Joey Bada$$ is all up for the competitive rap wave that has engulfed the scene post the Kendrick-Drake showdown — and he wants all the smoke.
The rapper has come out with a brand new EP, Pardon Me, where he shows off some immaculate writing. With California ruling the airwaves currently, Joey’s project is a reminder for many listeners to never count New York out.
JOEY BADA$$
PARDON ME
🚨MIDNIGHT🚨
▫️PARDON ME
▫️SORRY NOT SORRY
▫️THE RULER’S BACK pic.twitter.com/zyQompfDAg
— NFR Podcast (@nfr_podcast) February 17, 2025
The EP consists of three tracks — one new, and two that came out a few weeks back. The triple bundle is a cohesive listening experience though, alternating between lush instrumentals and clever writing. Of course, the infamous ‘The Ruler’s Back’ is part of that — Joey’s 2025 debut that talked about him being the King of New York while simultaneously taking shots at the West Coast rappers. Now, while a lot of fans think Joey was aiming for Kendrick, it really might not be the case. Perhaps this is what Joey loves about the game and the competitiveness that it once lost.
Battle rapper Daylyt sending direct message to Joey Bada$$ and CJ Fly in the latest video ‘YHRR’.https://t.co/J0FtAipFmF pic.twitter.com/TjOP3LdlLA
— Tribe ERA Worldwide™ (@TribeERAWW) February 3, 2025
He has received the memo and is steady setting pace for the better half of 2025. Being a blog era rapper, Joey is well seasoned (not to mention 1999, the exquisite mixtape that he has under his belt). Will he manage to turn more heads while keeping up with the likes of a young blood like Ray Vaughn and veteran like Daylyt (both of whom are equally as ready to respond back)? Well, that is a question that remains to be answered. For now, you can listen to the EP below!
