JOEY BADA$$
BY JULIET CANGELOSI
PHOTO BY GARI ASKEW II
Born in New York City, the unique lyrics and Nas-inspired flow of Joey Bada$$ gained notoriety from the start thanks to their politically-charged themes centered around his Caribbean family and coming of age in the neighborhood. Joey is a founding member of Pro Era, a hip hop collective of acts that infuses old-school ‘90s boom bap with revenewed millennial vigor. In 2017, he released his sophomore studio album ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$, putting forth a well-cultivated record that reveals a thoughtful, matured Joey that is only just getting started behind the microphone. Largely a commentary on today’s sociopolitical climate, Joey has made tracks that he calls “timely and timeless” — incorporating a sense of where his people have come from, where they are now, and where they’re headed in America. Similar to the ‘90s rap icons who spoke directly to the societal issues at hand, Joey brings forth a keen awareness and an uncompromising vision for the future.