As a result of a couple of YouTube videos, an overwhelming number of people began talking about this kid from Flatbush named Joey Bada$$. An up and comer who hasn’t quite broke through the proverbial doors to be considered a rap phenomenon; but in spite of his age of 17 years, his developed intellect allows him to spit rhymes that can only be heard from seasoned veterans in the game. The proof comes from the fact that he is often compared to Nas, Biggie, and Big L. His prolific word play caught the attention of Jonny Shipes, President of Cinematic Music Group and manager of Big K.R.I.T. and Smoke DZA. From there, he began working with Creative Control and shot the video for ‘Survival Tactics’ a video that showcases conflict theory from the mind of a couple of Brooklyn natives. Joey and his mob of 20 call themselves Progressive Era or Pro.Era. Which means exactly what it says, that they are a progressive movement of young leading-edge talent that fulfill everything from rapping, producing, singing, and graphic design. Skillful concepts and a couple of co-signs under his belt from Mac Miller and 9th Wonder, Joey Bada$$ has been making waves in the industry leaving people wanting more. Indeed as time carries on and interest begins to grow, the MC who hates being called a ‘rapper’ might start to become more comfortable with the term when it becomes clearer that he is true lyricist. Accordingly, what some consider good rap music has changed since the 1990’s. Which leaves us to wonder if Joey Bada$$ is behind schedule or ahead of his time.
- Born Jo-Vaughn Scott in 1995 in Flatbush Brooklyn, NY to West Indian parents.
- Joey is the first of his sisters and brothers to be born in the United States.
- As a kid, his favorite things were cars and poetry.
- Through poetry, Joey started rapping and songwriting when he was in the 6th grade.
- He currently attends Edward R Murrow High School and makes it known that school is important to him.
- Joey started rapping using the name JayOhVee but then changed it to Joey Bada$$ because of its marketing power on Social Media sites.
- His musical influences are Daft Punk, Erykah Badu, Gang Starr, and Notorious B.I.G.
- His favorite rap artists are Jay-Z, MF Doom, Nas, and Notorious B.I.G.
- He is part of a crew of 20 members called the Progressive Era started by fellow classmates Pow and Capital STEEZ.
- They call themselves Pro.Era because they say that they are progressive.
- The Pro.Era crew consists of rappers, singers, producers, and graphic designers.
- Joey and Pro.Era are managed by Jonny Shipes, the President of Cinematic Music Group and founder of The Smokers Club who also manages Big K.R.I.T. and Smoke DZA.
- Jonny Shipes saw a video of Joey freestyling which was posted on WorldStarHipHop.
- Jonny Shipes contacted Joey on Twitter and began managing and developing him as an artist.
- Joey was introduced to Coodie and Chike from Creative Control by Jonny Shipes.
- After meeting with Creative Control, they shot ‘Survival Tactics’ featuring Capital STEEZ.
- ‘Survival Tactics’ has reached over 300 thousand views on YouTube since being posted in early 2012.
- Joey has since then released ‘Hardknock’ featuring CJ Fly which currently has over 100 thousand views on YouTube.
- Due to the enormous buzz, Joey Bada$$ has been featured in the New York Times, MTV2’s Suckerfree countdown, RapFix Live, Complex Magazine, XXL, and Vice.
- Mac Miller contacted Joey on Twitter and they began working together.
- Joey also opened up for Mac Miller at Roseland Ballroom.
- Joey’s first mixtape titled 1999 is set to be released in June 2012.
In an interview with Complex Magazine here is what Joey Bada$$ had to say about building his buzz: “Social media, I’m ashamed to say, has played the biggest part in building my buzz up. I’m actually working on building my buzz up locally. I’m a fan of how things work naturally. I often think about, ‘What if there was no social network? How would I be expanding myself out here?’ So that’s what I’m working towards now. Building my buzz up locally, whether it’s doing more ciphers, doing more shows, or going to more local events.”
Post by: Rosie J – music marketer
@StudioDiva
