Label Issues Stall Joey Bada$$’s New Album

Frustration is rising for Joey Bada$$. The rapper took to Instagram Live this week to air out his issues with Columbia Records for delaying the release of his new project, Lonely At The Top, which was originally expected to drop this week. Personally, I appreciated Joey’s transparency, it takes a lot of courage to speak out. Imagine pouring long hours, energy, and money into a project you’re proud of, only for it to be shelved when you’re ready to release it. It’s disappointing, especially if this isn’t a first-time occurrence.

Going with a label has its pros and cons. But situations like this are why more artists are choosing the independent route. No label deadlines, delays, or politics. Just full creative control, ownership of your masters, and freedom to drop when you’re ready.

He explains it in full during the live, with the deeper breakdown starting around the 2:34 mark.

“My album is signed, sealed, and delivered…over a month ago…This is literally an exhibit a of the label getting in the artist’s way…i’m signed to columbia records, but for the longest time I just ain’t been f*cking with them. you know what i’m sayin’ because all they do is get in my way, they don’t f*ucking contribute to nothing, especially this year…all of my releases have been on youtube…”

In recent months, he’s dropped a few tracks — most notably during his rap rivalry with battle rapper Daylyt and rapper Ray Vaughn — proving that he’s got heat and is more than ready to let this next project come out.

When I heard the news, I knew I had to speak on it. Too many talented artists are being held back by outdated label practices. Like I wrote in a previous article, "E.L.P.J: The Embodiment of Hip-Hop," I’ll quote Q-Tip once again:

“Industry rule number 4,080 — record company people are shady.”
— Q-Tip (A Tribe Called Quest), "Check the Rhime"

I’m confident Joey will get to release his album soon — and when he does, it’ll be worth the wait. His recent work has been phenomenal. But let the record show, this game is grimey. The strongest rise from it, and Joey is Bada$$ enough to push through it.