You ain't know I could play the piano, did you, *****?

Can you say New York City?

Now as we proceed

To give you what you need (Bad Boy)

Ladies and gentlemen (And I say New York City)

I'd like to introduce to you

You know, it's a vibe, he is

Said he the baddest motherfucker in town

As a fan of Joey Bada$$'s vintage-inspired hip-hop, I was eagerly anticipating the release of his third studio album, 2000. And let me tell you, this album does not disappoint. From the opening interlude featuring words from Diddy and later, Nas, it's clear that Joey is paying tribute to the greats of the past while still carving out his own place in the rap game. Across the record, Joey draws inspiration from classic Big Willie-style philosophers like Nas, JAY-Z, and The Notorious B.I.G., positioning himself as a throwback to a time when MCs were all about storytelling and substance. The beats on the album, crafted by producers like Statik Selektah and Mike WiLL Made-It, blend contemporary sounds with the late-90s boom bap and R&B that inspired his breakthrough mixtape 1999.

Joey Bada$$ was just 17 when he released his landmark 2012 mixtape 1999, and from the start, it was clear that he was a rapper with a unique perspective and a deep appreciation for the golden era of hip-hop. His debut single "Waves" paid tribute to Brooklyn's own JAY-Z and set the stage for a career that would see Joey becoming one of the most respected and influential rappers of his generation.

Despite his youth, Joey was an old soul, drawing inspiration from luminaries like Wu-Tang Clan and MF DOOM and channeling their energy into his own music. His rhymes were urgent and his flows were fresh, but there was a familiarity to his style that made it instantly recognizable and beloved by fans of classic hip-hop.

In his lyrics, Bada$$ tackles a range of themes, including his own potential, the women in his life, and the heart-wrenching loss of his friend and fellow Pro Era member Capital Steez. While 2000 is not an exact “sequel” to 1999, it does further solidify Bada$$'s position as both a curator and an MC, an artist who is equally adept at paying tribute to the past and creating something fresh and new.

From the opening track, "The Baddest," it's clear that Joey is feeling confident and unfazed, looking back on his first decade in the music industry and positioning himself alongside contemporaries like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole. His rhymes are sharp and his flow is smooth, and it's a promising start to the album. As the record progresses, Joey displays his versatility and range, switching between hard-hitting bangers and introspective ballads with ease. "Brand New 911" is a standout track, with Joey's rapid-fire verses perfectly complementing the harsh snares and flailing trumpet of Chuck Strangers' production. And on "Where I Belong," Joey takes us on a journey through his past, recalling his cousin writing his first rap for him with a sense of nostalgia and pride.

But for me, the real highlights of 2000 are the tracks where Joey gets personal and opens up about his experiences and feelings. "Survivors Guilt," his tribute to his his best friend Capital STEEZ, is a gut-wrenching ode to friendship and loss, and it's one of the most emotionally powerful tracks on the album. Similarly, "Written in the Stars" sees Joey looking to the future and talking about passing down good traits to his daughter, and it's a heartwarming and uplifting moment on an otherwise heavy record.

Despite its flaws, 2000 is an enjoyable and solid addition to Joey Bada$$'s discography. His technical skills are on full display, and he manages to pay tribute to the golden era of hip-hop while still incorporating modern sounds and themes. As a fan, I'm excited to see where Joey goes from here, and I have high hopes for his future releases. Overall, I highly recommend giving 2000 a listen. It's a smooth and soulful record that showcases Joey’s technical skills and his love for vintage hip-hop sounds. Plus, with its mix of introspective ballads and hard-hitting bangers, there's something for every rap fan on this album. Do yourself a favor and add Joey Bada$$'s 2000 to your playlist today.

Standout Tracks and What to Add to your Playlists

Make Me Feel

Where I Belong

Brand New 911 

Zipcodes

Show Me

Head High

Survivors Guilt

Apex Rating:

4/5

cover source:

https://www.reddit.com/r/JoeyBadass/comments/wavu5y/joey_badass_2000_alternate_cover_art/

u/solace1234