A$AP Rocky enlists pretty much everyone for one the most anticipated tracks off his upcoming debut album LongLiveA$AP, due January 15th. Enlisting the help of some of most exciting emcees around including Kendrick Lamar, Danny Brown and Joey Bada$$ and produced by Hit Boy, Rocky assuredly delivers one of his strongest singles to date. Interesting to see how they’ll go about marketing this album when its released, as we’ve yet to really hear a ‘commercial’ single from this guy (not complaining mind you, just noting).
The real question though – who has the best verse?
One of my favourite and most consistent beatmakers doing his thing over in Cali is giving away a bonus track off the album to thank everyone for copping ‘Waiting’. Having produced beats for the likes of Badu, Q- Tip, Joey Bada$$ and remixing for everyone under the sun he is always in high demand and listening to ‘When You Sleep’ it’s evident why. A Ronny Jordan-esque guitar complimenting a knocking downtempo beat with a summer vibe. This is one for those late night/early morn sessions. Enjoy and download here
There must be an inferno up in NY right now with so many characteristically strong new Hip-Hop performers permeating over there in the past year. Standing proud are the BeastCoast family of closely tied acts: Flatbush Zombies, Joey Bada$$’ Pro Era crew and now alongside them we’re treated to The Underachievers, a Brooklyn duo who hit the mic like they’ve got intensive munchies. Spinning ‘indigo’ imagery, they demonstrate a purple kissed pro-lyrical style. They even recently got the nod of approval from Fly-Lo, himself a long-time fan of off-centre Rap, after he posted their latest video ‘Herb Shuttles’ on his twitter. Their upcoming mixtape INDIGOISM drops September 11th.
Joey Bada$$ lets go of a new track called ‘HOME’, an ode to life after tour. The young New Yorker flexes his credited flow and laid back dexterity over a smooth beat produced by Chuck Strangers. Joey represents another new schooler who, with the right development, could confidently hold his own among the other fast risers. Make sure you cop that 1999 mixtape.
Directed by Va$htie, here goes Joey Bada$$’ new video for ‘Waves’, a highlight track taken from his newly released mixtape 1999. The video was released a few days ago, unfortunately however internet Nazis’ embargoed it from all those outside the U.S. But it has now been freed from geographical shackles and can be viewed by everyone, everywhere.
A very strong buzz beginning to build around this young chap and rightfully so, his mixtape is a confident showcase and with time on his side to grow (he’s 17), there’s a lot to look forward to.
Joey Bada$$, the 17 year old New York native who’s golden-era inspired material has been building a steady buzz has now released his debut mixtape 1999.
As expected the tape is filled with influences that trace back a couple decades, but his lyrical ability and attune flow successfully brings it into the now. The maturity emblazoned across this tape vehemently distinguishes Joey from many of his contemporaries, as does his style – especially within the context of post-modern Hip Hop, where characteristics and influences have become so emancipated that it’s a rarity to hear a geographically identifiable emcee.
Teaming up with Adidas and Yours Truly, Joey Bada$$ contributes ‘Daily Routine’ to their “Songs from Scratch” series. As the title of the series suggests, the track was produced ‘from scratch’ for the project – you can watch him making it after the jump.
Joining the ranks of (now countless) young emcees clearly inspired by the 90′s, Joey is set to release his new mixtape 1999 on June 12th. Not to be confused with Azealia Banks’1991 or Amber London’s1994.
The list of 90′s-born rappers producing golden era influenced material is growing – SpaceGhostPurrp, Joey BADA$$, even in parts Odd Future – and now Buddy joins the ranks. Produced exquisitely by The Neptunes, this ode to all things that get you high (you know, like staircases and elevators) is a chill Labcabincalifornia-esque jam that will aid your evening quite nicely. Kendrick’s feature needs no hype – the dude is unstoppable.
There’s something very special about seventeen year old Joey BADA$$, a member of Brooklyn collective Pro.Era (Progressive Era). Quintessentially New York, his style appears heavily inspired by ‘golden age’ and mid-Nineties’ism (see also Spaceghostpurrp). He does give somewhat an antithesis to current Rap norm, despite not being far removed from every internet kid’s widespread obsession with lovingly recycled tributes, i.e. the savvily shot 90s Hip-Hop street video with urban decay and a roughneck beat that sounds like it milked D.I.T.C.
But there’s something authentic present in the young man’s intensity – mic skills beyond his years. You can hear and see the unf**kwitable spirit of classic Phife Dawg, AZ and Big L in his delivery and poetics. Capital STEEZ holds his verses too – there’s rhyming partner synergy. I’m certain the Hip-Hop purists will love what it’s all evocative of.
Not surprising then Joey drops a tape entitled ’1999′ (the peak of ‘Shiny Suits’, Ruff Ryders & Native Tongue?) in March. Peep up top and check his Soundcloud while we wait…
