Lila Iké, the Jamaican singer-songwriter, brings the warmth and intimacy of cooking a beloved Jamaican staple to life in her latest track and video, “Fry Plantain,” out via Wurl Iké Records & In.Digg.Nation Collective under exclusive license to Ineffable Records.
With just heat, salt, and oil sizzling on the stovetop, the simple ingredients mirror the chemistry between Lila Iké and her co-star, Brooklyn-born rapper/actor Joey Bada$$. Joey reprises his role as Lila Iké’s love interest, having previously appeared in the video for her previous song “He Loves Us Both” featuring H.E.R.. Directed by DJUVII, the visuals capture intimate moments of Lila cooking for Joey, setting the stage for their island adventure.
“It’s always a pleasure to work with Joey. I first met him for my ‘He Loves Us Both’ video with H.E.R., where he actually suggested we hop on a song together, says Lila. “I was really excited I had ‘Fry Plantain’ done already and thought it could use a rapper like himself to take it to the next level, and that he did. A few months later, he flew to Jamaica and we shot the video. It was very fun. I took him around the island and had a great weekend shooting and enjoying good food and music.”
Cordae and Joey Badass are two names you might have thought would be more closely associated over the past several years. After all, both are members of students of ’90s-style boom-bap rap, setting them apart from many of their peers. However, they hadn’t previously collaborated until today. Their tag-team track, “Syrup Sandwiches,” is exactly what you’d expect of them: lyrically focused, packed to the gills with double entendre, and evocative of a bygone era in rap when beats pulled heavier focus from jazz and funk than drum machine 808s, thanks to production from Smoko Ono and Thelonius Martin. Its video, directed by Wax Bondo, is a similarly low-key affair, following the two rappers as they perform their verses at a deli in Joey’s native Brooklyn.
“Syrup Sandwiches” is the latest single from Cordae’s upcoming third album, Crossroads, following “Saturday Mornings” featuring Lil Wayne, “Mad As F*ck,” and potentially, his Anderson .Paak collaboration, “Summer Drop.” There are also some indications that Cordae’s previous Anderson .Paak collab, “Two Tens,” could also appear on the project, which is due on November 15 through Atlantic Records.
You can watch Cordae’s video for “Syrup Sandwiches” featuring Joey Badass above.
Crossroads is due on 11/15 via Atlantic. You can find more info here.
Sometimes love is a losing game. Joey Badass has certainly expressed this thought a time or two before in his music. But so has Uproxx cover star Chlöe. So, it is only right that the two (at times) skeptics of love come together to air out their grievances.
On Joey Badass’ new song, “Tell Me” featuring Chlöe, romantic paranoia takes center stage. “More money, more problems” has been an anecdotal fixture in rap tracks, but so has more famous, more lustful eyes. Joey Badass carefully navigates this tightrope all across “Tell Me.”
“Tell me, why you in love with me / Is it money or the fame / Or the fact that I’m livin’ in a lab, but it’s luxury / Tell me why all of suddenly you wanna come kiss up with me / Used to pass a n**** by like tumbleweed / Used to play me by the side ’til I got a little buzz like a bumblebee / Now you can’t get enough of me / Why you fallin’ in love with me,” raps Joey.
Chlöe echoes this inquisitive spirit through the chorus, repetitively singing: “Tell me why you really in love.”
The only thing left to wonder is if the track will be green lit for an official video. Joey Badass previously guest starred in Chlöe’s visual for “Cheat Back.” Now, fans are curious if round two of their on-screen chemistry is on the way.
Listen to Joey Badass’ new song “Tell Me” featuring Chlöe above.
The civil war between Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Drake is ramping up now following Cole’s “7 Minute Drill” response to the former TDE MC’s disses. However, while this whole situation has folks remembering Kendrick’s callout of other rappers on Big Sean’s “Control” a decade ago, not enough people are remembering how these lyricists responded to him back then. At least, that’s what Joey Badass thinks, as he took to Twitter on Friday (April 5) after the Dreamville boss’ diss dropped with a simple message: “Never Forget,” and a link to his “Killuminati Pt. 2” song’s lyrics. On this song, he responded to Kendrick’s “Control” shots with a lot of hunger, aggression, and boastfulness.
“No escaping, you in a swimming pool of champagne,” Joey Bada$$ rapped against Kendrick Lamar on the Knwledge-produced track about 11 years ago. “You set yourself up for that one, mane / The King of New York? Ha! We ain’t just gon’ let that one hang.” This seemed to be a direct address when it comes to J. Cole and Drake beefing with Kendrick right now, and in particular how folks are only keeping this debate to “The Big Three.” As such, it seems like the New York spitter is opening it up to the entire rap game, and to names like his who fans might be overlooking right now in the face of “Like That” and “7 Minute Drill.”
Of course, Joey Bada$$ and Kendrick Lamar have shown each other a lot of respect and love over the years despite this competitive attitude. Still, this is pretty interesting since Kendrick never explicitly named Joey in his “Control” verse, yet naming himself the King of New York clearly and rightfully struck a nerve with the Pro Era boss. For now, at least, it seems like the general hip-hop community will keep this beef to “The Big Three,” but there’s still plenty of room to debate whether folks like Joey should replace one of them in conversations. Might this be a prelude to him making this a full-on lyrical attack, throwing his hat into the ring?
