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| Photo: Billboard |
Joey Bada$$ - ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$ (Pro Era)
Released: April 7th, 2017
After about a year of releasing singles here and there, Joey Bada$$ is finally back with a powerful full-length album, ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$. AABA is a follow up to his 2015 release B4.DA.$$, which I really enjoyed. The top tracks on that record including "Paper Trail$", "Piece of Mind", and "Christ Conscious" are songs that have resonated with me. I also enjoyed that 2015 release because it proved that Joey could carry his weight on an LP and that he should hold a top spot in contemporary hip-hop/rap. On AABA, Joey has a specific angle and goal: to rap on the African American experience in the United States. Either it be from his own personal experience, his friends, family members, or someone on the news, Joey tackles these issues head on. This includes his thoughts and ideas on police brutality, the president, the modern lives of young black men and the poisonous side of "Amerikkka". On his Beats 1 interview with Pharrell, Joey talks on how the media was a huge inspiration for this album; specifically, the coverage of police brutality and the recent presidential campaign. Joey continues to state that he feels responsible to rap on these topics since he has the voice to do so, which led him to create this expressive album.
Joey stretches his vocal range on this record, specifically in "For My People", which is such a gorgeous melody that Joey handles extremely well. The instrumentation on this song is so full and punchy which Joey matches cohesively. "Temptation" is another song where Joey uses his singing voice beautifully. A slick beat with a touch of guitar makes this song catchy right from the start.
He shines bright on the album's anthems "Land Of The Free" and "Devastated". The juicy drums and glistening synths on "Land Of The Free" make for such a memorable single. It is such a laid-back/chill song, but Joey still delivers his aggressive style that fits it perfectly. "Devastated" is one of the singles he posted way back prior to announcing this album. Again, Joey expands his voice to create such a large and wide chorus. The second verse caught my attention so much on this track, I just love the vibe it exudes. The both of these lean more towards the "poppy" side but are still such solid songs.
"Rockabye Baby" is another one that sticks out. The classic aggressive style from Joey mixed with ScHoolboy Q makes a great combination. Their voices complement each other so well to make a great track. "Ring The Alarm" follows up "Rockabye Baby" to make back-to-back heavy and aggressive tracks. The heavy base repetitions combined with the basic kick/drum pattern on "Ring The Alarm" give the song a very 'in your face' attitude. Pro Era'a Nyck Caution and Kirk Knight are also featured on this track.
Towards the latter half of the record, one song that sticks out is "Babylon". Joey kills the chorus again, so smooth and catchy, and then proceeds to rap on the "white hand of justice" and the government. In the closer, "Amerikkkan Idol", Joey leaves it all out there, clearing his mind and heart on the current status of the African American struggle.
Overall, Joey came through with a very focused and well put together album. The production throughout is catchy, smooth, and a perfect fit for his cadence and flow. His lyrics and concepts based around the current state of black people in America are very powerful and thought-out. AABA is one of the most solid albums of 2017, so far. Listen below...
Listen: Joey Bada$$ - Devastated
Rating: 8/10
Fav Songs: For My People, Temptation, Land Of The Free, Devastated, Y U Don't Love Me?, Rockabye Baby, Ring The Alarm, Babylon
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