In the midst of Donald Trump’s presidency, there was bound to be an even greater amount of socially conscious political music. 22-year old rapper Joey Badass (stylized as Joey Bada$$) has always had a conscious message behind his music, but upped it to another level with his second studio album “All AmeriKKKan Bada$$” or “AABA.”
Actively known on the hip-hop underground scene since 2012, Badass recently saw his profile rise with the Gold-certified single “DEVASTATED.” As a lyrical, heady rapper that seems beyond his years content wise, the hype for “AABA” reached a tipping point with a presumed head to head release date with Kendrick Lamar on April 7.
Lamar didn’t release his album that day, instead just announced a release date. However, Badass delivered a 12-track LP, packed with fiery rhymes, poignant messages and nimble yet distinct hip-hop production.
The album deals largely with anti-establishment, afrocentric and progressive themes. One thing Badass does do on this project is remain consistent. Across all 12 songs, the young rapper is mad about the state of the world for black people. He directs that anger towards figures such as Donald Trump, institutions like the prison system and religion.
As a follow up to his debut album, “B4DA$$,” “AABA” is much more adventurous musically. Perhaps a direct result of Chance the Rapper’s ascendance in 2016, the album showcases Badass singing, albeit with autotune, more glossy beats and the use of live instruments in the production.
Content wise, each song except the lead single “DEVASTATED” has a direct reference to the state of America, who he personifies as a woman several times. That personification is most notable on “Y U DON’T LOVE ME? (MISS AMERIKKA),” perhaps the best song on the album and the most creative lyrically Badass has been in his young career.
Which brings the most frustrating thing about this album. It’s obvious Badass wants to get a lot off of his chest, vehemently directing his anger towards America. It would just be more enjoyable if he were to be more creative in his message, perhaps taking a cue from the aforementioned Lamar.
Some of the songs are rough around the edges, with messy hooks, bland production despite being more musical and extremely dull verses. Bada$$ cares, but would be better served working with more collaborators that could potentially make the album more expansive. With such a powerful album name and cover, one would assume the project would be more forward-pushing instead of remaining one dimensional.
Make no mistake though, as a rapper, Badass is amongst the best of them. Some of the lyrics on the album, most notably “AMERIKKKAN IDOL,” are vivid, important and impressive. The album is necessary and his message is clear, it just could have been bigger and better.
As a body of work, “AABA” is good. Badass is growing as a rapper and a musician, taking the necessary next step in his career. Despite the few letdowns, the overall message of the album was consistent and concise and something everybody should listen to.
