Joey Bada$$ is seizing the spotlight with his bicoastal rap battle in full swing—and by many accounts, tipping in his favor.
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During a recent interview, the Brooklyn MC revealed he’s preparing to release his first full-length project in over two years.
He claims: “The goal is to get the album out before August 30.”
It’s a strategic move for the Pro Era general, who’s been steering the conversation in hip-hop since New Year’s Day, when he dropped “The Ruler’s Back.” The track kicked off what’s become the most talked-about lyrical war of the year—a new wave of East vs. West Coast tension that now includes close to 30 diss tracks and over 10 rappers.
On the single Joey flips a classic Jay-Z line to question the West Coast’s momentum, especially in the wake of Kendrick Lamar’s victory lap over Drake. But he didn’t stop there.
Earlier this month, he doubled down with “Crash Dummy,” a direct shot at Kendrick where he accuses K-Dot of ducking the fade: “Thank you for making it clear that Dot scared, but yeah / I was at the party, but I also saw Top there.”
Kendrick, currently on his Grand National Tour, has yet to respond. But according to Compton rap veteran Glasses Malone, Joey might not be waiting much longer.
With the battle brewing and summer on the horizon, Joey Bada$$ is playing offense. Whether or not Kendrick replies, one thing’s clear—Joey’s not just rapping to rap. He’s moving like he’s got something to prove.
