Joey Bada$$ Talks Faith, Film and the Future of Hip-Hop on Million Dollaz Worth of Game

Joey Bada$$ has always been something of an outlier—an artist deeply rooted in lyricism, integrity and independence. From breaking onto the scene with 1999 to stepping into major acting roles like Power Book III: Raising Kanan, Joey has evolved beyond the one-lane label of "rapper." He recently joined Gillie Da King and Wallo on Million Dollaz Worth of Game for a wide-ranging conversation that blended insight, laughter, and sharp critique of the music industry and the culture at large.

Over nearly an hour of unfiltered discussion, the Brooklyn-bred artist dove into everything from spiritual grounding and artistic drive to lyrical warfare and generational gaps in hip-hop. Whether defending the art form's competitive nature or highlighting the importance of mentorship and collective elevation, Joey came through as sharp and centered as ever. Here’s what stood out.

From the Booth to the Big Screen

Long before he was receiving acclaim as an actor, Joey Bada$$ already had the instincts of a performer. In the interview, he talked about getting his first business cards at age 5 for a sneaker-cleaning hustle, driven by the urge to earn enough to buy video games. That self-starting attitude carried him into high school, where he enrolled in a theater program and got his first taste of performing arts. While he eventually got kicked out of the program, Joey would later revisit acting with full confidence, booking his Raising Kanan role with no formal training—just natural ability and timing.

Despite never planning to be typecast, Joey always knew he could convincingly play a street-savvy character. He intentionally took on roles in Mr. Robot and Two Distant Strangers before accepting the Kanan role, building a résumé that showcased his range. “I already knew I’d be a remarkable gangster on TV,” he admitted, “but I didn’t want people to think that’s all I could do.” His instincts paid off—he delivered a performance that felt effortless yet grounded in the reality he grew up around. For Joey, acting isn't a pivot; it’s an extension of the same artistry that made him a force in hip-hop.

The State of Hip-Hop Today

When asked about the current state of hip-hop, Joey kept it honest but hopeful. He acknowledged the genre’s ever-evolving landscape and emphasized the importance of preserving its competitive spirit. Reflecting on the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake battle, Joey praised the moment for bringing lyricism and bar-for-bar engagement back into the spotlight. “There was a lot being fought for in that battle,” he said, suggesting that it wasn’t just about who had the better diss track, but about the tension between underground and mainstream, substance and style.

Joey made it clear that while he respects all artists, his mission is to “keep the spirit alive.” He positions himself as a bridge between generations—aligned with both the OGs and the newer wave. As he put it, “When J. Cole said he was the middle child, I really felt that.” Rather than sit back and critique, Joey aims to contribute. Whether through his own music, collaboration, or leadership, he’s focused on pushing hip-hop forward, honoring its roots while carving out space for innovation.

Passing the Torch and the Problem with Ego

One of the most nuanced parts of the conversation came when Joey and the hosts debated whether OGs in the industry are doing enough to support younger artists. Joey believes there's been a lack of true mentorship in hip-hop—a hesitance from older generations to uplift new talent unless it benefits them directly. “It wasn’t enough passing of the guard,” he said, pointing to how some veterans may withhold support out of fear that they’ll be replaced or made irrelevant.

Gillie and Wallo pushed back, offering the reality that not everyone can afford to lose their spot. Whether it's a DJ with limited time slots or an executive at a major label, those in power often protect their position because it feeds their family. Joey acknowledged that truth but called for a broader, collective mindset. “Just because you shine your light on somebody else doesn’t mean you compromise your own,” he said. The conversation revealed the tension between individual survival and collective growth—a challenge that remains deeply embedded in hip-hop culture.

Rhyme as Rivalry: Joey vs. Everybody

One thing Joey Bada$$ made clear is that he’s not afraid of competition—in fact, he welcomes it. He described his recent lyrical run-ins with TDE affiliates and other rappers as part of the sport. “This ain’t about Kendrick. That’s the homie,” he clarified. “But Joey feels like he the one.” The tone wasn’t rooted in disrespect—it was about lyrical excellence, hip-hop pride, and the desire to be recognized among the greats.

Referencing the classic nature of battles like Jay-Z vs. Nas and KRS-One vs. MC Shan, Joey described today’s rap beefs as often escalating beyond bars. But he still sees space for friendly fire: “If we get on the track together, even if we cool, I’m trying to cook you.” For him, lyrical warfare is a way to sharpen the blade and elevate the culture. And when it came to feedback, Joey wasn’t shy about giving props—he specifically praised Daylyt for his pen game. But make no mistake: Joey kept the gloves on, even when others took theirs off. “It’s about the love of the game,” he said. “I just want to dunk on anybody.”

Building a Legacy Beyond Music

Beyond rap and acting, Joey Bada$$ is laying the groundwork for a lasting legacy. One of his proudest achievements is his Impact Mentorship program, which offers free professional guidance for young men of color across industries like music, TV/film, culinary arts and sports. With mentors like Stefon Diggs and Chef Wami involved, the program provides real access—something Joey wishes he had more of coming up. “We’re trying to make sure the next generation has what we didn’t,” he said.

Joey also emphasized the importance of ownership and partnerships in today’s music industry. “These labels can’t help you—they can only assist once you already got motion,” he said. Instead of traditional deals, he encourages artists to build leverage and pursue partnerships where both sides win. That mentality extends to his film work too; he’s started his own production company and has his sights set on directing, aiming to bring back the energy of the Black film renaissance of the ’90s. For Joey, it’s not just about stacking accomplishments—it’s about reshaping what success looks like for the next generation.