That seems unlikely, but it would certainly be pretty incendiary. As more reactions to “7 Minute Drill” pour in, folks will likely continue to bring up other rappers in this debate. But let’s not act like this is the culmination of 11 years of silence; MCs have been challenging K.Dot for the throne for a while. For more news and the latest updates on Joey Bada$$, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole, stay posted on HNHH.
IDK and Joey Badass have teamed up for a braggadocious new collab we never knew we needed. Tonight (March 29), the East Coast heavy hitters have shared “Denim,” the smooth yet opulent new track.
On “Denim,” IDK and Joey celebrate their accomplishments, reaping the well-earned fruits of their labor. IDK sets the scene, inviting us into the home of his dreams.
“Sittin’ on cloud nine, but it’s really my couch / Pierre Jeanneret’s, the original ones / Not the one’s they get for five hundred to dress up their house / I’m single, boy, single boy / No girl or no spouse / Crib be quiet as a mouse,” IDK raps.
Joey matches IDK’s luxurious energy, ruminating on having earned the life he’s worked very hard for.
“Sittin’ on your whole year, but it’s really my couch / Pierre Paulin’s, this the original one / Cost fifty bands, all in, just to put in my house / The replica like fifteen, you can check the amount / If we ain’t talkin’ money, IDK, what we talkin’ about?,” Joey raps.
The song’s accompanying video sees the two rapping inside of a lovely, furnished home, juxtaposed with scenes of the two moving to the beat in an outdoor Paris setting.
It seems that in 2024, there will be plenty of rappers on the comeback trail. Add to their number IDK and Joey Badass, who are both looking to follow-up well-received projects in F65 and 2000, respectively. As they both appear to have new albums on the way, it only makes sense for them to team up, which they do on “Denim,” a new single coming out this Friday, March 29. To generate some buzz, they hit up the respected freestyle rap outlet From The Block to perform their song before the New York City skyline overlooking the Hudson River.
When last we heard from IDK, he was promoting songs from both the soundtrack to the Apple TV original series Swagger (“Win“) and his fourth studio album, F65. He had also recently collected accolades for his collaborative EP with Kaytranada, Simple, and performing at Coachella last spring.
Joey Badass, meanwhile, garnered attention for more personal dealings, including his burgeoning relationship with actress Serayah. Although he didn’t put out much new music in 2023, he did deliver a swan song for his Power character, Unique, who met an inevitable demise that nonetheless surprised Joey himself. This year, he’s released two tracks: “Fallout” with Lyrical Lemonade, Lil Yachty, and Gus Dapperton, and “Passports & Suitcases” with Kaycyy.
Watch IDK and Joey Badass perform “Denim” above and check out the track in full on Friday.
Bumble’s latest Black History Month initiative, featuring Joey Badass, pays tribute to Black women’s invaluable contributions.
Partnering with creative director and musician Jesse Boykins III, Bumble builds on the success of last year’s #LoveLettersToBlackWomen campaign, which Adweek recognized for its powerful storytelling.
The newly launched poetic video showcases a vulnerable side of Joey Badass, underscoring Bumble’s commitment to uplifting Black women’s voices. This initiative blends artistry, emotion, and dialogue, celebrating the indispensable role of Black women in society. Bumble encourages everyone to share and amplify this poignant exploration of love and appreciation for Black women.
Joey Badass, a luminary in the realm of hip-hop, has etched his name as a significant force in the music industry. Since emerging into hip-hop as a teen, he’s made major strides in entertainment as a whole, including earning himself an Oscar for his efforts in Two Distant Strangers. With a reported net worth of $6 million, according to Wealthy Gorilla, Joey’s trajectory to financial success mirrors his influence and contribution to the genre.
Joey Badass catapulted to prominence with his distinctive style and thought-provoking lyrics, capturing the attention of music enthusiasts worldwide. His early mixtapes, like1999, and studio albums showcased not just his lyrical prowess but also his astute understanding of the evolving hip-hop landscape. As an influential figure in the rap scene, Joey’s commitment to authentic storytelling and social commentary through his music resonated deeply with audiences. Furthermore, his contributions have been integral in shaping the contemporary rap narrative, earning him critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 31: Joey Badass performs at We Love Green Festival on May 31, 2015 in Paris, France. (Photo by David Wolff – Patrick/Redferns via Getty Images)
Beyond his musical endeavors, Joey Badass has ventured into various entrepreneurial pursuits. Collaborations with fellow artists and strategic partnerships have bolstered his presence in the music industry and beyond. His diverse collaborations not only highlighted his versatility but also contributed significantly to his financial growth. Additionally, Joey’s business acumen has paved the way for successful ventures, allowing him to diversify his portfolio and extend his earnings beyond music releases and performances.
Joey Badass’s influence transcends his music, leaving an indelible mark on the hip-hop landscape. His dedication to authenticity and substance in his work has shaped the cultural discourse within the genre. Overall, his impact on aspiring artists and the broader music industry continues to resonate, cementing his legacy as a visionary within the rap community.
Joey Badass’s journey from his early breakthroughs to his current stature as a prominent rapper and entrepreneur showcases resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to artistic integrity. His ability to navigate the dynamic music industry while staying true to his craft underscores his significance within the hip-hop realm.
In conclusion, Joey Badass’s reported net worth of $6 million is a testament to his influential journey as a rapper and entrepreneur. His contributions to the music industry, along with his entrepreneurial pursuits, signify his enduring impact on hip-hop culture. Meanwhile, Joey Badass’s story serves as a testament to the enduring power of talent, vision, and innovation in the world of rap music.
