Editorial Imprint
Writing Outlet
2014
®
I think the world was on edge at the release of 'Big Dusty & Christ Conscious'. Pre-ordering, in waits for the arrival of B4DA$$. Hip-Hoppers from all walks of life caught wave of Joey Badass' intrinsic sound after he introduced the world to his renown album 1999 and Summer Knights, three years later presenting B4DA$$. The album's Reggie feel and soulful, meaningful lyric is proven to be wondrous; its as if the 20 year old was born in the golden era of Hip-Hop, with Biggie and Lauryn Hill amongst others legends of the culture. But the Pro Era Joey is leaving a mark of his own in the roots of Hip-Hop. Artistically far beyond his years, Joey is known for his abrasive word play; always giving lyrical content and finesse of a young scholar with his "third eye" wide open.

"B4DA$$" Album Review
"It's the Brooklyn sound, a pro found, Biggie would be proud about, But I don't need a vet to even shop me out, Punchlines pack a Pacquiao they can't box me out"... (hook) "I'm a child of the city, Son of the streets,And it's just a pity..They not tough like we, and things not look pretty, When we got to eat; Things get much deeper, Deeper and deeper" - Belly of the Beast (Joey Badass ft Chronixx)
'Save the Children' was the first song off the compilation, which geared into hidden violence unseen by the media all around. He even raps about trying have wealth for his well- being and having plenty green at the age of Eighteen but it wouldn't be Joey without mentions of his city. The Brooklyn native lucidly goes in on 'Belly Of the Beast'. The track is easily one of the heavy hitters of the album, showcasing his ethnic roots with a Caribbean style flow. Expressively talking about all his life consistently being surrounded by crips and bloods, while simultaneously packing his punchlines and looking back, he's glad he made it out the maze.
'Paper Trails' and 'Hazeus view' has to be two of the most profound songs of B4DA$$, Joey raps on 'Hazeus view' taking you back to the album of 1999, who would have thought at 19 he would be in his prime. 'Paper Trails' is wildly significant to the meaning of the entire album; " Before the money, there was love, But before the money, it was tough, Then came the money through a plug, It's a shame this ain't enough, yo." B4DA$$ shines light on the essence of things before the money.
'Curry Chicken' released before the album, and carrys a soulful catchy beat, Joey raps with efforts of keeping a float, the song is based around how when he comes home he knows he is coming home to some curry chicken. a traditional dish he loves while being with family.

"Take 'em to the slaughterhouse, say we 'bout to order out , Tell 'em we the badass motherfuckers that they heard about, Yes, I guess the word is out, we comin' for the top dollar; Top rottweiler, since I popped my collar, Niggas say they hit us, they ain't ever shot nada, Me? I'd rather not snitch up on my own problems, Cause I'm a microphone killer, Especially when my head is gone off the liquor, Specially educated, heavily medicated Give me that beat and I'll put you next to Dilla, my nigga, Flow sweeter than vanilla, Tell these haters beat it, can't Jackson thriller, I'm the nigga that you see when you're in the mirror, Say my name five times, this what I deliver"... "Christ Conscious" (Joey Badass)
'Peace of mind' is the fourth track and is one of most emotionally tracks, mainly because its of Joey playing a song over a phone to a friend of his who is behind bars, the tracks covers Joey reflecting on him and his grandmother taking walks in the park and the journey life has taken him on. At the end of the song his friend expresses his love for Joey and the talks about the songs he's heard.
Going back to the song 'Christ Conscious' its metaphoic lyric is insanely top notch, Joey does what he does best and doesnt hold back in verbally demolishing anything in his way. The track set the bar and remains a favorite.
'O.C.D', 'On & On', 'NO.99' amongst others are impressively un-flawed and timeless which reminds you of how timeless Joey's music really is. WIth songs such as '95 til infinity', 'Waves' and other heavy hiiters these songs will play forever. B4DA$$ cohesively embraces Joey's pass and tells you about his bright future. The album in its entirety can easily be considered one of the best.
- Sarah Alston
1/27/15
