Joe Budden Theorizes That Kendrick Lamar Was Pandering To Drake’s Audience During SZA Interview

Joe Budden has come to the defense of Kendrick Lamar amid criticism over his recent interview with SZA. Speaking about the Harper’s Bazaar cover story during the latest episode of his podcast, Budden and company spoke about some of the more controversial revelations.

The discussion started with the group speaking on Lamar’s comments about embracing his vulnerability while making music. Budden theorized the remarks were a way of appealing to Drake‘s fanbase. “I felt like this is him coming around having to pander back to the pansies,” he said. “‘I killed King Pansy–‘ to him, I’m not calling him that. But, ‘I killed King Pansy, but I lost some pansies in the process, so I gotta come back around and appeal to them.'”

Budden isn’t the only person to speak out in defense of Lamar over the piece. When several voices in the media criticized him for taking an easy interview, TDE Punch wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “I respect Hip Hop Journalism and feel it’s needed in its truest form. It help keep the culture alive. But it’s only a few real ones left. Most of you guys are trash. Just my opinion. That’s why artist don’t want to talk to you.” Adam22, on the other hand, labeled it a “softball interview.”

Check out the full discussion of Lamar’s interview with SZA in a clip from The Joe Budden Podcast below. In the interview, the two also discussed the meaning behind “Not Like Us,” SZA meeting Katt Williams, and more. Be on the lookout for further updates on Joe Budden as well as Kendrick Lamar and SZA on HotNewHipHop.