B4.DA.$$
by Joey Bada$$
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
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  1. ChiIIaoi
    Jul 19, 2023
    8
    Review só pra lembrar a nota que eu dei pro album:
    album mt bom, agora só escrever pra passar dos 75 caracteres.
  2. ValidOpinion
    Jun 29, 2022
    9
    No real story to the album but has so many good songs. there are only a few questionable songs but overall this album has some of his best work in it and is very underrated.
  3. Hendo250
    Apr 6, 2021
    7
    this album is a 7 this album is a 7 this album is a 7this album is a 7 this album is a 7
  4. Atum_
    Jun 8, 2020
    6
    I like Joey a lot. I just don't like this album. Other than Christ Conscious and Paper Trail$, no tracks really stand out to me. It has a theme, and in that regard is more of an album than 1999, however I just like the songs, features and beats a lot more on there. Luckily this was a one time mistake, as his next album, All-Amerikkkan Bada$$ is his best album, definetly worth checking out.
  5. Connorcox1997
    Mar 29, 2019
    9
    B4.D.$$ is a great debut album from Joey Bada$$. I become a fan of Joey Bada$$ ever since his debut mixtape 1999. When I head that he's making a debut album I was really looking forward what the album was going to sound like, and I'm glad the wait was worth it because B4.D.$$ is a dope album. I love the productions on the album, it feels like old school New York 1990s hip hop to the album,B4.D.$$ is a great debut album from Joey Bada$$. I become a fan of Joey Bada$$ ever since his debut mixtape 1999. When I head that he's making a debut album I was really looking forward what the album was going to sound like, and I'm glad the wait was worth it because B4.D.$$ is a dope album. I love the productions on the album, it feels like old school New York 1990s hip hop to the album, and I love that. Joey's Storytelling ability, his flows, and his bars are dope. B4.D.$$ is an excellent start to Joey's Career. This album is worth your time. 9/10… Expand
  6. OGHipHopCritic
    Jun 11, 2018
    9
    88 which rounds up to a 9/10. The debut album from Joey Bada$$ is an incredible start to what may look like a great career. Brooklyn-native Joey delivers some of the finest bars of an artist in the 21st century (2015). The beats which had that heavy New-York 90's element in it which may be because of productions from New York producer, DJ Premier. Let us not forget that DJ Premier did88 which rounds up to a 9/10. The debut album from Joey Bada$$ is an incredible start to what may look like a great career. Brooklyn-native Joey delivers some of the finest bars of an artist in the 21st century (2015). The beats which had that heavy New-York 90's element in it which may be because of productions from New York producer, DJ Premier. Let us not forget that DJ Premier did produce many songs in Illmatic, which is praised as one of the greatest hip-hop projects of all time. These New-York beats and straight bars, brings an essence of nostalgia into listeners, who are constantly reminded of 90's artists such as Mobb Deep, Geto Boys, Nas etc. Also, this album was made when Joey was just a teen, which does highlight his talent. If you're a fan of 90's rap, who is struggling to listen to the new-wave of artists, B4.DA.$$ is the perfect album. The only problem was that there his flow became too repetitive at some points.After TPAB, this is the best album of 2015. Strewth.… Expand
  7. lisiak
    Dec 20, 2015
    6
    B4.DA.$$ by Joey Bada$$ is nice album. There is a few good tracks on this album, but it's not the best position in this year. My favourite track is 'Paper Trail$'. 6/10
  8. AlecSweatshirt
    Dec 4, 2015
    9
    Joey is bringing the 90's hip-hop era back with a modern twist. The Pro Era member goes from emotional to a "fire" spitter, which makes for a different and intresting LP. He has really matured since 1999 and Summer Knights. He's only 19 and is still improving.
  9. nirvanafreak
    Oct 8, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Favourite Songs: Save the Children, Paper Trails, Run Up On Ya, Piece of Mind, No. 99, Christ Conscious
    Least Favourite Songs: Like Me
    Nothing's really caught my attention in the last week so I'm gonna do a review of 'B4.Da.$$', one of my favourite albums of 2015 so far.
    Joey Badass proved with the mixtapes '1999' and 'Summer Knights' that he is
    great rapper. He doesn't reinvent the wheel or anything, he's not really original at all, but I really like his flow and he has an ear for amazing beats. On this record, like the others, he recreates that classic hip hop sound of the 90's- in particular Boom Bap- that no one else seems to be doing well despite most old hip hop fans constantly moaning about how **** modern day music is (because they've definitely explored everything) and praising that old sound. Apart from the audio quality of 'B4.Da.$$' it sounds pretty authentic to the time. Not completely though, as I said the audio quality is much better (modern technology whoa) and that's good I've heard rappers trying to be completely authentic; most of the time they succeed all be it with mediocre and plain results (although there was a section from 'Impossible' off the new Travis Scott album that sounded good. It might have been sampled though.) This unoriginality might prevent Joey Badass from having a lasting impact but I don't think he cares he's making the kind of music he loves. None of the songs on this album are bangers really but there a few hard hitting grimey tracks with an appropriate use of aggressive flows, like 'Christ Conscious' and 'No. 99'. The only thing I wasn't really keen on when I listened to this album was the song 'Like Me', simply because I don't like BJ the Chicago Kid and he does the chorus like 4 times. But still great album, his influences are sometimes quite obvious but I highly recommend it and like I said in my Underachievers review Joey Badass is making a very strong case for New York hip hop.
