Joey Bada$$, a prominent figure in contemporary hip-hop, recently revealed a personal connection to Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping track “Not Like Us.” The Brooklyn rapper admitted that he spent his entire summer Crip walking to the anthemic song, while also clarifying his intentions and offering insights into his upcoming music.
A Summer of ‘Not Like Us’
During a candid interview, Joey Bada$$ shared that Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” was a constant fixture throughout his summer. He confessed to “Crip walking to ‘Not Like Us’ all summer,” a revelation that might seem surprising given his earlier involvement in lyrical exchanges with West Coast artists. However, Joey Bada$$ was quick to emphasize that his actions were never intended to disrespect the West Coast or Kendrick Lamar himself. He views the rap genre as a sport, and his engagement was part of a playful assertion that New York City also had a voice in the cultural conversation, stating, “My energy was really more like, ‘Okay, y’all having your moment, but New York City got something to say too.'”
Despite dropping diss tracks earlier in the year that included some shots aimed at West Coast artists, including Kendrick, Joey Bada$$ maintained that his actions stemmed from a competitive spirit rather than animosity. He highlighted his numerous alliances on the West Coast and expressed that his approach was playful, aiming to engage with the current hip-hop landscape without malice.
The Phenomenon of ‘Not Like Us’
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” emerged as a monumental force in hip-hop during the highly publicized feud between Lamar and Drake. Released in May 2024, the track, produced by Mustard, quickly became a cultural reset and an undeniable summer anthem, praised for its sharp lyricism and infectious West Coast sound. The song broke multiple streaming records, including Spotify’s record for the most streams of a rap song in a single day and the biggest first-week streaming figure for a hip-hop song since Billboard updated its metrics. Celebrities like LeBron James, Serena Williams, and Chris Brown also lauded the track, dubbing it the song of the summer, further cementing its widespread impact.
Kendrick Lamar himself described “Not Like Us” as embodying his personal energy, values, and integrity, portraying it as a declaration of self and a stance against fear-based experiences. The track’s critical acclaim and commercial success solidified it as one of the most significant hip-hop records of the year, capturing a moment of cultural significance within the genre.
‘Lonely at the Top’ and Future Music Aspirations
Beyond his reflections on “Not Like Us,” Joey Bada$$ also provided updates on his forthcoming album, “Lonely at the Top.” The project, initially slated for an earlier release, experienced delays attributed to his label, Columbia Records. Despite the label-related setbacks, Joey Bada$$ confirmed the album’s eventual release on August 29th, expressing his excitement for fans to finally hear the new music.
Looking ahead, Joey Bada$$ expressed openness to collaborating with a single producer for a future project, drawing inspiration from successful artist-producer pairings in the music industry. He mentioned potential collaborations with revered producers such as The Alchemist, Havoc of Mobb Deep, and Pete Rock, with whom he has a history of musical exploration. He also noted that he and Statik Selektah, who contributed to “Lonely at the Top,” have existing material in the vault.
Joey Bada$$’s recent statements reflect a complex interplay of artistic expression, competitive spirit, and genuine appreciation for fellow artists within the vibrant hip-hop ecosystem. His embrace of Kendrick Lamar’s massive hit, combined with his own upcoming music, positions him to continue making significant contributions to the culture. The release of “Lonely at the Top” marks a new chapter, showcasing his evolution as an artist and his readiness to explore new creative avenues in the dynamic world of hip hop music.
