The Decade-Long Beef: 5 Shocking Reasons Why Joe Budden Still Can't Stand Earl Sweatshirt

The ongoing, one-sided tension between hip-hop veteran Joe Budden and critically acclaimed rapper Earl Sweatshirt remains one of the genre’s most bizarre and enduring feuds. While the latest headlines from early 2022 centered on Budden trashing Earl’s acclaimed album *Sick!*—a critique he admitted was made without actually listening to the music—the true origins of their animosity stretch back nearly a decade to a viral television skit. This deep dive into the "Joe Budden vs. Earl Sweatshirt" dynamic, updated for December 2025, reveals that a comedic impersonation from 2014 is the likely root cause of the podcaster’s continued public disdain for the Odd Future alum. The situation is a classic clash between old-school hip-hop sensibilities, represented by Budden’s commentary, and the avant-garde, abstract style championed by Earl Sweatshirt. The public back-and-forth, often involving subtle trolling and dismissive remarks, highlights a generational divide in rap that continues to spark debate across social media and on *The Joe Budden Podcast*.

A Tale of Two Eras: Joe Budden and Earl Sweatshirt Biography Profiles

To fully understand the friction between these two figures, it is essential to look at their contrasting paths in the music industry. Joe Budden is a New Jersey rapper turned media mogul known for his lyrical prowess and outspoken commentary, while Earl Sweatshirt is a Los Angeles native celebrated for his complex, introspective, and experimental lyricism.

Joe Budden (Joseph Anthony Budden II)

• Born: August 31, 1980, in Spanish Harlem, New York.
• Hometown: Jersey City, New Jersey.
• Career Highlights: Gained mainstream recognition with the 2003 single "Pump It Up." Was a member of the hip-hop supergroup Slaughterhouse. Transitioned into a highly influential media personality hosting *The Joe Budden Podcast*.
• Primary Role: Broadcaster, media personality, and former rapper.

Earl Sweatshirt (Thebe Neruda Kgositsile)

• Born: February 24, 1994.
• Hometown: Los Angeles, California (born in Chicago).
• Career Highlights: Rose to fame as a founding member of the influential hip-hop collective Odd Future (OFWGKTA). Critically acclaimed albums include *Doris*, *I Don’t Like S**t, I Don’t Go Outside*, and *Sick!*.
• Primary Role: Rapper, songwriter, and record producer.

The 2014 'Loiter Squad' Skit: The Real Origin of the Beef

The true, deep-seated source of Joe Budden’s apparent animosity toward Earl Sweatshirt dates back not to an album review, but to a comedic moment on television. In 2014, while Earl was a member of the Odd Future collective, he appeared on their Adult Swim sketch comedy show, *Loiter Squad*. The skit featured Earl Sweatshirt impersonating Joe Budden in a highly unflattering manner. The sketch, which was titled "Earl Budden," showed the rapper-turned-podcaster being sued for a bizarre reason: divorce from his beard. The skit was a viral moment that clearly struck a nerve with Budden.

While the impersonation itself was typical Odd Future absurdity, Earl Sweatshirt confirmed years later that this was the moment that created the rift. During an interview, Earl stated that Budden was "still tight about" the skit, suggesting the critique of his music was merely a way for Budden to air out his long-held grievance.

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The 'Sick!' Album Critique: A Catalyst for Renewed Tension

The decades-old tension was dramatically reignited in January 2022 following the release of Earl Sweatshirt’s fourth studio album, *Sick!*. During an episode of *The Joe Budden Podcast*, Budden launched a scathing, dismissive critique of the project. The most controversial part of Budden’s commentary was his admission that he hadn't actually listened to the album. He reportedly called the album "bullsh*t" and stated flatly, "I ain't listening to that sh*t!" This immediately sparked outrage among Earl's fans and critics, who found the critique hypocritical coming from a prominent media voice in hip-hop.

Budden’s reasoning seemed to center on a perceived lack of commerciality or mainstream appeal, an ongoing point of contention for him when discussing more experimental artists. He also attempted to undercut Earl’s impact by questioning his relationship with former Odd Future collaborator, Tyler, The Creator, essentially suggesting Earl’s relevance waned after their joint projects.

Earl Sweatshirt’s Subtle and Effective Trolling Response

In contrast to Budden’s outspoken rant, Earl Sweatshirt’s response was characteristically subtle and highly effective, leaning into a form of digital-age trolling. Upon hearing about Budden's comments, Earl took to Twitter to post a simple, yet loaded, response: "What happened twin?" The term "twin" is a common, often affectionate, slang term, but in this context, it was a clear, ironic reference to the 2014 'Loiter Squad' skit where he played "Earl Budden," his "twin."

This response perfectly flipped the script. Instead of engaging in a heated debate about the music, Earl reminded the public that Budden’s issue was personal and rooted in the past, not a genuine critique of the new album. The jab was widely praised by fans for its coolness and wit, further cementing the narrative that Budden was holding onto an old grudge.

The Generational Divide: Abstract vs. Mainstream Hip-Hop

The Joe Budden and Earl Sweatshirt feud is more than just a personal squabble; it symbolizes a larger philosophical divide in hip-hop.

Joe Budden’s Perspective: Budden often represents the classic, lyrical-miracle, mainstream-focused era of hip-hop. His commentary frequently favors artists who prioritize traditional song structure, commercial success, and clear, competitive lyricism. He struggles to connect with artists who prioritize abstract expression and experimental soundscapes, viewing them as inaccessible or niche.

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Earl Sweatshirt’s Perspective: Earl is a leader in the modern, abstract rap movement. His music is dense, complex, and rewards repeated listens, aligning with contemporary artists like MIKE and other underground figures. His success is measured by critical acclaim and artistic integrity, not necessarily by chart performance or radio play. His work intentionally challenges the mainstream conventions that Budden often defends.

Ultimately, the clash between Joe Budden and Earl Sweatshirt is a recurring spectacle where a media personality’s personal offense from a decade ago continues to color his professional critique of an artist who represents the new frontier of hip-hop. Earl's continued success and clever trolling ensure that this bizarre, decade-long beef remains a fascinating footnote in modern hip-hop history.