America’s sweetheart, American honey, the all-American dream… Forget all you were taught to perceive about the qualities which honour the average American. On All Anerikkkan Badass, Joey Badass rebels against all that is considered holy American in a millennials desperate plea for change.
Joey has been a prophetic wordsmith excelling in philosophical lyricism since his breakthrough mixtape 1999 at just 17, and he’s been a true devotee to keeping the 90s’ golden age sound alive ever since. But now, facing the tumultaneous climate of his country head on over the course of AABA, the 21-year-old is not only a humble voice of OG Brooklyn spirit, but an activist on the brink of revolution.
Amidst the current US political agenda, Joey is conscious about the influence his outspoken storytelling has on an entire nation, and uses this platform with his wits about him while tackling topics like police brutality, the government, racism and liberation. Even on titles seemingly unrelated to the album’s otherwise conceptual flow it’s theme doesn’t shy far away, on ‘Y Don’t U Love Me’ Joey personifies the tracks subject for his country, a home that continues to hinder and belittle him. But before Joey preaches, he intends to uplift and empower his peers. ‘For My People’ is a new age national anthem calling for peace and unity, while ‘Land of the Free’ and Schoolboy Q feature ‘Rockabye Baby’ are adamant and defiant in the face of every day ugly truths.
On All Amerikkkan Badass Joey defines his generation’s new kind of all-American; a radical young black boy with a tongue full with truth and a firm instinct to speak on it. Coming straight from the very genesis and heart and soul of hip hop, New Yorkian Joey Badass IS America. And he won’t be disrespected for his freedom to rap.
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Words: Laura McInnes
