Joey Bada$$ Shines a Spotlight on Representation at ImpactMENtorship Gala
Joey Bada$$ recently celebrated the success of his ImpactMENtorship program with a star-studded holiday gala held at Chef Kwame Onwuachi’s acclaimed restaurant, Tatiana. Sponsored by Tres Generaciones Tequila, the event highlighted Joey’s dedication to providing free career guidance to men of color aged 18 and older.
Speaking to an inspired crowd, the rapper and actor emphasized the importance of representation in leadership roles. “I think people sleep on the fact of how important it is, especially for communities of color, to have proper representation,” Joey said. “I’ve been navigating this industry for the last 12 years, and every room and every table I come into, the circumstances are the same. There’s not enough people who look like [us] in positions of leadership.”
Joey’s heartfelt speech was met with cheers as he reflected on the mentorship program’s purpose. “This ain’t about me,” he declared. “Making music is cool, having platinum records and stuff like that is cool. Starring in TV shows and all of that, it’s cool. But this—this is my greatest creation to date.”
Notable Guests Support the Movement
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The gala drew an impressive crowd of supporters, including Cordae and KidSuper’s Colm Dillane, who joined Joey in celebrating the initiative’s success. The event underscored Joey’s commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders from underrepresented communities.
Joey Bada$$ Makes History at Columbia University
Beyond his mentorship efforts, Joey Bada$$ continues to break new ground in academia. The multi-talented artist recently announced his appointment as “Artist Scholar in Residence” at Columbia University’s Edmund W. Gordon Institute.
This follows his tenure as the youngest-ever Artist in Residence at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. In 2025, Joey will share his insights with students over the spring and fall semesters, bringing his unique perspective on hip-hop, culture, and education to one of the Ivy League’s most prestigious programs.
In an interview with Billboard, Joey explained why education is integral to his mission. “Hip-hop was founded as a means of spreading messages through communities,” he said. “The first rappers were, in every sense of the word, neighborhood reporters. Education is key, and hip-hop is the channel that we can use to spread a lot of information quickly.”
Final Thoughts
From hosting transformative mentorship events to shaping minds in the classroom, Joey Bada$$ continues to make an impact far beyond the music industry. His dedication to uplifting communities and fostering representation serves as a powerful example of how cultural icons can drive meaningful change.
