Joey Bada$$ Reflects on the Peak of his Success with New Album ‘Lonely At The Top’ (Review)
Joey Bada$$ has had a standout year. From reigniting the East Coast vs West Coast rap beef, to challenging Kendrick Lamar to a rap battle, all while preparing to drop his newest album ‘Lonely At The Top’. This comeback feels like a turning point in his career, where the Brooklyn rapper is finally solidifying his legendary status.
Since his last album, ‘2000’, we have seen Joey step out of rap and focus on building an acting career. As a long-standing fan, from his Pro Era days to now, I was eager to hear something new from him. It was starting to feel like he wasn’t making a return to rap. However, he came into 2025 with a mission: to prove that he isn’t just a ‘boom bap’ rapper. He is authentic, versatile, and unafraid to experiment with different sounds whilst incorporating what he does best.
The rapper has a consistent track record, so I did not expect this project to disappoint. However, what I like about this project is that it combines lyrical skill with real vibes. There’s an introspective, reflective feel to this album. Furthermore, the mixture of lo-fi-inspired beats and cinematic samples helps to amplify the mood. We can really take in the storytelling and the sharp verses.
Joey knows exactly who he is, and this album reflects both his confidence and his personal journey. Turning 30 this year, he seems more mature, with life lessons and experiences that have shaped him.
In addition to this, the album is full of wisdom and the hard truths that come with success. The artist isn’t afraid to explore vulnerable themes such as the need to protect his family, betrayal, and emotional struggles. Having been in the industry since he was a teenager, he’s got a lot to reflect on, and it shows. Instead of bragging about his accomplishments, he opens up about the unspoken loneliness that can come with life in the spotlight.
Furthermore, he is consistently levelling up. This project is one of his most refined, vulnerable, and experimental works yet. It’s polished and intentional, positioning him as a rapper who deserves the recognition.
3 FEET AWAY
He really steps out of his comfort zone on tracks like ‘3 FEET AWAY’, leaning more into a dreamy, melodic vibe that sounds like singing. This was something refreshing, a sound we haven’t heard from him. It’s a softer, more gentle side of him, but he delivers it effortlessly like he’s been doing it for years.
LONELY AT THE TOP
‘LONELY AT THE TOP’ opens with a jazzy, lo-fi beat layered over a punchy rhythm, with soft saxophone melodies adding a smooth, nostalgic feel in the background. Joey reflects on the reality of success, the isolation that comes with it, and the lessons he’s learned since rising to fame at just 17. The lyrics are mature, thoughtful, and supported by experience. Furthermore, there’s a wisdom in the way he tells his story, as the chorus hits deep.
SWANK WHITE FT. Westside Gunn
Westside Gunn and Joey link up on another track, and I have no complaints. It blends a dreamy, soulful sample with luxury c**e rap energy. Their flows are smooth, their bars are sharp, and there’s a clear chemistry between them. However, I really appreciate how Joey taps into Westside’s signature sound. It’s braggadocious but smooth and confident. Additionally, the sample gives the track a cinematic feel that adds depth without overshadowing the lyrics.
When Joey says, “Had influence way before TikTok, been one to watch / They think I lost the plot, I think they must forgot.“, it feels like he’s addressing those who doubted him. The artist is making it clear this isn’t just a return; he’s also making a statement. Moreover, bars like, “Never lost the hunger, I just got a different appetite, I’m dishin’ / Humble pie to you n****s who want to grab a slice.” feel like a message to fellow rappers in the industry. A reminder to everyone that he’s never lost his edge and he’s ready for whatever comes next.
BK’S FINEST FT. Rome Streetz, Kai Ca$h, and CJ Fly
This song was a standout for me. It instantly took me back to Joey’s Pro Era days. It’s classic Joey with Statik Selektah on the beat. Additionally, it features terrific performances – Rome Streetz from Griselda, Kai Ca$h, and CJ Fly from Pro Era. The track has that warm, soulful feel that defined old school New York rap. It feels familiar, almost like a tribute to the era that shaped him.
