Joey Bada$$ Talks Industry Politics, Ownership and Legacy on The Breakfast Club

Joey Bada$$ stopped by The Breakfast Club to give a clear-eyed take on where he stands in his career more than ten years after his debut. With a calm, focused presence, the Brooklyn-born rapper touched on everything from label politics to personal evolution. Known for his thoughtful delivery and lyrical content, Joey took the moment to remind listeners that he's not only a rapper but a businessman, an actor and an artist with a broader vision. As he enters his second decade in music, he made it clear that every move he makes is intentional and built for the long haul.

When asked how he balances the many roles he plays in the industry, Joey explained that it all comes down to pacing and purpose. "I'm in control of my schedule now," he said, noting that creative freedom has been key to maintaining his sanity and his standards. He credits this to his early decision to stay independent, even as major labels circled around him when his buzz first started building. That freedom has allowed him to grow without being boxed in by traditional expectations. Joey stressed the importance of having the ability to take breaks when needed and return to the work refreshed.

"I came in with a strong sense of who I was," Joey said. "That saved me." It's that self-awareness that has helped him navigate a decade in a business known for eating its young. While he admits that staying independent comes with financial and logistical challenges, he believes the long term benefits have outweighed the short term setbacks. The infrastructure he's built for himself is paying dividends, not just in music but across his various creative ventures. His approach serves as a blueprint for artists looking to sustain rather than chase momentary success.

This approach also protects his vision. Joey believes too many artists fall victim to the industry's fast paced demands, losing their creative essence along the way. By setting boundaries and creating on his own terms, he's managed to evolve while staying grounded. It is not just about dropping music. It is about building legacy. Joey Bada$$ is playing the long game, and he wants people to know that.

Industry Politics and the Fight for Ownership

Joey did not hold back when the conversation turned to industry politics and the lack of artist ownership. He criticized what he described as predatory practices still deeply embedded in the music business. While discussing his own path, he pointed to the importance of artists being educated about their contracts and intellectual property. His insights were not just cautionary. They were practical and firm, encouraging younger artists to think beyond the hype.

"They will sell you the dream, but the reality is, most of these deals come with a cost," he said. He emphasized that many new artists are rushed into signing with no real understanding of what they are giving up. Joey mentioned that his early crew, Pro Era, modeled their approach on building infrastructure first before running toward fame. That patient strategy is something he wishes more artists would adopt today.

He also spoke on the importance of Black ownership within the entertainment space. "Hip hop is ours, but we do not own enough of it," he stated firmly. Joey mentioned examples like Master P and Nipsey Hussle as guiding lights in understanding how ownership builds legacy, not just visibility. He believes financial literacy and mentorship need to be a bigger part of the conversation in hip hop spaces.

This emphasis on ownership connects to Joey’s own business moves. From acting to partnerships, he has been strategic about ensuring he retains equity in the things he creates. His approach is rooted in self respect and the belief that Black creators should benefit fully from the culture they help shape. It is a message that continues to resonate, especially as more artists push for fairer terms.

Speaking on Mental Health and Growth

Another key moment in the interview came when Joey discussed his mental health journey. The rapper opened up about going through a dark period, especially after the deaths of close friends including Capital Steez. He said therapy and self work have helped him cope with the pressures that come with his lifestyle. It was a vulnerable moment that grounded the conversation and offered deeper insight into his evolution.

"There was a time when I did not want to do anything, not music, not acting, nothing," he admitted. But stepping back helped him find clarity and renewed energy for his craft. Joey urged listeners, especially young Black men, to take their mental health seriously and not wait until they are deep in crisis. He shared that being open about his struggles has helped him build stronger relationships and deeper music.

He also acknowledged how his experience in therapy has translated into his music. "I started writing differently," he said. "Not just bars, but truths." That vulnerability, he believes, has made his work more relatable to fans who are also navigating pain, loss and identity. Joey’s recent releases showcase this emotional depth and a willingness to go where many rappers still hesitate.

