Debut commercial album, figure head of New York collective Pro Era
Still buzzing from his mix tape 1999, released in 2012 which was an absolute heater of a debut. His summer night’s (2013) mixtape was not received that well by some. In that time he also had a major hand in releasing the Pro Erra mix tape (that’s the collective he rolls with). Within the last couple of years Joey has had to overcome the trauma of losing Group member capital Steez who unfortunately passed away.
Joey Featured on numerous tracks from other artists and even flirted with the possibility of signing to Rocnation. Even Malia Obama is a fan of the Pro Erra movement that picture she tweeted sometime last year was the perfect beautiful Advertising for the collective.
A Tribe Called Quest, Rakim, KRS 1,Big L, Biggie, Nas & Jay Z. Joey is the most relevant New York rapper since those names mentioned. New found nostalgia is the feeling you get from the Brooklyn Boy. He is not slow in recognising those who came before him as he gives verbal head nods to the likes of Lauryn Hill & MF Doom.
It feels to most Hip Hop enthusiasts that the value on thought provoking soul stirring lyrics have been much diminished by major record labels who actively control the tracks that are released by the artists they control. Joey being an independent artist has the power to create real artistry on this record, his hard nose flows are not to be messed with. BG The KID, Chronixx and Maverick Sabre lend a vocal array to this project, Diamond Lewis & Rory (Andre 3000 incarnate ) also feature on tracks.
Production value is diverse with Sam I am, Basquiat, Lee Bannan, Static Selectah, Dj Premiere, Kirk Night of Pro Error, Hit Boy who has worked with likes on KANYE WEST, Eminem & Beyoncé. A Good collection of instrumentals, soulful & Jazz infused, moody and Skeletal. Joey steels the show with his flow and wordplay, he carves out room for his self. Constant quotables. Talks of the trappings of fame. Talks of people juxtaposing his style.’ I can’t see what I can’t relate to’ raps Joey on ‘Hazeus View’ which clearly depicts his view on current Hip Hop of music.
In Belly of the beast he gives an overview of the gritty nature and environment he came up in. Joey gives you a sense of real danger he encountered. Chronixx the Spanish Town native artist puts in an outstanding contribution as he really stirs up the type of lyrics and generates a stirring chant that fills the space perfectly. Down to earth and beautifully humble.
I like the way Joey stays true to his beliefs and does not Jump on the band wagon the kid has heart and soul!
Joey Badass shows he’s willing to step out of his Boom bap Bap ways on track ‘Escape 120’ this a speedy break beat inspired electronic number. Joey drops a melancholy vocals and shows he is willing to try something different even if on this number he does not strike it lucky. This is the one track that you perhaps won’t feel on the album. As he fails to flow on tempo and the singing just does not complement the beat.
Peace of Mind reminds me much of Nas’s ‘One Love’ as he calls his friend who is in prison and drops this gem of a track over the phone, its beautifully poetic at the same time epic in its nature, it just feels timeless.
On the track ‘On and On’ Joey seems to question his own mortality, questioning how people will think about him will he be celebrated or revered?? You hear him invision his own grave stone which is deeply moving and gripping.
Joey Badass is truly the past present and future, this is no exaggeration hip hop has found its saviour at last.
9/10
Editor Age Da Mc
Joey Bada$$’ debut album, “B4.DA.$$”, Out Now & Available Everywhere!
iTunes: http://po.st/b4damoney
Amazon: http://amzn.to/17bOJo9
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1Behk8P
Stream “B4.DA.$$” on Spotify: http://spoti.fi/1yldNTM
