Joe Budden recently opened up about his public spat with Cardi B regarding his critique of her latest single, “Bongos” with Meg Thee Stallion. Budden initially called the song “contrived” and “like a science project,” leading to a heated reaction from Cardi on Instagram Live. She implied that Budden’s issues with her extended beyond his opinions on the song. Now, Budden is clearing up his intentions, admitting on The Joe Budden Podcast that the fallout had an emotional impact on him.

The Joe Budden Podcast Episode: Clarifying His Comments

In a new podcast episode, Budden and his co-hosts reviewed Cardi’s VMA performance of “Bongos,” giving it a positive assessment. Budden emphasized that his initial comments weren’t meant to target Cardi personally but were more reflective of broader frustrations with certain trends in the music industry. “Cardi is my girl, so when the headlines say, ‘Cardi B Tears Into Joe Budden’—come on, man. That hurts my heart,” Budden shared, clarifying that he didn’t intend to address Cardi directly with his critique.

Budden’s Concerns on “Bongos” and its Longevity

According to Budden, his critique of “Bongos” wasn’t an attack on Cardi but stemmed from his concerns about the song’s longevity and commercial impact. On an earlier podcast, he explained that “Bongos” felt formulaic, lacking the staying power of previous hits like “WAP” or “Up.” “This record doesn’t seem like it has lasting power,” Budden stated, explaining that despite the collaboration of two major rappers, the track didn’t meet his expectations for success.

Cardi B’s Reaction and Critique of Budden’s Approach

Cardi B’s response was direct and pointed. She suggested that Budden’s criticism was more personal, noting that he often invites guests on his show who are openly hostile toward her. She questioned his consistency, pointing out that Budden is quick to defend himself against critics like Mal and Rory or Taxstone but appeared to target her publicly. “You expect people to take your side,” she said in response.

The Need for Clear Communication

Despite the clash, Budden admitted he understands why Cardi felt the need to respond. He emphasized the importance of direct communication to avoid misunderstandings, saying, “There’s plenty of room for gray area when two people don’t communicate directly.” For Budden, this disconnect was a significant factor in the dispute.

Lessons from the Budden-Cardi Exchange

The Budden-Cardi disagreement highlights how lack of clear communication can escalate misunderstandings in the public eye. Fame, opinions, and the spotlight often intensify these conflicts, underscoring the importance of clarity and respect even in celebrity dynamics.