Drake Fires Back at Joe Budden After ‘For All the Dogs’ Criticism: ‘You Have Failed at Music’

Drake is pushing back on Joe Budden’s criticism of his new album, For All the Dogs.

During a recent episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, the retired rapper took aim at the 36-year-old Toronto MC’s just-released eighth album, saying Drizzy is “rapping for the kids” and needs to start writing music for an older audience.

“He rappin’ for the children. Yo dog, I had to look up how old this n—a was when I finished listening to the album,” Budden said. “You are 36. Your birthday is in 20 days. I Googled that, too. You’re going to be 37 years old. Get the f— away from some of these younger n—as. And stop f—ing these 25-year-olds.”

The podcaster continued, “I want to hear adult Drake rapping for adult people. … He’s rapping for the kids, the streams, the accolades. He ain’t trying to rap for me. I accept that.”

On Saturday (Oct. 8), Drake fired back in the comments section of an Instagram post by DJ Akademiks that featured a video clip from The Joe Budden Podcast.

“@joebudden you have failed at music,” Drake began his lengthy message. “You left it behind to do what you are doing in this clip cause this is what actually pays your bills. For any artist watching this just remember you are watching a failure give their opinion on his idea of a recipe for success… a quitter give their opinion on how to achieve longevity…”

The 6 God added, “You switched careers cause the things that pop into your brain had you broke living cheque to cheque and the raps you write had 450 men showing up to your shows in dusty Enyce jeans to screw up their face to Mood Muzik 29 and pretend you are the goat…”

Drake also offered advice to artists, saying they should do what they feel is right, regardless of what others think.

“Pls to any artist that’s doing what they feel is right don’t let these opinions affect your mindset after the fact,” the rap star wrote. “This guy is the poster child of frustration and surrendering. You retired and we never hung up your jersey we don’t even remember your number. We know you for doing this… you withdrew from rap not cause you accomplished all you need to it’s cause it wasn’t working for you.”

Drizzy continued, “I never want anybody in the generations to think that the whole ‘everybody’s entitled to their opinion’ is a real thing… this is a man projecting his own self hate and the fact I did and continue to do everything he wanted to do for himself. If you need it put in simpler terms I own a 767… he owns a modest house in the 973 and flies first class on special occasions.”

Budden took notice of Drake’s comment and responded, “You’ll grow up sooner or later… Father time is undefeated.”

After nearly 10 months of teasing and delays, For All the Dogs hit streaming services on Friday (Oct. 6). The 23-song boasts a star-studded roster of guest features, including SZA, J. Cole, Chief Keef, Sexyy Red, Snoop Dogg, Sade, Teezo Touchdown, Bad Bunny, Yeat, 21 Savage, Lil Yachty and PARTYNEXTDOOR.

The set marks Drake’s first solo release since 2022’s Billboard 200 chart-topping Honestly, Nevermind.

Watch Budden discuss Drake’s For All the Dogs at the 56:44 mark in the video below.