love to his on-again, off-again rival, Drake. This was particularly noteworthy as the two have had a tumultuous relationship over the years, marked by public feuds and reconciliations. During his performance, West dedicated his song ‘I Wonder’ to Drake and even sang his name during ’24,’ a gesture that left fans buzzing. The inclusion of Joe Budden in this mix added another layer of intrigue, especially considering Budden’s own complex standing in the hip-hop world.

Fans were quick to tag Joe Budden in social media posts about West’s shout-out, prompting a response from the former rapper turned media personality. Budden took to social media to playfully imitate West and joke about the South Korean crowd’s likely reaction to hearing his name. He quipped that the audience probably had no idea who he was, a self-deprecating nod to his more niche fame compared to global superstars like Kanye and Drake. This light-hearted response was classic Budden, who has always balanced his sharp wit with a sense of humor.

The timing of this name-drop is interesting, as it came on the heels of a Twitter exchange between Budden and City Girls rapper Yung Miami. The two had recently traded jabs after Miami laughed at Budden receiving a gold plaque for his 2003 single ‘Pump It Up’ in 2024, a belated recognition that Budden himself found amusing. In response to Miami’s laughter, Budden remarked that it would be ‘too easy’ to insult her in return, showcasing his knack for handling criticism with a mix of grace and sarcasm.

Yung Miami, in turn, reminded Budden to laugh a little and suggested they share a laugh together, to which Budden replied that he would laugh the next day and emphasized that laughter is good for the soul. This exchange highlighted Budden’s ability to navigate social media spats without letting them escalate into full-blown conflicts, a skill that has served him well in his post-rap career as a podcaster and commentator. His playful interaction with West’s name-drop further demonstrated his ability to remain relevant and engaging in the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop culture.

Kanye West’s decision to include Joe Budden in his performance was a curious one, especially given the other names he could have chosen to highlight. It speaks to the layered relationships and histories that exist within the hip-hop community, where rivalries and alliances can shift rapidly. West’s gesture towards Drake, in particular, suggests a desire for reconciliation and unity, even if only momentarily. By extending a similar acknowledgment to Budden, West may have been signaling a broader message about the interconnectedness of the hip-hop world.

The Vultures 2 listening experience itself was a spectacle, with West pulling out all the stops to ensure it was a memorable event. His arrival on horseback set the tone for an evening that blended music, theatrics, and unexpected moments. Ty Dolla $ign’s presence added another layer of star power, making the event a must-see for fans in attendance. The combination of these elements created a unique atmosphere that was both celebratory and introspective, reflecting West’s complex persona and artistic vision.

Joe Budden’s reaction to being name-dropped by Kanye West was a testament to his ability to stay relevant in the ever-changing landscape of hip-hop. Despite stepping away from his rap career, Budden has managed to carve out a niche for himself as a media personality and commentator, often weighing in on the latest happenings in the industry. His playful response to West’s shout-out showed that he can still engage with the culture in meaningful ways, even if he’s no longer releasing music himself.

The interaction between Budden and Yung Miami also underscored the generational shifts within hip-hop. As a veteran of the early 2000s rap scene, Budden represents a different era compared to newer artists like Miami. However, his ability to engage with and respond to younger artists demonstrates his adaptability and understanding of the evolving dynamics within the industry. This adaptability is crucial for staying relevant in a genre that is constantly changing and pushing boundaries.

Kanye West’s performance in South Korea was a reminder of his enduring influence and ability to create moments that resonate beyond the immediate context. By name-dropping Joe Budden and showing love to Drake, West managed to generate buzz and conversation, keeping himself at the center of the hip-hop discourse. This ability to captivate and provoke discussion is a hallmark of West’s career, and it was on full display during the Vultures 2 listening experience.

For Joe Budden, being mentioned by Kanye West in such a high-profile setting was a validation of his impact on the culture, even if it came in a somewhat unexpected manner. It highlighted the interconnectedness of the hip-hop community and the ways in which artists can influence and acknowledge each other across different stages of their careers. Budden’s response, characterized by humor and self-awareness, further solidified his place as a savvy commentator on the industry he once actively participated in.

In conclusion, Kanye West’s name-dropping of Joe Budden during his South Korea performance was a moment that encapsulated the complexities and interconnectedness of the hip-hop world. It brought together past and present, rivalry and reconciliation, humor and introspection. For fans and observers, it was a reminder of why figures like West and Budden continue to captivate and engage audiences, even as they evolve and navigate new phases of their careers. As the hip-hop landscape continues to shift, moments like these serve as touchstones that highlight the genre’s rich tapestry of relationships, histories, and ongoing dialogues.