DARK AURA
‘DARK AURA’ brings out that classic battle rap version of Joey. There’s a raw hunger in his voice that elevates the track, making it feel powerful and urgent. He’s clearly stepping into a new chapter in his music, one where he’s aiming higher than ever. The cinematic production with his gritty delivery shows he’s not here for games; he’s determined to leave a lasting impact on hip hop. He raps, “Laidback in the Maybach, I know they can’t stand it / Got me thinkin’ ’bout way back, ’bout times we couldn’t manage.” reflecting on his grind to success.
SUPAFLEE FT. Bri Steves
What I love most about this track is its early 2000s feel. It sounds like something you’d hear during the music video era. With Kirk Knight on production, the beat reminds me of The Neptunes, blending synths to create this 2000s rap bounce. It’s got that club energy, whilst Joey’s bars exude his usual confident delivery. In addition to this, Bri Steves brings in clean vocals that levelled up the track even more. Overall, it’s fun and stands out for its throwback sound.
READY TO LOVE FT. Ty Dolla $ign
He slows it down with tracks like ‘READY TO LOVE’ featuring Ty Dolla $ign. I love when he does a R&B track, because he always makes a banger. This has a laid-back vibe perfect for chilled-out summer nights. Moreover, Ty Dolla $ign’s melodies add that soft touch to the track alongside Joey’s smooth, introspective verse. This collaboration fits well with the themes of love and being ready to settle down. It’s definitely a hit, but it feels familiar, something I’ve heard from this artist before.
SPEEDIN’ THROUGH THE RAIN
The rapper really sets the tone on this track. The atmospheric production, with the saxophone drifting in and out, makes it stand out as the perfect introspective late-night listen. What’s more, he cleverly uses driving metaphors to explore life’s ups and downs. He raps, “Pedal to the medal on the road to the riches / Pit-stopped at the mosque real quick, Allah my witness / Spun the writer’s block ’round like a game of Tetris.“. Here, he is touching on themes like perseverance, battling inner demons, and holding on to faith.
Joey has never been afraid of slowing things down and leaning into a more mellow rap style. In comparison to his previous project, he steps further out of his comfort zone with this project. Experimenting with singing, exploring different rap styles, whilst hitting the mark every time. To conclude, this album shows clear growth and is proof that he keeps getting better with every release.
STILL FT. Ab-Soul and Rapsody
Moving on to the most interesting collaboration on the album, with two rap heavyweights on one track each representing a different state. It wasn’t your typical collaboration where artists go bar for bar. Instead, Ab-Soul and Joey focus on telling their stories with honesty and raw emotion.
The production added to the mood with an eerie, almost haunting vibe that gave the track a deeper, more reflective feel. Further to this, it’s a conscious and introspective body of work that really makes you listen. “Better watch the throne; it’s what the game missin.” Here, the artist cleverly references ‘Watch the Throne‘ by Kanye West and Jay Z, using it as imagery to position himself as one of the greats. It’s a bold statement, highlighting his ambition in becoming one of the best rappers in the game. Rapsody didn’t have a verse, but she held down the hook, coming through with a powerful message about resilience that tied everything together.
HIGHROLLER FT. A$AP Ferg and Kelz2busy
An inspirational dive into his rise from the bottom, ‘HIGHROLLER’ captures the New York MC’s journey to fame with depth. On this track, he reflects on the importance of perseverance and staying ambitious despite the challenges that come with chasing success. The production has a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of a ’90s rap/R&B crossover. In addition, it definitely has commercial appeal with its smooth, upbeat sound. However, it isn’t far from this artist’s usual style. As for the features, they were decent, but Kelz2busy on the hook felt a bit out of place. I felt his voice didn’t fully match the vibe of the track. A$AP Ferg delivers a decent verse, but he doesn’t add much to the overall impact of the track. Joey’s verse carries most of the weight.
Conclusion
Overall, this album incorporates everything that he’s good at and more. In a rap scene that often follows trends, Joey stays true to himself. He keeps his lyrical style, but still manages to bring in new sounds and fresh ideas. His ability to speak on real topics like mental health, family, and success makes his music feel honest and relatable. As an artist, he has proved himself to be someone who can grow in their sound while staying true to his energy. He started the year being respected and recognised, and now he’s ending the year as one of the best hip hop artists we have today. All in all, Joey is back, shaking up the scene, and here to build a legacy.
Rating: 8.5/10
Joey Bada$$ is on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and X. You can stream the album below or read more album reviews here. Also, buy the album.
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