Category: Pop Culture

When crafty, unpredictable artists like JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown team up, something interesting tends to happen. Their 2023 effort, ‘Scaring the Hoes’, was celebrated for its wild production and chemistry—no ordinary Hip-Hop collaboration. The culmination of that success left fans hungry for a sequel. But things have gotten a bit messy.

In an interview with Billboard, Danny Brown claimed that the follow-up album ‘Scaring the Hoes 2’ was being delayed because JPEGMAFIA wasn’t showing up. Brown’s words: “It’s up to Peggy! I’ve been ready”, he said.

“I call him all the time, tell him, ‘Let’s do it.’ He tells me, ‘I’m comin’, I’ll be there on this day.’ That day comes, he don’t come. That’s been the process for a while.”

For many fans, Brown had set the narrative: the sequel exists, the will is there—but one half of the duo is not playing ball. Enter JPEGMAFIA, who pushed back publicly, via social media, saying Brown’s assertions are false. He tweeted and retweeted, “This isn’t true. I personally texted Danny today and told him to stop lying for lame teenagers on the internet. Because this is the second time he’s done it.” 

He didn’t stop there. JPEGMAFIA added:

“This year I’ve been taking care of a sick family member all year—that’s why I haven’t been around. Stop making things up to entertain yourself. I’m not part of your marketing plan.”

He was careful to insist there’s no personal animosity, but did question Brown’s decision to air allegations publicly instead of reaching out directly:

“I have no beef with Danny… It’s just weird that he goes on the internet to say things he never says in person, when he could just call or text me. There’s no need to blast literal lies to teenagers who thirst for bullshit all day.” 

So what’s really at stake here? A few threads to pick apart:

1 The sequel-expectation trap
When the original album landed and resonated, the sequel became inevitable. But expectations rise as soon as you say ‘2’ or ‘Part II’. Brown’s comments suggest he was ready, and the public assumed production must just be delayed. But JPEGMAFIA’s explanation adds context: life stuff happens (in this case, caring for a sick family member). In creative partnerships, such personal factors often get hidden until they Pop publicly.

2 Narrative control & public discourse
Brown went to media; JPEGMAFIA responded on social. Both are shaping how fans perceive the project’s status. Brown’s version: He’s kept reaching out, the other side is stalling. JPEGMAFIA’s version: those claims are lies, my absence is for personal reasons, I’m not holding you up. Both sides have to manage brand, legacy, and the relationship with their fan base.

3 Fan/industry implications
If ‘Scaring the Hoes 2’ is delayed indefinitely (or worse, shelved) because of this conflict—or worse, because of lack of clarity—fans may lose patience. Industry watchers might also interpret this as a red flag: two artists who collaborated well once, now stiff-arming each other publicly. This could affect future collaborations, label negotiations, and promotional strategies.

4 The human element
Caring for a sick family member is a heavy burden. JPEGMAFIA’s mention of this shifts the frame from “creative delay” to “life happens”. It invites empathy, yet also calls into question the timing of public claims made by Brown. In other words: How do you balance transparency with respect for privacy? When creativity is a public act, personal issues become public too.

In summary
The sequel to ‘Scaring the Hoes’ is still talked about—and maybe still exists—but its pathway is now murky. Danny Brown believes the project is held up by JPEGMAFIA; JPEGMAFIA says the narrative is false and that he’s been unavailable for valid personal reasons, not for stalling. The public spat raises questions about creative partnerships, timing, how artists manage fan expectations, and how much of the behind-the-scenes world gets broadcast.