Maino Fires Shots at Joe Budden, DJ Akademiks and More on 'The Algorithm'

The Brooklyn rapper takes aim at several media personalities in his new diss track.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:50pm

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Maino has released a new diss track titled 'The Algorithm' where he calls out Joe Budden, DJ Akademiks, Wack 100, Adam22, VladTV, and Million Dollaz Worth of Game. The overall theme of the track is Maino's frustration with what he views as the 'content-ification of conflict' in the hip-hop media space, where clicks, reactions and messy commentary have started to outweigh authenticity and accountability. The track also continues his ongoing tension with 50 Cent.

Why it matters

Maino's 'The Algorithm' highlights the growing tensions between some rappers and the media personalities who have built platforms by discussing and fueling conflicts within the hip-hop community. This reflects a broader debate about the role and responsibility of media figures in covering and potentially amplifying feuds for engagement.

The details

On 'The Algorithm,' Maino raps that he was 'outside' and not 'beefing on computers,' drawing a distinction between his approach and that of the media personalities he calls out. He accuses them of prioritizing clicks and reactions over authenticity. The track also continues Maino's ongoing feud with 50 Cent, which reportedly escalated after Maino and others criticized 50's Netflix docuseries.

  • Maino released 'The Algorithm' on March 16, 2026.

The players

Maino

A Brooklyn rapper who has released a new diss track called 'The Algorithm' targeting several media personalities.

Joe Budden

A media personality who Maino calls out on 'The Algorithm'.

DJ Akademiks

A media personality who Maino targets on 'The Algorithm'.

50 Cent

A rapper who Maino has an ongoing feud with, which is referenced on 'The Algorithm'.

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What they’re saying

“Maino is no longer keeping his frustration tucked between podcast clips and Instagram captions. The Brooklyn rapper has now turned up the volume, taking direct aim at Joe Budden, DJ Akademiks and several other media personalities on a new diss record titled 'The Algorithm.'”

— Martin Berrios, Author (hiphopwired.com)

The takeaway

Maino's 'The Algorithm' highlights the growing tensions between some rappers and the media personalities who have built platforms by discussing and fueling conflicts within the hip-hop community. This reflects a broader debate about the role and responsibility of media figures in covering and potentially amplifying feuds for engagement.