Joey Bada$$ kicks off 2025 with a bold return, dropping his latest track, “The Ruler’s Back,” a lyrical powerhouse that reaffirms his East Coast roots and critiques the resurgence of West Coast dominance in hip-hop. Against a backdrop of gritty yet polished beats crafted by Conductor Williams and Mario Luciano, Joey takes aim at fans, media, and rivals, carrying a fiery energy from last year into the new year.
East Coast vs. West Coast
In his verses, Joey critiques the idolization of West Coast artists while asserting his prowess as a lyricist. With bars like:
“Too much West Coast dick lickin’ / I’m hearing n-ggas throwin’ rocks, really ain’t shit stickin’ / ‘Cause if we’re talking bar for bar, really it’s slim pickings / I rap like I draw pentagrams and kill chickens, n-gga / Fuck around with your soul like Ether, quick for a feature / This that black Air Force energy comin’ out your speaker,”
Joey sets the tone for a track that channels classic East Coast grit and raw competitive spirit. The song’s title, a nod to NYC legends JAY-Z and Slick Rick, positions Joey as the heir apparent to New York’s rap throne.
A Claim to Kingship
Joey confidently stakes his claim as the new King of New York, delivering lines that cement his dominance:
“I’m back by popular demand and world domination / I’m finna bomb on n-ggas’ plans, fresh off my vacation / I was sitting back, watching from an eagle eye / Trying not to react, just give me one reason, I swear I’m on full attack / East Coast n-gga ‘til I die it’s / Clear who the heir apparent King of NY is, n-gga.”
The music video for “The Ruler’s Back” is already making waves online, though the track has yet to hit streaming platforms. Fans have eagerly dissected the song’s lyrics, fueling speculation about its intended targets.
Kendrick Lamar: Diss or Tribute?
Some fans believe Joey’s verses take aim at Kendrick Lamar, a frequent subject of his lyrical jabs. Others interpret the track as a broader callout to the hip-hop community. One user on X (formerly Twitter) noted, “I’m kinda surprised ppl are looking at this Joey Badass and Conductor track as a Kendrick diss. The whole title is a homage to Jay-Z and Slick Rick, it just seems like he’s telling NY hip hop to step up.”
Another fan praised Joey’s approach, writing, “Joey Badass’ verse is something Kendrick Lamar would appreciate. Rather than going on an interview, GO TO THE BOOTH!! Hip-Hop is a Sport!”
The Road Ahead
Joey’s last album, 2000, was released in 2022, but the rapper has hinted that its follow-up is well underway. In a 2023 interview, Joey revealed his vision for the new project, likening it to Kanye West’s 808s & Heartbreak. He described it as “something like a boom BAP and heartbreak album,” with themes exploring love and relationships. “I know my fans will probably hate that, but that’s a direction I’ve been wanting to take for a while now whether you motherf*****s like it or not,” he said.
Conclusion
“The Ruler’s Back” reaffirms Joey Bada$$ as a torchbearer for East Coast rap, delivering a powerful message to his peers and the industry. Whether viewed as a Kendrick Lamar diss or a rallying cry for New York’s hip-hop scene, the track cements Joey’s status as one of the genre’s most dynamic voices. As fans await more from his upcoming album, it’s clear that Joey’s ambition and artistry remain as sharp as ever.