    Improvement On Previous Record?: Yes
    Try This If You Like: Ready to Die by The Notorious B.I.G    … Expand
  10. mc_ryn
    Sep 21, 2015
    9
    Joey Bada$$ is a creative genius when placing b4.da.$$ together. He is still on 20 so greater pieces of work are in stall. His flow and production is amazing, as he can switch it up for bangers, such as bug dusty and christ conscious and less aggressive, smooth songs such as escape 120 and hazues view.
  11. AlchemistXV
    Jul 28, 2015
    7
    - Personally, This Has Been My Rap Album Of The Year.

    Hard Not To Get Carried Away By The Throwback Feel It Produces When You Listen To It.

    Production Could Have Been (Slightly) Better, Maybe? But Great Effort Still.
  12. 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 skilled wordplay is finally translated in conceptual song and great storytelling on B4.DA.$$, making it an essential record.
  13. Hipt1973
    Jul 8, 2015
    10
    my man joey bad put out a very good album one of the best albums of the year and one of the best NY albums in recent memory thank you for this mr. bad.
  14. Urbanlistener
    Apr 22, 2015
    9
    With this album Joey Badass brings rap back when it was good: the 90's. The Nas inspired East Coast vibe is a welcomed nostalgic ride. Joey gives his 100% on every track and the DJ Premier beats are going so well with the verses he's spitting.
  15. saltycatt
    Apr 19, 2015
    9
    Great Album! The more I listen to this album the more I like it. Some wasted space although I keep finding myself listening to it. Some tracks like "Save the Children", "Like Me", "Belly of the Beast", "O.C.B", and "Curry Chicken" are underrated. I'm not sure this album hasn't sold very well. I could probably go as far to say I like it more than Drake's new album, but thats just me.
  16. cumdiddy
    Apr 6, 2015
    9
    Musically 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
  17. keve16
    Mar 26, 2015
    8
    8.0/10................................................................................................................................................
  18. razoredwardo
    Feb 24, 2015
    10
    I don't see where the all the 7's, 8's and maybe the 6's are coming from! This is a classic! This album really defines something and from the production going down to the rap style, it shows classic all over. Joey doesn't just have the anticipation like the likes of Kendrick, Run The Jewels, J. Cole and other highly anticipated acclaimed artists, that's why the average ratings for hisI don't see where the all the 7's, 8's and maybe the 6's are coming from! This is a classic! This album really defines something and from the production going down to the rap style, it shows classic all over. Joey doesn't just have the anticipation like the likes of Kendrick, Run The Jewels, J. Cole and other highly anticipated acclaimed artists, that's why the average ratings for his rightly supposed classic are present.… Expand
  19. swagkonyjohnson
    Feb 24, 2015
    8
    Joey's lyrical flow already makes him enjoyable to listen to, and his execution of this album proves that he'll soon be a big time name in the rap industry. I love the New York-style production that has become the trademark of his music. Added with his content and delivery, B4.DA.$$ is one of my favorite albums to listen to
  20. ben_zo77
    Feb 21, 2015
    8
    B4.DA.$$ has a lot of good songs, but nothing I would call great. Joey Bada$$ proves on this album that he can be consistent, but I still ended up being a little disappointed. It's unfair to say Bada$$ is a disappointment as an artist, in general, though because he's only 20 and I believe he can and will continue to refine his technical skill. Bada$$'s sound is certainly a little dependentB4.DA.$$ has a lot of good songs, but nothing I would call great. Joey Bada$$ proves on this album that he can be consistent, but I still ended up being a little disappointed. It's unfair to say Bada$$ is a disappointment as an artist, in general, though because he's only 20 and I believe he can and will continue to refine his technical skill. Bada$$'s sound is certainly a little dependent on his hip hop idols from the past, and I'm not sure if that helps or hurts him. He's a prospect, but I'm certainly not ready to put Bada$$ in the same future-greats category as Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, or even Logic. ~ 7.7/10 ~ with bonus tracks: 7.9/10
    Best tracks: "Like Me", "Black Beetles" & the bonus track "Run Up On Ya"    … Expand
  21. Spangle
    Feb 5, 2015
    8
    Overall, Joey Bada$$‘ debut album delivers in many ways. Sure, it can wind up feeling a bit slow and boring on a couple of tracks, but for the most part, he brings great lyricism, flow, and delivery, on every track and shows a great ability to select beats that not only sound awesome, but compliment his style and the lane he is in musically. He also shows great versatility here as he canOverall, Joey Bada$$‘ debut album delivers in many ways. Sure, it can wind up feeling a bit slow and boring on a couple of tracks, but for the most part, he brings great lyricism, flow, and delivery, on every track and shows a great ability to select beats that not only sound awesome, but compliment his style and the lane he is in musically. He also shows great versatility here as he can touch on a variety topics and do so utilizing many different flows and delivery methods. He is at his best on tracks like “Christ Conscious” and “On & On”, but I would be remiss if I did not mention the great success of tracks like “Paper Trail$” and “Like Me”. While tracks like “Black Beetles” and “OCB” do pull the album down a bit, as a whole, I will certainly be listening to many tracks from this one for a good bit and this album solidifies Joey Bada$$ as a guy to be on everybody’s radar as his career progresses. How is this kid just 20 years old and this talented?… Expand
  22. siepo
    Feb 2, 2015
    10
    The new east Coast classic. Takes you back to the nineties but not on a sentimental tip. Straight up dope ass hip hop from one of the best young mc's around. Pro Era has the throne with this piece.
