Joey Bada$$ – ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$ (Album Review)

When you look up the word ‘Underrated’, Joey Bada$$’s name will come up in big bold letters in the dictionary. We talk so much about the Cole’s of the world, the Kendrick’s of the world, but I think Joey can hold his own when you do comparisons with them. Overall, I think this new album titled ‘ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$’ will show us all that Joey is more than just a dude with a curse word in his name – he’s a dude with a curse word in his name capable of spitting deep knowledge.

TOP 5

5. ROCKABYE BABY

THERE GOES THAT NWA SONG THAT I WAS LOOKING FOR! THERE GOES THAT ONE TRACK THAT MAKES ME WANT TO HIDE UNDER THE BED!

Joey Bada$$ stays true to his last name on this song, as he speaks with this heinous voice that is a lot more unapologetic than the other songs on this album. Joey is definitely doing a real n–a roll call on this song, as he asks for approval from bloods, crips, and haters of Donald Trump (Here!).

Schoolboy Q is that one OG in the game that is capable of adding that stamp of approval that a tough record like this needs. Lyrically, this is one of his best songs, as he is consistent in his flow, and spewing out meaningful lyrics throughout. He is the perfect feature for this song!

4. LEGENDARY

Two of the most politically conscience rappers together on a track is truly a blessing for the unknowledgeable like me.

You know what’s interesting? The production and the chorus has this soothing feel to it (almost like a bright sunny day with kids eating ice cream); this doesn’t stop both rappers from going full force on their verses though.

Joey starts it off, and he does a good job of immediately separating himself from the joyous vibe of the song. He uses many different tones, going up and down in aggression throughout. You can tell he came a little harder on the track because Cole was on it.

Cole is surprisingly calm on this song (He actually sounds like he just finished crying before he laid his verse down.). Just cause his aurora is calm, doesn’t mean that his lyrics are; Cole actually speaks some really wise words on his part, fitting the mold of the album,

This is such a feel-good song.

3. FOR MY PEOPLE

‘For My People’ is a mix between 90’s rap, conscience rap, and kill-a-rapper type rap to me. On the verses, Joey deviates from his message of oppression, and instead shows off his rap skills and why he deserves that top spot in the game. His approach channels this up and coming super hero vibe, reminding me of a young Spiderman awaiting for his ascension.

I love how the song is called ‘For the people’, and he actually lets the ‘people’ join along in the chorus. I feel if you are truly for the people, let the people confirm it.

2. DEVASTATED

‘Devastated’ is probably the most commercial sounding song on the album, as Joey gives us this fun/animated chorus that everyone and their mama will like. I think this is Joey’s most dynamic song rap-wise, as he hits you with a tongue-twisting
sound on his verses that mirrors Kendrick’s style.

I like the songs rebellious vibe; it’s almost like a reminder that he’s still a young dude at heart that likes to enjoy himself from time to time.

1. LAND OF THE FREE

Joey doesn’t hold back on how he feels about oppression on this song, as he discusses his displeasure with some of the unfair things that the government, people, and laws have against us. His bars come non-stop on his verses, and actually gets more and more intense as the song goes by.

Much like the other songs on the album, there is this calmness to it that encourages you to act in a non-violent way; I think that is such a dope approach for him to take.

I’ve loved this song for a few months now, and think it’s one of the best songs of the year.

SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1, GOOD MORNING AMERIKKA (5/5)
2. FOR MY PEOPLE (5/5)
3. TEMPTATION (4.8/5)
4. LAND OF THE FREE (5/5)
5. DEVASTATED (5/5)
6. Y U DON’T LOVE ME (MISS AMERIKKA)(4.5/5)
7. ROCKABYE BABY (5/5)
8. RING THE ALARM (4.8/5)
9. SUPER PREDATOR (4.9/5)
10. BABYLON (5/5)
11. LEGENDARY (5/5)
12. AMERIKKAN IDOL (4.5/5)

OVERALL RATING (8.9/10)

This is not Pac, this is not Common, this is a young kid I believe is in-between those two legends on this album. I am more than astonished at Joey’s approach from song to song, as he is able to channel this sound that I thought would take some years to be able to put into words.

Every song on this album is damn there perfect, so my top 5 is baseless. You can mix and match what you think the top 5 is, and I will have 0 complaints with your list.

The album is super consistent in production. Joey picked the perfect beats that fit his style, which means you can tell this album took some time to make.

Do I even have to discuss his rap skills on this album? His raps are confident, they are clear, they are dynamic, they are meaningful, they seem to come easy to him etc….Am I missing anything?

I’m going to say something that a lot of people are going to disagree with: I think this is the closest thing to ‘Illmatic’. (Yea I SAID IT! Closest thing to
Illmatic!) It’s ‘black community from around the way’ feel, combined with its political influence reminds me of the great ‘Illmatic’.Joey is in a different zone from everyone else currently.