Joe Budden Explains How He Beat His Lewdness Case In Return To His Podcast

Things seems to be all hunky-dory for Joe Budden because he’s back at The Joe Budden Podcast studio this week. The New York native has been out of the office, so to speak, for about a week and a half thanks to his shocking lewdness charge. Reports of this wild revelation broke through on New Year’s Eve, however the actual incident took place back on December 4. It all went down at approximately 7:21 a.m. inside Joe Budden’s apartment building in Edgewater, New Jersey. The rapper turned podcaster was completely nude while trying to enter a neighbor’s room across the hall. The resident caught the entire thing on his Ring doorbell camera, and he was trying to punch in the code for the door.

However, after most likely realizing he wasn’t at the right place, he eventually made his way back. At various times throughout the podcast’s existence, Joe has mentioned his sleepwalking habits and that it was another possible instance that caused this to happen. Since he’s been out of his studio, he was sort of addressing the matter on social media and he became subject to a lot of jokes and also ridicule as well. Overall, he and his co-hosts were pretty nonchalant about it all and it seems that their confidence that this didn’t really mean much was apropos.

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Joe Budden Is Back In Studio

Joe Budden was supposed to be going to court on January 16 to have this all taken care of. But for reasons unexplained in the clip above, his time having to appear in front of a judge is over. In his first episode back, he explained to his crew that everything went very smoothly and that his judge was “fair, reasonable, was attentive, [and] wasn’t on no bulls***.” Additionally, what helped Budden’s argument was how she broke down certain crimes by statutes such as stalking, which didn’t apply to him.

Lewdness was the main charge against him, though, and that has to deal with someone pleasuring themselves, if the person is erect, etc. This leads into what also helped Budden beat his case and that is the aforementioned video evidence. Instead of acting out like how the statute of lewdness describes, he says that it looked more like he had to use the bathroom than anything else. Budden also added that it was about a 10 second video of him trying to enter the code. After giving his breakdown, he says he was found not guilty and will now wear some sort of clothing in the future when he goes to bed.

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[Via]

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Will Smith Sparks Matrix Buzz, But Insiders Deny His Involvement

This week, Will Smith ignited a storm of fan speculation after hinting at a possible connection to the Matrix franchise in a cryptic Instagram post. Reflecting on his well-known decision to pass on the iconic role of Neo in the original 1999 sci-fi classic, Smith’s post left many wondering if he might be stepping into the Matrix universe after all.

However, according to a report from Variety, insiders have debunked the buzz, confirming that the Oscar-winning actor is not involved in the forthcoming Matrix film. Warner Bros. had previously announced plans for a fifth installment in the franchise, with Drew Goddard, known for The Martian, attached as writer and director. Despite the intrigue surrounding Smith’s post, sources familiar with the production state that the actor has no connection to the project—at least, for now.

Smith’s Instagram message came as Warner Bros. gears up for the next chapter of the Matrix, continuing the legacy of a series that redefined the sci-fi genre. While fans might have been eager to see Smith don a long coat and shades, it seems this chapter of The Matrix won’t include him.

For now, fans can only imagine what Smith’s portrayal of Neo might have been, while Keanu Reeves’ iconic performance continues to resonate across generations. Whether Smith’s cryptic post signals a new role in the sci-fi realm or is simply a nod to past choices, it’s clear the actor still knows how to keep audiences talking.

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Eazy The Block Captain’s Ex Calls Him Out for Reusing Call and Response ‘Gimmick’

The battle rap world has been ablaze with drama, as Eazy The Block Captain, Remy Ma, and Papoose find themselves at the center of an increasingly messy situation. Rumors of infidelity and heated public exchanges have spilled over into the rap arena, leaving fans and critics speculating about the true nature of these relationships.

Last month, tensions between Remy Ma and her husband, Papoose, reached a boiling point. Remy hopped online to address allegations of Papoose’s affair with professional boxer Claressa Shields. In a retaliatory move, Papoose reignited longstanding rumors of Remy’s rumored relationship with Eazy The Block Captain.

