On a recent episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, the outspoken retired rapper made it clear that he is not a fan of Earl Sweatshirt’s music. On Sunday (January 16), Budden admitted he hasn't listened to the Los Angeles emcee’s most recent album Sick! and does not have plans of ever doing so. 

“I’m just being honest this year,” he began. “Hell no, I ain’t hear that bullshit! And I’ll tell you what, I’m never gonna hear ’em! I am never gonna hear that. I don’t care [that it’s mixed]. That shit could be [Michael Jackson’s] Thriller. When would I put that on?”

Once some of his co-hosts weigh in, calling Budden a hater, the New Jersey media personality said,  “Don’t defend it too fast. I wanna keep shitting on it for a little while and then jump right in. I don’t know if I am [afraid to say names]. When I’m not saying a name, it’s to protect you guys’ sanctity. But I’m never listening to [Earl], ever.”

Budden admits that his taste in music has changed over the years, saying Jim Jones is one of his favorite rappers nowadays. 

“That’s my man, bruh,” he said. “But when am I putting on… I know he can rap. I know, I know, I know. Young Guru the other day, he just tweeted out, ‘Yo, maybe I’m getting old, but a lot less do I enjoy rappers who rap about how great they can rap.’ But it stopped me in my tracks and I just had to think about me and the rappers I’m into. I think Jim Jones might be my favorite rapper.”

“My rap taste is just a little different as I age. And let me tell you how shallow I am: if a baddie comes in and throws on [Earl] and there’s some slaps on there, and then maybe another baddie comes… but I’ll be honest, that ain’t happened.”

He ended with, “I’m just telling the truth. I’m done lying for the sake of fucking rappers.”