On April 7, 2017, he released his second studio album ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$ under Pro Era Records and Cinematic Music Group. The album was supported by three singles: Devastated, Land of the Free and Temptation. ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$ received generally positive reviews from critics and debuted at number five on the US Billboard 200.
Five years following the release of his second studio album ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$, he released the follow-up to his debut mixtape, 1999, ten years later on July 22, 2022. The name of this album, his third studio album, was 2000. During 2022, Joey released multiple singles to the album including Head High, Survivors Guilt, Zipcodes and 2 more. In the album, Joey goes over plenty of topic matters such as dealing with mental health, the passing of his friend Captial Steez and his cousin, Junior B, ten years later, and his overal life. 2000 debuted at No.18 on the Billboard 200 chart and sold roughly 22,000 album-equvialent units in its first week. The album was well perceived by fans and critcs, and was deemed to be a generally good lead up to his mixtape 1999.
Curry Chicken
Joey Bada$$ Lyrics
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I told you he ain't got no money", or you know this and that or whatever whatever
Then you'll see some other people, you'll put that you're here in this house
"Oh Joey done made it! He bought a crib! He this, he that"
So it's all a story
It's a perception that people make for you, along the way
So it's not really what it necessarily is at any point or given at time
and that's the thing that concerns me
Break it down
We break it down like
Joey Bad he break it down like
My nigga Fly he break it down like
My nigga Statik break it down like
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
1-2
Alright
Uh
First things first is I been rehearsing these verses
In hopes that I hit the surface and keep myself afloat
But I know one day I'm earning me some platinum and some gold
And all them labels could just reimburse this dick in they throat
And tell my mama "Oh no," your purses will never run low
No more cause back when I was four, and we was poor
You would purchase the store
So here I go, your little man has got to grow
I'm walking out the door
My mama just be smiling, cause she know
I got my back and got her worried
Only thing she ask is that I hurry
Home in time for Christmas for some dinner
Seen you on TV again, boy you lookin' thinner
But you lookin' like a winner, aye
You got to give to get and then you give back
You got to give to get and then you give back
You got to give to get and then you give back
Then you give back, then you, then you give back
Worst thing worse, I could've been stealing your purse
Or just been, putting in work and leaving niggas in the dirt
But ever since birth I knew I would be something on this Earth
So now I spit that dope, that shit be hittin' ya nerve
And to my Papa my word is my bond
When you held me in your arms
Did you know along that a star was born?
Then you named me Jo-Vaughn, now that name ring alarms
Nearly 20 years later we on a plane to The Palms
I gotcha back and got her worried
Only thing I ask is for some Curry
Chicken when we land we eatin' dinner
Mama seen me on TV again lookin' thinner
But I'm lookin' like a winner, aye
You got to give to get and then you give back
You got to give to get and then you give back
You got to give to get and then you give back
Then you give back, then you, then you give back
Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord, my soul to keep
If I should die before I wake
I pray the Lord my soul to take
Break it down
The lyrics of Joey Bada$$'s Curry Chicken are about the perception people have towards success and the stories they create around it. The first set of lyrics talks about how people make assumptions of others and their worth based on material possessions. The artist explains that success is something that people perceive in their own ways, regardless of what it may truly be. He then breaks it down, explaining that it's all about how you change people's perception of you along the way. The song's chorus repeats "you've got to give to get and then you give back" emphasizing that success is achievable, but it has to be earned through dedication, generosity, and hard work.
The second set of lyrics is essentially a tribute to his mother and father who supported him through his beginnings in life. He expresses gratitude for everything they've done for him and the sacrifices they made to give him the best childhood. Joey's style of rapping in this section is more assertive and confident, with the lyrics delving into his own aspirations and the creation of his own story. The song's final lyrics are a prayer, signifying the artist's humility, while he simultaneously asserts his respect for his work.
Line by Line Meaning
First things first is I been rehearsing these verses
Joey is practicing and perfecting his rhymes in preparation for success.
In hopes that I hit the surface and keep myself afloat
He hopes to make it big and remain relevant in the music industry.
But I know one day I'm earning me some platinum and some gold
Joey is confident that he will achieve success and earn platinum and gold records.
And all them labels could just reimburse this dick in they throat
Joey doesn't need major record labels to succeed and is willing to put them in their place.
No more cause back when I was four, and we was poor
Joey's family struggled financially when he was young, but his success ensures they will never face poverty again.
You would purchase the store
His mother made sacrifices in order to provide for their family.
Worst thing worse, I could've been stealing your purse
Joey realizes that although he struggled financially, he could have turned to immoral means to support himself and his family, but chose not to.
Or just been, putting in work and leaving niggas in the dirt
Instead of that, Joey works hard to succeed and achieve his dreams.
But ever since birth I knew I would be something on this Earth
He always had a feeling that he was destined for greatness.
So now I spit that dope, that shit be hittin' ya nerve
Joey's music is not only great, but it also resonates emotionally with his listeners.
When you held me in your arms
Joey's father supported him and recognized his potential from a young age.
Then you named me Jo-Vaughn, now that name ring alarms
Joey's unique name helps him stand out and draw attention to his music.
You got to give to get and then you give back
Joey understands that in order to achieve success, you need to give to others before you receive anything in return.
Then you give back, then you, then you give back
Reinforcing the previous line, Joey emphasizes the importance of giving back to others.
I pray the Lord, my soul to keep
In the end, Joey acknowledges the importance of staying true to his values and beliefs.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott, Patrick Baril
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind