Joey Bada$$

Joey Bada$$ is the stage name of Joey Badass, born Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott on January 20, 1995, in Brooklyn, New York. He is an American rapper, songwriter, and actor renowned for his contributions to hip-hop and his acting roles. He is a first-generation American of Caribbean descent, with roots in Jamaica and St. Lucia. Raised in East Flatbush and later Bed-Stuy, Joey’s early exposure to Brooklyn’s rich cultural heritage shaped his artistic sensibilities. Initially aspiring to be an actor, he enrolled at Edward R. Murrow High School but transitioned to music during his teenage years, discovering a passion for rapping and poetry at 11.

Adopting the moniker “Joey Badass,” he co-founded the hip-hop collective Pro Era in 2011 with his high school friends Capital Steez and Powers Pleasant. The group quickly became a staple in New York’s underground hip-hop scene, characterized by its nostalgic boom-bap style. In October 2010, Joey’s freestyling video gained traction online, catching the attention of Jonny Shipes, president of Cinematic Music Group, who became his manager.

Joey’s breakthrough came with the release of his debut mixtape, 1999, in 2012. The project received critical acclaim for its authentic lyricism and soulful beats, earning Joey comparisons to iconic 1990s rappers like Nas and Big L. His second mixtape, Summer Knights (2013), and the compilation Rejex further solidified his reputation. That year, he appeared on A$AP Rocky’s “1 Train,” joining a lineup of prominent young rappers.

Joey’s debut studio album, B4.Da.$$, released on his 20th birthday in 2015, peaked at number five on the Billboard 200 and was celebrated for its introspective themes and jazzy production. The politically charged All-Amerikkkan Badass followed in 2017, featuring collaborations with J. Cole and ScHoolboy Q and addressing social justice issues such as systemic racism and police brutality. His third album, 2000, released in 2022, paid homage to his debut mixtape while showcasing his evolution as an artist.

Beyond music, Joey has pursued acting with notable success. He made his television debut in the critically acclaimed series Mr. Robot, portraying Leon, a philosophical confidant of the protagonist. Joey also starred in the Academy Award-winning short film Two Distant Strangers (2020) and appeared in films like Creed. His acting talent has expanded his artistic reach, solidifying him as a multifaceted performer.

Joey cites Nas, MF DOOM, 2Pac, J Dilla, and Jay-Z among his influences, blending their lyrical prowess and creative vision into his work. His contributions to the hip-hop genre extend beyond music, as he actively nurtures emerging talent through Pro Era and other collaborative projects.

Today, Joey Badass remains a prominent figure in hip-hop, balancing his roles as a rapper, actor, and cultural icon. His dedication to authenticity and innovation ensures his lasting impact on the entertainment industry.