Joey Bada$$ has had enough with Columbia Records, expressing his frustration over the delay of his anticipated album, “Lonely at the Top.”
In an explosive Instagram Live session, Joey Bada$$ laid bare his anger with his record label, Columbia Records. The New York rapper didn’t hold back, calling out the label for postponing the release of his album, “Lonely at the Top.” He voiced his disbelief, stating, “My album is signed, sealed, and delivered over a month ago. This ain’t cause of no sample clearances, no features, not clashing with another artist.”
Joey emphasized that the label appears to be obstructing his work, highlighting a long-standing issue with their lack of contribution. “I’m signed to Columbia Records, but for the longest time, I just ain’t been f*cking with them,” he asserted, making it clear that his reliance on YouTube has been a strategic move to bypass their delays.
The album delay isn’t Joey’s only battlefront this year. He’s been stirring the pot with diss tracks aimed at the entire West Coast and specifically targeting Kendrick Lamar and Rey Vaughn. In his track “The Finals,” Joey directly challenges Kendrick, rapping, “I salute you Kenny but I know you well aware / You lookin’ for some competition? Then just know that I’ll be right here.”
Directed at TDE rapper Rey Vaughn, Joey’s lyrics pull no punches, charging, “The way you let Dot dick sit in your mouth” while questioning the integrity of some rising artists seeking fame. His pointed words reflect ongoing tensions, which kicked off with his January release “The Ruler’s Back,” where he mocked West Coast artists’ dominance.
Columbia Records has yet to comment on Joey Bada$$’s accusations, leaving fans and the artist alike wondering when “Lonely at the Top” will finally see the light of day. Despite frustration in the music world, Joey’s grievances highlight a broader issue artists often face with labels—balancing creative freedom with business constraints.
For Joey Bada$$, the struggle is real. His battle with Columbia Records highlights the challenges artists face within the industry. As the saga unfolds, fans are left in anticipation, eagerly waiting for Joey’s work to come to fruition without further hurdles.
