Joe Budden Claps Back at Drake’s Instagram Drama: ‘Go Get Your Lick Back!’
When Joe Budden’s name popped up on Drake’s Instagram, it wasn’t the kind of mention the rapper-turned-podcaster was expecting. On Monday, a slow-motion clip of Budden stepping out of a vehicle and smoking—accompanied by Lil Wayne’s reflective track “Let It All Work Out” from Tha Carter V—surfaced on the Instagram account @plottttwistttttt, which is linked to Drake. The post, set to an introspective soundtrack, immediately sparked speculation about the two’s ongoing tension, reigniting the drama between the two rap icons.
But Budden, known for his bold and often unfiltered commentary, wasn’t having any of it. On his podcast, he addressed the post directly, brushing aside the idea of feuding with Drake and making it clear that he wasn’t interested in engaging with the rapper at this stage. Instead, Budden made it clear that he viewed Drake’s attempt to stir things up as a desperate move, refusing to be dragged into it.
The Back-and-Forth That Never Ends: Budden and Drake’s Complex History
The tension between Joe Budden and Drake isn’t new. Their history of friction stretches back years, often spilling into public jabs and back-and-forth exchanges. From accusations of ghostwriting to drama over personal relationships, their dynamic has always been a rollercoaster. In January, Budden made headlines when he called Drake a “Karen” over the rapper’s lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) regarding the track “Not Like Us.” This added fuel to the already-burning feud between the two, leaving fans to wonder if they would ever reconcile or if the rivalry was truly here to stay.
However, this latest drama has taken a different turn. In the clip that sparked the most recent controversy, Budden was seen casually stepping out of a vehicle, smoking a cigarette, and seemingly oblivious to the social media attention. The soundtrack—a melancholic song by Lil Wayne—served to underscore the video’s tone, hinting at a deeper narrative of contemplation and possible conflict. The clip was uploaded by @plottttwistttttt, an Instagram account that’s widely known for sharing content related to Drake, including footage of the rapper and his closest collaborators.
Budden’s Claps Back: ‘I’m Not Going Back and Forth with a Corpse’
Budden didn’t mince words when he discussed the Instagram post on his podcast, taking direct aim at Drake’s attempt to reignite their public spat. “Hey, Drake, don’t come at me just because you’re ice cold,” Budden quipped. “I’m not going back and forth with a corpse. I wanted to do that when it was fun. Don’t take hits all year and then pop up like Bernie in Weekend at Bernie’s trying to fire shots at me. Go spin the block. Are you crazy?”
This remark was a clear shot at Drake’s perceived lack of relevance in the ongoing back-and-forth. Budden suggested that Drake had been quiet for much of the year, only to return with jabs that felt out of place, almost as if he were trying to relive a moment from the past. In Weekend at Bernie’s, the titular character is dead, but his body is kept alive through manipulation and comedy. Budden’s analogy implied that Drake’s attempts to start drama felt unnatural—like an attempt to revive something that had already lost its luster.
The Hookah, Turquoise Boots, and a Dwindling Circle
In the podcast, Budden didn’t hold back in calling out Drake’s style and demeanor either. He referenced the rapper’s penchant for smoking hookah, noting that Drake was out there “smoking hookah in turquoise boots.” It’s clear that, for Budden, this was yet another example of Drake’s increasingly odd behavior in the public eye—something that seemed to contrast with his earlier persona as the self-proclaimed “6 God” of hip-hop.
In fact, Budden went as far as to call out Drake’s apparent loneliness and shrinking circle of friends, adding, “That dude is dead as can be. It’s over. Everybody left. I left. Now it’s just you, Ak, and Adin.”
This comment was a direct shot at Drake’s rumored distancing from some of his closest collaborators over the years. Budden’s criticism of Drake’s circle becoming smaller echoed what many fans have speculated about Drake’s personal life: that his relationships with his peers are increasingly fractured. The mention of Ak (likely a reference to media personality Akademiks) and Adin (possibly referring to Adin Ross, a popular streamer and influencer) only adds fuel to the speculation that Drake’s network is thinning, with only a select few remaining in his inner circle.
A Nod to Drake’s Melodic Side: Rare Praise Amid the Shade
While Budden’s tone was largely critical in his podcast comments, he did offer some rare praise for Drake’s musical talents, especially his melodic work. Referring to the upcoming collaboration between Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR, Budden acknowledged that he enjoys the more melodic side of Drake’s music. “I like what you do with the melodies,” Budden admitted, highlighting the duo’s chemistry in the past. PARTYNEXTDOOR is known for his atmospheric sound and smooth vocals, and Budden’s admission was a subtle nod to Drake’s ability to create hits beyond the hard-hitting rap tracks.
However, even as he praised Drake’s musical side, Budden quickly pivoted back to taking digs, adding, “That dude is dead as can be,” referring to Drake’s perceived fall from grace in the public eye. It’s clear that while Budden may respect Drake’s musical contributions, he’s far from impressed with the rapper’s actions off the mic.
Will the Tension Ever End?
So, what does all of this mean for the future of Joe Budden and Drake’s relationship? It’s clear that the two have no love lost between them, and despite the brief moments of camaraderie and respect (like the nod to Drake’s melodic talents), their interactions are often fraught with tension. Whether it’s public insults, passive-aggressive social media posts, or diss tracks, their rivalry remains one of the most talked-about in the hip-hop world.
Fans are left wondering if the tension between them will ever subside, or if the back-and-forth will continue to escalate. Given that both artists have shown no signs of backing down, it seems likely that this feud will remain a fixture in the public eye for the foreseeable future. As they continue to carve out their own paths in the industry, there’s no doubt that their rivalry will only add to the drama of the hip-hop landscape.
Conclusion: Drake’s Drama and Budden’s Unfiltered Truth
At the end of the day, Joe Budden’s response to Drake’s Instagram drama is a perfect example of how far the tension between the two rappers has come. From name-calling and lawsuits to passive-aggressive social media posts, the back-and-forth shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. While Budden has made it clear that he’s not interested in engaging in petty feuds, his podcast comments and criticisms show that he’s still very much keeping an eye on Drake’s every move.
As for Drake, whether or not he’ll respond to Budden’s latest remarks remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure—when these two artists clash, the entertainment world is always watching.
