Joey Bada$$ uploads all his warning shots to streaming services via “Pardon Me.”

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TOP 3

3. Pardon Me

Joey Bada$$ has officially entered his Blueprint era.

Giving a New York rapper a soulful beat should be considered a cheat code—it’s just unfair. In “Pardon Me,” Joey Bada$$ gets one and absolutely snaps. He effortlessly weaves through intricate flows, all while delivering sharp punchlines, clever wordplay, and unshakable confidence. Lyrically, Joey sounds like a king who crowned himself, celebrating his dominance as a one-man army while making it clear that his competition is weak and nowhere near his level on the mic. What a start to this tape.

2. SORRY NOT SORRY

Does Joey really want smoke with both J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar?

While “SORRY NOT SORRY” isn’t exactly a diss track, Joey uses it to flex his lyrical prowess and assert his dominance. Throughout the song, he speaks on being “anointed by GOD,” pulls cards, embraces his street-inspired roots, and sends a message to anyone thinking of crossing him. The only line that feels like a subtle jab is when he confidently raps, “Might delete later, but Joey won’t.”

Produced by Conductor Williams, “SORRY NOT SORRY” features two distinct backdrops—one with a harder knock and another that sounds like the smooth jazz you’d hear in a 1920s speakeasy. Joey effortlessly plows through both.

1. The Ruler’s Back

Ever since Joey Bada$$ whooped his opp, he’s been acting differently.

Joey doesn’t hold back at all in “The Ruler’s Back”—he’s talking straight s**t. From throwing shade with lines like “Too much West Coast d*ck lickin’” to claiming that someone’s “arms are too short to box with him,” it’s clear he’s trying to provoke someone (Probably Kendrick Lamar, right?). He goes even further, saying, “I got murals in my city, f**k a nomination,” and confidently declaring himself the “King of New York.” This track is all about staking his claim and making sure everyone knows he’s in the conversation.

SONG-BY-SONG RATING

RGM RATING

(80%)

It’s clear that Joey Bada$$ demands his respect—and if you don’t give it to him, he’ll snatch it right out of your hands. In Pardon Me, he proves exactly why, delivering confident flows, razor-sharp punchlines, elite wordplay, and the kind of competitive fire that turns rap into a sport. Is he top 3? Maybe not. But in a win-or-go-home situation, I’m more than happy to see Joey play Cinderella.

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.