The Battle That Broke the Internet

During a recent battle against Shotgun Suge, Eazy openly addressed the speculation. At one point, he turned to Remy Ma in the audience and asked, “Don’t you love me?” to which she replied, “Yes.” The moment quickly became the talk of the internet, with Suge using it as fodder to mock the pair. In a scathing bar, Suge labeled Eazy a “Temu Papoose” and referenced alleged rumors of Papoose physically confronting Eazy.

Hurricane Du Enters the Chat

Adding another layer to the saga, Eazy’s ex, rapper Hurricane Du, chimed in on X (formerly Twitter) this week, exposing a strikingly similar moment from her past with Eazy. In a resurfaced clip, Eazy is seen asking Du the same question during a battle, and she also responds affirmatively.

“Reusing gimmicks is something we gotta deal with,” Du captioned the post, pointing out the recycled tactic. Anticipating accusations of bitterness, she followed up with another post to clarify her intentions.

“Sigh. I left Eazy. I’m not scorned, I’m happier than I’ve ever been,” Du stated. “Grown men in media so biased, I got them out they body about a bar. I’m a rapper, a waaaaaaaay better one than the mfs questioning my integrity. The bar sounded familiar, I went and got the receipts. It ain’t personal.”

Currently, neither Eazy The Block Captain nor Remy Ma has responded to Hurricane Du’s posts. Meanwhile, the rap community continues to debate the authenticity of the relationships and the ongoing drama, with many praising Shotgun Suge for turning the moment into an impactful performance.

A Battle for the Ages

While Eazy’s battles are known for their intensity, this latest clash has blurred the lines between art and reality. Whether the public declarations of love and the personal jabs are genuine or strategic, one thing is certain: the rap battle scene hasn’t been this captivating in years.

With fans and critics waiting for responses from all parties involved, this story is far from over. One question lingers—how will the fallout affect the careers and reputations of those at the center of this storm?

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Orlando Magic Launches $750K Venture Challenge for Sports and Wellness Startups

The Orlando Magic, in partnership with the DeVos family and LEAD Venture Corporation, announced the Orlando Magic Venture Challenge, Powered by LEAD. This exclusive pitch event offers up to $750,000 in total investment capital to early-stage startups in sports, health, and wellness.

Applications open January 6 at OrlandoMagicVenture.com, targeting global startups in late pre-seed or post-product stages. Up to six companies will be selected to pitch their ideas in a “Shark Tank”-style setting on March 26 at the Kia Center. Individual funding will range from $50,000 to $200,000, with potential mentorship, advisory support, and commercial arrangements with the Magic.

This initiative aligns with the Magic’s ongoing commitment to innovation, demonstrated through their adoption of cutting-edge technologies and creation of the NBA’s first design thinking-based innovation lab. In partnership with LEAD ONE, a pre-seed investment vehicle, the Magic aim to drive advancements in performance, fan engagement, and basketball growth.

For details, visit OrlandoMagicVenture.com.

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Vybz Kartel Teases 2025 Collaboration with Cardi B

Vybz Kartel is looking at a crazy 2025. Speaking with Billboard, part of his big 2025 plans is collaborating with Cardi B.

“I love Cardi! We got a song coming out next year,” Kartel said. “We are actually in the process of writing it. Even if I have to walk, I’m performing that song in New York!”

To close 2024, Vybz Kartel became an engaged man. Hitting Instagram, Kartel revealed that he made a proper proposal, putting a ring on his fiancee’s finger after asking her to be his wife while behind bars.

It’s Official #1Wife 💍❤I Proposed in Prison, Proposed in #RealLife . You were there when I needed you most and I’ll never leave you baby. I cherish all the times you came to visit me and told me that it’s going to be ok. I cherish all the times we spoke on the phone and in real life in the box. We laughed together we cried together and now we celebrate together! You’re my best friend and my companion and I pray to God we stay together for as long as I Live. I Love you baby #iloveyou #wifeforlife #Family1st #GodistheGreatest

You can see the moment below.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Historic Showdown Looms as Thunder and Cavaliers Clash Amid Record-Breaking Runs

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder are set to make NBA history on Wednesday in a game with unprecedented winning streaks and statistical dominance.

