The influence of 90s hip-hop is evident throughout Brooklyn emcee Joey Bada$$'s debut album, B4.DA.$$ (pronounced "Before Da Money"). Fans of the Pro Era rapper are accustomed to hearing him rap over the heavy boom bap laced beats and jazz style chords that dominated the genre in that decade. Joey Bada$$ is successful in breathing new life into that sound as he blends the music with his clever wordplay and unique flows.
The 20-year-old emcee spends most of the album flexing his verbal skills. His New York and Caribbean infused accent give him a unique voice to lay over beats. Tracks like "Big Dusty" and "Christ Conscious" are just a couple examples of his abilities as a lyricist. He offers the listener insight into his childhood on "Piece of Mind" and "OCB", painting a picture of violence and poverty.
Joey's lyrics are well supplemented by the production of Pro Era affiliates Chuck Strangers and Kirk Knight along with others. Legendary producer J Dilla is credited for co-producing the smooth-sounding "Like Me" with The Roots and Hit-Boy adds to the mix with "Belly of the Beast".
The album includes guest appearances from members the Pro Era clan along with Action Bronson, Elle Varner, and BJ The Chicago Kid. The features are a good addition but what makes them work is that they don't overshadow Joey himself. Joey Bada$$ has created a project that encompasses the best of his earlier work but manages to feel fresh all the same.