Joe Budden is attempting to clear the air after his recent comments about Latto sparked debate across hip-hop social media.
The controversy began when Budden suggested on his podcast that some of Latto’s music sounded heavily influenced by Drake. His remarks led some listeners to interpret the discussion as an accusation that Drake could be writing for the Atlanta rapper.
Latto quickly pushed back against the speculation. In addition to addressing the conversation through her music, she also posted a photo of a whiteboard covered in handwritten lyrics, seemingly offering proof of her own songwriting process and shutting down ghostwriting rumors.
The post became a major talking point online and eventually made its way back to the The Joe Budden Podcast.
During a recent episode, Budden’s co-hosts joked about the whiteboard image, with some noting they had never seen a rapper use a whiteboard to write verses. However, the panel generally agreed that every artist has a unique creative process.
Budden then clarified his original comments, emphasizing that he never intended to accuse Latto of using ghostwriters.
According to Budden, his point was about artistic influence rather than authorship. He explained that when artists listen to a particular rapper extensively, elements of that rapper’s cadence, flow, or delivery can naturally find their way into their own music.
He suggested that Latto may simply be influenced by Drake’s style, rather than receiving direct writing assistance from him.
Budden also reflected on his own career as a rapper, explaining that he sometimes avoided listening to other artists while writing because he was concerned about unintentionally absorbing their styles.
The conversation prompted co-host Ish to point out that Drake has been one of the most influential artists of Latto’s generation. He argued that many rappers naturally draw inspiration from Drake’s approach to songwriting and delivery.
The panel further noted that influence is a normal part of hip-hop culture. In fact, they mentioned that Drake himself has openly borrowed inspiration from various artists throughout his career, including Budden during their earlier years in the industry.
Ultimately, Budden ended the discussion with a direct apology.
“Latto, I’m sorry,” he said, acknowledging that his comments may have sounded harsher than intended. He clarified that he never meant to question her penmanship or suggest she was incapable of writing her own material.
Whether the apology closes the chapter on the dispute remains to be seen. However, with the success of her new album Big Mama and ongoing discussions surrounding her music, relationships, and recent lyrical jabs, Latto remains one of the most talked-about artists in hip-hop right now.