Contrary to popular belief, devastation can eventually lead to celebration. All it takes is some patience and perseverance — a message Joey Bada$$ presents on “Devastated.”
Although he’s experienced quite the tumultuous journey since breaking out in 2012 with the stellar 1999, the Brooklyn rapper is solely focused on the silver lining. After first premiering it during his Coachella set in April, Joey released the reflective “Devastated” and its become a audible linchpin for where the rapper is at in this course of his career — mentally and figuratively.
Just take the chorus: “I used to feel so devastated, at times I thought we’d never make it / But now we on our way to greatness and all that ever took was patience.” With a little patience, the signs of greatness shown on projects like Summer Knights and B4.Da.$$, the vibes let off on songs like “Ready” and “Brooklyn’s Own,” Joey has plenty of reasons to celebrate. “I feel like this song is a song that anyone can connect to and relate to,” he told REVOLT. “What I wanted to do was [create] a new vibe.”
This new “vibe” for Joey has certainly connected. On SoundCloud, it racked up over 5.39 million streams. On Spotify, the feel good anthem has over 12.9 million plays. On YouTube, both the audio and official music video has amassed over 6.4 million views.
“I wanted to make a happy song for the longest,” he stated. “I like to be happy, so the fact that I don’t make happy music, it tripped me out.”
In addition crafting “happy” music, the Pro Era captain is also perfecting his acting chops and a role on the hit USA series “Mr. Robot” has fueled a hunger for more. “I’m trying to do like three films in the next two years,” he declared. Also part of the upcoming plans is a 5-year anniversary celebration for Joey’s breakout mixtape, 1999.
The critically-acclaimed release celebrates the milestone next summer, but that hasn’t stopped the BK emcee from plotting. “I’m trying to do something very special around that,” he said. “I don’t want to let the cat out the bag out yet. I’ma do like a little 1999 thing with shows in my best markets. Tickets probably going to be like 99 cents.”
Watch more from our chat with Joey Bada$$ below.
Real Talk | Joey Bada$$ talks “Mr. Robot” and upcoming plans for “1999” anniversary