hip hop biography has a way of revealing the messy reality behind the scenes. Joe Budden is reminding us that some beefs run deeper than a surprise reunion can fix. When hip hop biography gets written, moments like Kanye West and Big Sean’s Soldier Field performance will definitely make the chapter on complicated partnerships.
Budden reacted to Sean’s surprise appearance at Ye’s September 4 concert at Chicago’s Soldier Field, where the former G.O.O.D. Music partners reunited onstage years after a very public falling-out. The vibe was electric, but not everyone was ready to move past the drama.
“I think it’s dope, the reunion, ’cause we love Big Sean and Kanye,” Budden said on The Joe Budden Podcast. But he quickly added, “I hate how he flips on the people that have always been for him.” That’s real talk right there—the kind of honest commentary that makes you think about loyalty and how quickly things can change in this industry.
Sean has a long history with Ye’s G.O.O.D. Music camp, but he departed the label in 2021. Their relationship took another hit when Ye later appeared on Drink Champs and called signing Sean “the worst thing I’ve ever done.” Those words don’t just disappear, even when you’re sharing a stage months later.
“He didn’t s–t on him like somebody had a little bit of love for,” Budden continued. “So now here you go. You back with a reunion.” The message was clear—sometimes apologies need more than a performance to feel real.
On stage, Ye introduced Sean as his “homie from the D” before they performed “Clique.” Sean also performed “IDFWU” and joined Ye and 2 Chainz for “Mercy.” The crowd was feeling it, and in that moment, the past seemed to fade.
Ye brings out Big Sean to perform “Clique” tonight in Chicago.
“I had to bring my homie from the D out.” pic.twitter.com/QJybD1owER
— yzyupdates (@yzyupdates) September 4, 2026
Before leaving the stage, Sean told the crowd, “Ye, I love you, bro, and I appreciate you.”
“Love you, fam!” Ye replied.
But Budden still wasn’t convinced the past should be brushed aside so easily. “We not in 2013 no more,” he said. And that hit different. Sometimes a hug on stage doesn’t erase years of public disrespect, and that’s something worth discussing. The reunion is beautiful, sure—but the questions about accountability and real reconciliation? Those linger.
“The worst thing I’ve ever done was sign Big Sean,” Kanye West on Drink Champs pic.twitter.com/kzoM0xxdf3
— DARIUS A. (@IAMDARIUSALFORD) November 5, 2021
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