B4.DA.$$
by Joey Bada$$
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
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  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jan 22, 2015
    60
    None of which is to say it’s a bad album, just a lightweight one.
  2. Complex
    Jan 21, 2015
    60
    [Joey Bada$$'s] potential is only half realized on B4.DA.$$, which speaks to his lack of adjustment in transitioning into a full-fledged artist who truly represents something other than ’90s nostalgia rap. Still, B4.DA.$$ is a commendable performance from an MC who has every opportunity to capitalize on his next project with some more seasoning, experience, and focus.
  3. Rolling Stone
    Jan 20, 2015
    60
    His official debut LP still sounds like it's stuck in the past, with solid production from old-school legend DJ Premier and his latter-day disciple Statik Selektah.
  5. Spin
    Jan 21, 2015
    50
    The problem is that Bada$$ seems to have missed their lessons on levity. His style--often-poetic lyrics rapped in a blunted monotone over moody production--is skilled, but never very fun.
  6. The Guardian
    Jan 15, 2015
    40
    Once the novelty wears off, though, you’re left with an album that is too often set at the middling pace of a Fugees B-side, and a rapper whose technical abilities are nowhere close to those old timers he seeks to emulate.

Awards & Rankings

44
#44 Most Discussed Album of 2015
72
#72 Most Shared Album of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 243 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 220 out of 243
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 243
  3. Negative: 12 out of 243
  1. Skullcrusher42
    Jan 20, 2015
    7
    Arguably his best altogether work to date, although you find yourself searching along with Joey himself in truly finding his sound, this albumArguably his best altogether work to date, although you find yourself searching along with Joey himself in truly finding his sound, this album really shines through as to help cement that final desired product. The sound is undeniably nostalgic, yet progressive in it's own aspect. Brings you back, nudges you forward. His flow's consistent, there doesn't seem to be many tracks that stick out as to being possibly, for example, "Album of The Year" material, but it is refreshing to hear the "new" Joey Bada$$. Despite the album not being as progressive as you might have hoped for, for his loyal Beastcoast fans it was nothing short of what to expect. All in all, nice addition to modern day hip-hop/rap. Great job Joey, you didn't disappoint!… Full Review »
  2. 2ndBMN
    Jul 9, 2015
    9
    At the same time that Joey's influences are very clearly present on his music, he is capable of carving his own style and lane. His skilledAt the same time that Joey's influences are very clearly present on his music, he is capable of carving his own style and lane. His skilled wordplay is finally translated in conceptual song and great storytelling on B4.DA.$$, making it an essential record.… Full Review »
  3. cumdiddy
    Apr 6, 2015
    9
    Musically and lyrically excellent, staying strong throughout the album. Only criticism being the sounds are quit similar throughout. As aMusically and lyrically excellent, staying strong throughout the album. Only criticism being the sounds are quit similar throughout. As a result, songs do occasionally blur into each other when remembering the album.

    poo    … Full Review »
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