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$$, he released the follow-up to his debut mixtape, 1999, ten years later on July 22, 2022. The name of this album, his third studio album, was 2000. During 2022, Joey released multiple singles to the album including Head High, Survivors Guilt, Zipcodes and 2 more. In the album, Joey goes over plenty of topic matters such as dealing with mental health, the passing of his friend Captial Steez and his cousin, Junior B, ten years later, and his overal life. 2000 debuted at No.18 on the Billboard 200 chart and sold roughly 22,000 album-equvialent units in its first week. The album was well perceived by fans and critcs, and was deemed to be a generally good lead up to his mixtape 1999.
What About the Rest of Us
Joey Bada$$ Lyrics
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O-5, pounds in the Laredo, they gotta get there today though
Ain't no time for tryna lay low, bay bro, if you can't do it all you gotta do is say no
I'll take it from there, Asians on gram ready to work it, displayed a smirk like Mr. Perfect
Under the bridge, behind the van, in the cab, I made the drop off
Thanks Einstein that nothing popped off, since I was young,
handled lots of foreign vehicles and things
Plus he pushed that bad thing, I wanted to be like him so bad
Wear the same shoes that he stepped in, of course I need paper
I want to ride the one-seater like speed racer
In the Jetta smoking a one sheet in the green acres
Listening to bullshit music, thinking how I'm gonna do this
Uh, temptations real
Even though we feel we've been here before
Somebody help me
God have mercy
It's like the world we live in was only designed for
Somebody wealthy
But what about the rest of us?
What about the rest of us?
Screaming, somebody help me
But what about the rest of us?
It's like the world we live in was only designed for
Somebody wealthy
Turn the lights on
I'm from a place called the jungle where they live in this rough
It had me low for a while now I'm picking it up
Holding the spot straight sticking it ripping it up
I dropped 99 problems, switching not giving a fuck
So what you what you want? got your bitch nigga gripping the butt
I ran my dick, taking pics nigga flicking it up
My clique is a circle, fuck you want?
You'll end up dumped jumped party in a truck in New York
There's no ducking me, the Bada$$ time, there's no fuckery
Won't find a chick who got a diamond, or take a single buck from me
These hoes be loving me, I keep it so G
Respecting where I be nigga check your OG
My back flow will mirror your fat flows
Well here it go my, visage is lineal when I'm ripping the video
It's a lyrical miracle when I enter your stereo
The rarest breeds, sick like venereal diseases
Uh, temptations real
Even though we feel we've been here before
Somebody help me
God have mercy
It's like the world we live in was only designed for
Somebody wealthy
But what about the rest of us?
What about the rest of us?
Screaming, somebody help me
But what about the rest of us?
It's like the world we live in was only designed for
Somebody wealthy
Turn the lights on
Dying for nothing
Killing to live, fighting for something
To bad we don't know what it is
What you think all of this cash for?
Trying to put stamps on my passport
Man I'm just scheming on new homes
I already forgot about my last broad
Uh, temptations real
Even though we feel we've been here before
Somebody help me
God have mercy
It's like the world we live in was only designed for
Somebody wealthy
But what about the rest of us?
What about the rest of us?
Screaming, somebody help me
But what about the rest of us?
It's like the world we live in was only designed for
Somebody wealthy
Turn the lights on
The first few lines of Joey Bada$$'s song "What About the Rest of Us" paint a vivid picture of a high-stakes situation involving a drug deal in Laredo. The singer is tasked with delivering something urgently, and there is no room for hesitation or playing it safe. The references to handling foreign vehicles and the singer's father's influence suggest a background in illegal activities. Despite the risks involved, the singer seems eager to follow in his father's footsteps and make money by any means necessary. The lyrics also touch on a sense of rebellion and a desire to emulate a certain lifestyle, exemplified by wanting to ride in a fast car like Speed Racer.
The chorus of the song explores themes of inequality and societal injustice, questioning why the world seems to cater only to the wealthy while leaving the rest of society struggling and overlooked. The singer cries out for help, feeling like the system is stacked against them and favors those with money and power. The plea for recognition and assistance for the marginalized and underserved resonates throughout the song, highlighting the disparities and challenges faced by those who are not privileged or affluent.
As the song progresses, Joey Bada$$ delves into his upbringing in a tough neighborhood, known as the "jungle," where survival and toughness are necessary traits. The singer reflects on overcoming obstacles and not being held back by their past struggles, embracing a fearless attitude and refusing to back down. There is a sense of defiance and self-assurance in the bars, with references to personal successes and a disregard for societal norms. The intricate wordplay and confident delivery showcase Joey Bada$$'s skill as a lyricist, weaving a narrative of resilience and determination.
The closing verses of the song touch on the pursuit of material wealth and fleeting pleasures, juxtaposed with a sense of longing for something deeper and more meaningful. The singer grapples with the emptiness of materialism and the transience of worldly possessions, questioning the purpose and value of accumulating wealth. Despite the allure of money and status symbols, there is a recognition that true fulfillment might be found elsewhere, beyond the superficial trappings of success. Joey Bada$$'s introspective and introspective lyrics invite listeners to ponder the true meaning of existence and question what it means to truly live a fulfilling life in a world that often prioritizes wealth and power.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ariyan Arslani, Cecil Lamar Kirby, Curtis Mayfield, Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott, Richard Preston Butler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind