N.O.R.E. is opening up about why he didn’t step in to cut or redirect the now-infamous Drink Champs interview with Kodak Black, in which the rapper appeared visibly erratic and disoriented throughout.
In a recent interview with The Joe Budden Podcast, N.O.R.E. addressed critics who felt he should have ended the interview, citing concerns about Kodak’s behavior at the time. Instead, the Drink Champs host defended his decision by explaining the importance of letting artists express themselves even when it’s uncomfortable to watch.
“As an OG, I don’t need clickbait. But as an OG in this rap game, I also have to let other people be who they are,” said N.O.R.E. “Like I can’t sit them and censor them.”
According to N.O.R.E., Kodak’s behavior wasn’t exclusive to the podcast appearance. He says he regularly sees Kodak in a similar state in real life, including frequent run-ins at the local bank.
“Kodak Black, I see at the bank every two days. This is what you don’t know. Like, I see him and he’s crazy. He’s there with no shoes on,” N.O.R.E. added. “I had to let Kodak be who he was.”
Kodak’s Drink Champs episode went viral due to the rapper appearing to be under the influence. Joe Budden was one of the many people who voiced their concern for Kodak.
“Kodak Black looked like pure shit on Drink Champs,” Budden said. “And he looked like shit when he was wiggling around on the floor, talking to himself in the dark when his man was taping him … didn’t look the greatest when he dodged that bullet from two feet away that we all watched.”
Kodak’s struggle with drug addiction has intensified in recent months, most recently referring to himself as a “young n***a with a meth habit” in his On The Radar freestyle.