The Cavaliers enter the matchup with a 31-4 record, riding a 10-game winning streak, while the Thunder boast a 30-5 record and a current 15-game win streak, marking the first time two teams on such streaks have ever faced each other.

This clash also represents the first inter-conference game in league history between teams with winning percentages of .850 or higher this late in the season. Both squads have shattered franchise records, with Cleveland’s 15-game season-opening streak tied for the second-best in NBA history and Oklahoma City’s 15-game run currently unmatched.

Offensively, Cleveland leads the league with a 121.3 offensive rating, while Oklahoma City is the defensive juggernaut, posting a league-best 102.7 defensive rating. The Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell continues his historic scoring consistency, averaging at least 20 points per game for his eighth consecutive season. Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on pace for an elite statistical season, comparable only to Michael Jordan.

The game also highlights rising stars Evan Mobley and Jalen Williams, who anchor their teams at both ends of the floor. Both teams remain unbeaten in interconference matchups, with Oklahoma City 11-0 against the East and Cleveland 10-0 against the West.

Who takes the W home?

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Gelo Set for Rolling Loud Cali Stage Following “Tweaker” Going Viral

With a banger going viral in “Tweaker,” LiAngelo Ball, professionally known as Gelo, is headed to the Rolling Loud stage.

Gelo is set for Rolling Loud California, with headliners in Peso Pluma, AA$AP Rocky and Playboi Carti at Hollywood Park next to SoFi Stadium. Passes to the California show go on sale this Friday here.

Gelo’s banger is already taking over locker rooms. The Detroit Lions have plenty of reasons to turn up this week following their impressive win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in which they secured a first-round bye in the playoffs…and it appears that their post-game locker room celebration came with its own soundtrack from a somewhat unexpected “artist.”

Video footage of the Lions post-game celebration shows team members, including Amon-Ra St. Brown and Alex Anzalone, rapping along to LiAngelo Ball’s new rap song, “Tweaker,” which has spiked in popularity over the past week. The video, which can be found on Instagram, shows players singing along to some of the song’s already iconic lines, including “I might swerve bend that corner Woah,” and showing off their dance moves.

The song, released last week, currently holds the top spot for trending music videos on YouTube, racking up an impressive almost 3 million views in just days. It can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2MdybKPqfE.

Ball’s basketball career ended after suffering an injury while playing in the CIBACOPA Mexican basketball league in 2024. The Detroit Lions’ 31-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings brings their season record to an impressive 15-2. The Sunday win means that the team clinched the NFC North division title and secured the conference’s No. 1 seed, giving them a first-round bye before they enter the playoffs in a home game on either January 18 or 19th.

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Busta Rhymes Flexes His Weight Loss: ‘The Blessings Don’t Stop’

New Year, new body. Busta Rhymes is highlighting his new figure, showing off a weight loss. TMZ notes Busta has dropped 64 pounds, which was aided by a private chef on tour and a consistent workout regimen.

Peep Busta’s message:

THE BLESSINGS DON’T STOP SO WE WON’T EVER STOP!! NEVVVVVERRRRR!!! GRAND RISING DON’T BLOCK YOUR BLESSINGS AND BE GREAT PEOPLE!!
“WENT TO THE BATHROOM TO WASH UP, PUT SOME SOAP ON MY FACE AND MY HAND UPON A CUP.
AND SAID A, MIRROR MIRROR IN THE WALL, WHO IS THE TOP CHOICE OF THEM ALL?!
IT WAS A RUBBLE DUBBLE 5 MINUTES IT LASTED, THE MOREOR SAID YOU ARE YOU CONCEITED BASTARD!!”

You can see his new look below.

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