Justin Credible’s Album Spotlight Of The Week: B4.DA.$$

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Back for another album review. This time I take it to Brooklyn and check out what Joey Bada$$ new project is sounding like.

Joey Bada$$ has been looked at as the talented up-and-comer from the east coast, a recognition that often had more to do with his age than his talent. With just 20 years of age, he showed promise on his solo mixtapes “1999” and “Summer Knights”.

I first heard him on A$AP Rocky’s “1 Train”. Rapping alongside a heavyweight like Kendrick Lamar and underground star Danny Brown, you can tell his flow was still on the rise and developing.

Now, he’s developed his flow and released his debut album titled “B4.DA.$$” (Before The Money).

Right out the gate, you can tell the production on his album is real solid. It ranges from Dilla samples, 90s-era hip-hop beats, and also has those jazz infused samples. Kinda like The Roots or A Tribe Called Quest used to do.

Joey’s contemporary flow adapts well with the production. Seems like he found his pocket and stuck with it. You can hear the progress from his mixtape flow to his album flow.

A couple songs that stand out to me are “Like Me” featuring Chi town’s own BJ the Chicago Kid. The laid back song is like a quick snapshot of his life that gives an insight on his culture and the struggle of staying focused in this industry.

Another one that I like is Paper Trail$. He throws in the famous Wu-Tang line from C.R.E.A.M. “Dolla Dolla Bills Y’all” on the hook and he talks about understanding that money has the potential to corrupt while also acknowledging just how necessary it is to building a comfortable life.

B4.DA.$$ isn’t a stone-cold classic debut. It’s more of a playful, confident, tribute to the 90’s hip-hop era sound that he borrows. Still, a solid album from the young rapper who has lots of room for growth. Make sure you go grab the album and have a listen for yourself.

Joey Bada$$ – B4.DA.$$.

Jared Evan ft. Joey Bada$$ – Black & White (Video)

The things a scorned lover will do to get his or her revenge. In Jared Evan’s new visual for the Joey Bada$$-featured standout “Black & White,” his former mate takes it to the limit by actually causing an explosion. Don’t worry, I didn’t fully spoil the ending of the Rik Cordero-directed clip. It gets even juicier. Make sure you pick up his latest album, produced entirely by Statik Selektah, titled Boom Bap & Blues.

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Jared Evan – Boom Bap & Blues (Album)

Boom Bap & Blues

Jared Evan’s music may be new to our site but no doubt he’s one hell of a talent. In Boom Bap & Blues, the Zone 4/Interscope artist sings even throws down a couple bars with the majority of the raps coming from Action Bronson, Joey Bada$$, Hoodie Allen, Termanology and a few more. Did I mention the entire 10-track EP is a collaboration with Statik Selektah? Yup, just adding on to the list of reasons of why you need to check it out. Shout out to our friends at GoodFellaMedia for putting us on!

Stream and download links after the jump.

Continue reading Jared Evan – Boom Bap & Blues (Album)