Joey Bada$$ Calls For Equality In "All-Amerikkkan Bada$$"
/Racism is still very much a problem in parts of the world, and unless the people fight for it, nothing will change. Joey Bada$$ is a clear advocate for civil rights, if his new album has anything to say about it. Joey Bada$$ calls for equality in All-Amerikkkan Bada$$, his tone shifting from balanced to more and more angry as it progresses.
All-Amerikkkan Bada$$ is a pretty effective and interesting album because the progression of it is fairly clear and actually reflects the (theoretical) feelings of the listener. It starts off very chill and relaxed, with quickfire and smooth 'Good Morning Amerikkka' kicking things off. 'For My People' follows with a more call-to-arms tone, but the instrumental is really great paired with the beat and the hook has a nice melody to it. 'Temptation' is the smoothest of the bunch, its sweet and soulful texture offering a very cool and balanced commentary.
Joey Bada$$ values honesty over anything else on this record, so every word you hear is coming from the heart. He doesn't waste a single second to say something he doesn't believe in. The most honest track on the record has to be 'Land Of The Free.' There's no sense of anger or threat in this track, just Joey Bada$$ trying to reveal his thoughts. The album ends on an honest note, as well, kicking off with 'Legendary' and its poetic delivery. This song has a jazzy tone with its swung beat and slam-poetic idealism around it. Final track 'Amerikkkan Idol' follows a similar idea, its interesting idea about winning this contest to be the voice.
The middle of the record has a very aggressive tone to it. Starting with 'Y Don't You Love Me,' Joey Bada$$ has a much more questioning and authoritative vibe to his raps. 'Rockabye Baby' follows up with a much more angry tone to it, blatantly shouting messages about not knowing who to trust and "Fuck Donald Trump,' which you can tell he was waiting to say for awhile. The instrumental to this song is really fantastic, making the jarring nature of it a lot more powerful.
There isn't much wrong with the record besides the fact that at times it feels like its getting angry for the sake of getting angry. It makes many accusations that are both true and false, making sweeping generalizations about people who do try to make a difference, for the most part. There's not really any credit for those who do fight the same battle, regardless of race. It's all under the assumption that he's fighting alone, which makes it feel a bit ridiculous at times.
All criticisms barred, Joey Bada$$ has a passion for this equality he calls for in All-Amerikkkan Bada$$, and it really feels like he's taking a swing in the right direction. Even if it doesn't acknowledge the ones who fight for it already, it certainly feels like it'll bring some of those who aren't in. It fulfills its purpose with a few hiccups along the way, but you can't shame it there.
Favorite Tracks: Rockabye Baby, For My People, Legendary
Least Favorite Track: Ring The Alarm
Rating: 83 / 100
Buy or listen to All-Amerikkkan Badass here: