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B4.DA.$$
by
B4.DA.$$ Image
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 243 Ratings

  • Summary: The debut full-length studio release for the Brooklyn rapper features guest appearances from Action Bronson, BJ The Chicago Kid, Chronixx, Kiesza, Dyemond Lewis, Raury, Maverick Sabre, and Elle Varner.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. RapReviews.com
    Jan 27, 2015
    85
    B4.DA.$$ is a step in the right direction in New York hip-hop getting the attention and validation its long been denied.
  2. PopMatters
    Jan 21, 2015
    80
    The album is strikingly similar in tone to the mixtapes; he’s not trying anything different, but rather continuing what’s worked well for him. But everything is more refined and better expressed; there are also songs that stand out more as anthems.
  3. Mojo
    Feb 2, 2015
    80
    Bada$$ proves a natural born rhymer on a deeply rewarding showcase of advanced level lyricalism. [Feb 2015, p.89]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. The A.V. Club
    Jan 20, 2015
    75
    With B4.DA.$$, Joey Bada$$ finally lives up to the expectations that have been thrust upon him, delivering a confident debut steeped in the history of hip-hop and simultaneously engaged with the current cultural climate.
  5. Uncut
    Feb 3, 2015
    70
    The album's hard-slapping boom bap, laced with confident social realist flow, could only ever have come from New York. [Mar 2015, p.71]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Exclaim
    Jan 20, 2015
    70
    Despite a few kinks and unnecessary tracks, B4.Da.$$ is a great album that revisits classic '90s boom-bap signifiers: the production, the delivery and cadences.
  7. 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.

See all 27 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. 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 withBetter 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
  2. 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 thismy 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.… Expand
  4. 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. JoeyWith 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.… Expand
  5. 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    … Expand
  6. keve16
    Mar 26, 2015
    8
    8.0/10................................................................................................................................................
  7. 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. IJoey 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
  8. 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 favouriteB4.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… Expand

See all 27 User Reviews

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72
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