  23. DPtdryste
    Jan 30, 2015
    10
    Better than 1999, beats are great, his artistic range is more than just spittin' bars, he's now starting to carry the music of his songs with his voice better. This young man is consistent, his flow is too clean, and he's up against a huge 2015 field of critics. Seriously, about this last line, these critics are out for blood or something lol, they need to give this dude his dues! If youBetter than 1999, beats are great, his artistic range is more than just spittin' bars, he's now starting to carry the music of his songs with his voice better. This young man is consistent, his flow is too clean, and he's up against a huge 2015 field of critics. Seriously, about this last line, these critics are out for blood or something lol, they need to give this dude his dues! If you are the type of person that uses reviews to decide whether to listen to albums and are on the fence about B4.DA.$$, I would say listen to the first 3 songs of the album and then make a decision. I don't really review too much stuff on this website, so I hope that too says something about Joey Bad...… Expand
  24. aleporquin
    Jan 24, 2015
    10
    This album brings everyone back to the 90's. 1999 and summer knights are amazing but i can still put b4.da.$$ as his best project to date. Favorite song is probably "Like me" , "Hazeus View" , "Run up on ya" all 3 of these songs are amazing
  25. Eon2323
    Jan 20, 2015
    8
    Joey has never been one to drop a mediocre verse or a garbage bar. His hot streak continues here with the release of his debut studio album. I will admit, it took me a few listens to realize that this is exactly what hip-hop needs right now especially at the beginning of a brand new year. Nice boom-bap bangers like "No.99" are hard-hitting while a bit more introspective and soul-searchingJoey has never been one to drop a mediocre verse or a garbage bar. His hot streak continues here with the release of his debut studio album. I will admit, it took me a few listens to realize that this is exactly what hip-hop needs right now especially at the beginning of a brand new year. Nice boom-bap bangers like "No.99" are hard-hitting while a bit more introspective and soul-searching tracks like "On & On" appear to the foreground on the back end of this tape. By far, the latter has to be my favorite track, although this project is filled with many quotables and witty lines that reaffirm his status as one of the brightest (and youngest) leaders of the new school.… Expand
  26. KarmuhhnatoR
    Jan 20, 2015
    9
    In my opinion this is Joey's best project to date, yes that means over 1999. This album stil provides you with songs that reminisce mixtape Joey from both of his previous projects with songs such as: Paper Trail$ And Save the Children. The singles that were released for this project bang! For example, Big Dusty has an atmospheric vibe to it with some dark string strums to it. ChristIn my opinion this is Joey's best project to date, yes that means over 1999. This album stil provides you with songs that reminisce mixtape Joey from both of his previous projects with songs such as: Paper Trail$ And Save the Children. The singles that were released for this project bang! For example, Big Dusty has an atmospheric vibe to it with some dark string strums to it. Christ Conscious has an atmospheric vibe to it as well, but with a aggressive and psychedelic taste added to it; sounds like a hip-hop beat that was made for Dragonball Z (there are a few references to DBZ in this album. Also what I liked about this project is that it showed Joey's more introspective side on songs like Escape 120, Black Beetles, On & On. There were some song that didnt like as much as others in this album but they weren't bad, all songs were good but compared to some in this album they seemed out of their league. Nonetheless amazing project.… Expand
  27. 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 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 stickArguably 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!… Collapse

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Nov 5, 2015
    78
    A nimble, melodic wordsmith, Bada$$ casts his effortless flow over a loose collection of jazz and boom-bap backdrops.
    Read full review
  2. The Wire
    Mar 11, 2015
    70
    It's a fair reminder that innovation in hiphop shouldn't be judged by the standards of less journalistic musical forms. [Mar 2015, p.59]
  3. AllMusic
    Feb 13, 2015
    70
    This fine debut is also filled with productions from Statik Selektah, DJ Premier, and others whose names hold weight.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »