Drake recently made headlines for framing Joe Budden, a former rapper turned hip hop commentator, as a failed artist. However, KNXG Crooked, Joe’s former bandmate in Slaughterhouse, believes that Drake’s comments were a low blow not only to Joe but also to all MCs who use their expertise to provide hip hop commentary.
During an interview with TMZ Hip Hop, Crooked expressed his support for Joe and stated that Drake’s disses hurt him deeply. Despite their past differences when Slaughterhouse broke up, Crooked stands by Joe and recognizes him as a pioneer in hip hop podcasting. Alongside the late Combat Jack and incarcerated Taxstone, Joe has been instrumental in the growth of hip hop commentary.
Crooked believes that Joe had every right to criticize Drake’s “For All the Dogs” just as much as Drake had the right to respond. He acknowledges the mutual admiration between Drake and Joe, speaking from personal experience. Crooked reminisces about the days of Slaughterhouse touring in the early 2010s and reveals that Joe actively listened to Drake’s music on the tour buses.
While Drake tried to diminish Joe by comparing their respective wealth, with Drake owning a private jet and Joe living in a “modest” house in New Jersey, Crooked doesn’t believe that the feud is serious. He emphasizes that Joe’s podcast platform is powerful enough, and he doesn’t need to prove himself as an MC anymore.
To further highlight their continued involvement in the hip hop scene, Crooked and Joell Ortiz, another member of Slaughterhouse, recently released the single “Tale of 2 Cities” from their upcoming album, “Prosper”. This affirms that Crooked’s heart is still in the art of rapping.
Overall, the Drake and Joe Budden feud has sparked a conversation surrounding the relationship between artists-turned-commentators and their experiences in the hip hop industry. Crooked’s support for Joe and his validation of hip hop podcasting as a legitimate platform for commentary showcases the importance of these voices in shaping the culture.