Picture this: a young aspiring streamer, son of a hip-hop legend, hilariously pitching himself for a spot in what could be the ultimate online education program. It's not just any school—it's Kai Cenat's Streamer University, set to relaunch in 2026, and it's got everyone in the streaming world buzzing. But here's where it gets controversial: is this playful application a genuine shot at fame, or just a clever way to ride the coattails of family connections? Stick around, because this story dives into the fun, the drama, and the questions it raises about who really deserves a spot in the spotlight.
Joe Budden's son, Trey, has taken a lighthearted approach to applying for the upcoming second season of Kai Cenat's Streamer University. For those new to the scene, Streamer University is an innovative online program launched by popular streamer Kai Cenat, where participants learn the ins and outs of live streaming—from engaging with chat to building a loyal audience. It's like a real college course, but tailored for digital creators, and it's scheduled to kick off sometime in 2026, though the exact start date is still being finalized. The announcement came during the opening day of Mafiathon 3, a massive streaming event, as reported by sources like Sportskeeda.
In a video that's equal parts entertaining and endearing, Trey Budden counts down from three before launching into his reasons for enrollment. 'I believe I should be part of this because I'm fun, charismatic, and I have a strong work ethic,' he says with a straight face. But then, he's interrupted by a friend in the clip who whispers something funny in his ear. As it turns out, this friend is his audio engineer, who apparently keeps to himself and doesn't say much. Trey admits they've tried recording this pitch about 40 times, adding a layer of relatable behind-the-scenes struggle that many content creators can appreciate. He wraps up by emphasizing his positive energy and even jokes that Kai should accept him partly because he's wearing a tie— a nod to dressing up for the occasion.
The video has sparked some mixed reactions online. While many found Trey's deadpan humor spot-on and charming, a few in the comments on platforms like XXL expressed skepticism, wondering if this is more about nepotism than merit. Trey captioned his submission with a cheeky call to action: 'Someone call @kaicenat for me.' It's a reminder that in the world of streaming, connections and personality can sometimes outweigh traditional qualifications. And this is the part most people miss: in an industry where anyone with a camera can go viral, programs like Streamer University aim to level the playing field by teaching skills like chat moderation and audience retention. For beginners, think of it as a boot camp for turning hobbies into careers—complete with perks like a graduation cap that doubles as a headset and a free Prime subscription.
Shifting gears to another update in the Budden family orbit, there's been speculation that Melyssa Ford has parted ways with Joe Budden's podcast. Whether she was let go or chose to leave voluntarily remains a mystery, as neither side has publicly addressed her absence from recent episodes. Their dynamic has been rocky for some time, particularly after Drake's diss track '$ome $exy $ongs 4 U,' where he called out Joe Budden harshly while giving a shout-out to Melyssa Ford. She openly celebrated the mention, which added fuel to the tension between her and her co-host. This situation highlights the blurred lines in podcasting, where personal relationships and public feuds can intersect dramatically. But here's where it gets controversial: was Ford's enthusiasm for Drake's nod a betrayal, or just a savvy move in the cutthroat world of entertainment? Some fans argue it showed disloyalty, while others see it as her right to enjoy the spotlight. It's a classic case of 'he said, she said' that leaves room for interpretation.
As we wrap this up, it's clear that the streaming and podcasting worlds are full of surprises, from humorous applications to strained partnerships. What do you think—should Trey Budden get a spot in Streamer University based on his charm alone, or does he need more experience? And on the Melyssa Ford front, do you side with those who see her actions as problematic, or do you think it's all just part of the show? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear your take and spark a discussion!
About The Author
Zachary Horvath serves as one of the Music Freelance News Writers at HotNewHipHop, a role he's held since August 2023. Before joining the team, he freelanced covering local high school sports, including football and varsity basketball for both boys and girls, plus remote recaps of Cleveland Cavaliers games. Drawing from that diverse background, he's become a versatile contributor at HotNewHipHop, tackling trending topics in sports, hip-hop, and pop culture. His pieces have explored everything from Bronny James's NBA draft prospects to the intricate layers of the Drake and Kendrick Lamar feud, and even the fallout from Diddy's legal troubles. Beyond the big headlines, Zach has had the privilege of sharing insights from artists like Zaytoven in a December 2023 interview. While analyzing these stories is rewarding, what truly fuels his passion is recommending music releases—whether new tracks or classics worth revisiting—to readers, making his writing a blend of expertise and enthusiasm.