Mental health is now part of Joey’s message. He sees it as a necessary component of overall wellness, especially in an industry that thrives on pressure and performance. By being transparent, he hopes to break stigmas and normalize therapy in Black communities. His honesty in the interview reminded fans that even strong voices need support too.

Acting, Awards and the Hollywood Hustle

Joey’s growing profile as an actor was another topic of conversation. After winning acclaim for his role in Two Distant Strangers, which won an Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film in 2021, Joey said he is taking the acting world more seriously. "I did not expect to fall in love with it the way I did," he shared. Acting, he explained, brings him a different sense of creative satisfaction than music does.

Though he made his name in hip hop, Joey said acting offers a different kind of creative satisfaction. It is a discipline, he explained, that forces you to be present and vulnerable in a new way. He added that many of the lessons from acting have informed how he approaches music today. Stepping into different characters has helped him stretch emotionally and artistically.

Still, Joey admitted that navigating Hollywood comes with its own set of challenges. As a Black actor and rapper, he sometimes faces typecasting or assumptions about his range. "I want roles that show the complexity of who we are," he said. "We are not just one thing." He hopes that his career can help expand the perception of Black men in media.

Looking ahead, Joey plans to pursue more film and television opportunities. He hinted at upcoming projects but kept details under wraps. His ambition is clear. He wants to become a respected name in both industries. The same intentionality that guides his music career is now shaping his path in Hollywood.

The State of Hip Hop Today

Joey did not shy away from giving his opinion on today’s hip hop landscape. While he made it clear that he respects young artists, he voiced concerns about the lack of balance in mainstream rap. "We need more variety, more depth," he said. "There is room for party records, but there is also gotta be room for reflection." He emphasized that both sides of the spectrum deserve to be heard.

He pointed out how platforms and algorithms often prioritize fast content over thoughtful music. That makes it harder for lyricists and storytellers to break through unless they already have a strong base. Joey sees this as a byproduct of the industry’s shift toward attention economy tactics rather than artistic development. He believes it is a systemic issue that needs to be addressed across the board.

Still, he is optimistic. "The culture always corrects itself," he said. Joey noted that with more artists pushing for ownership and independence, the space is slowly changing. He believes hip hop is headed into a new era where creative control and message will matter more than viral moments. The future, in his eyes, is being written by those who prioritize intention over trend.

He also praised emerging artists who are carving their own lanes. Joey cited a few names he is watching and said he is excited about what the next generation brings. However, he also reminded listeners that history and context matter. "You cannot know where you are going if you do not know where it came from," he said.

Upcoming Work and What’s Next

While Joey did not reveal an exact release date, he confirmed that new music is on the way. He said he is been in the studio crafting a project that reflects both where he is now and where he wants to go artistically. "It is some of my most personal work," he hinted. Fans can expect something deeper, more intentional and reflective of his current mindset.

He also shared that he is working on a few film and TV projects, including one that is currently in development. Though he could not drop names yet, he teased that the project would reflect the same authenticity and depth fans have come to expect from him. His role behind the scenes is growing, and he is excited about contributing as both an actor and a producer.

Joey made it clear that his next moves are all about intentionality. Whether it is music, film or advocacy, he wants his work to be a reflection of growth and truth. "I am building something that lasts," he said. "That is the mission." For Joey, longevity is not just about staying visible. It is about evolving with purpose.

In his closing comments, Joey expressed gratitude for the support he is received throughout his career. He acknowledged his team, his fans and his mentors who helped guide him. As he enters this new phase, he wants to make sure everything he touches carries weight. The work is no longer just about proving himself. It is about building for others.

Legacy and Final Thoughts

As the interview wrapped, Joey reflected on the legacy he is building. "I want to be remembered as someone who stayed real," he said. Not just in music, but in how he treated people and used his platform. He stressed the importance of using success to open doors for others. For Joey, legacy is tied to service, not just accolades.

"This is not just about me," he said. "It is about the next generation coming up behind me." He credited the community around him, including fans and peers, for keeping him grounded and focused. His work, he says, is a tribute to everyone who helped him stay the course when things got tough. That sense of community still shapes his decisions today.

The interview served as a reminder that Joey Bada$$ is more than just a rapper from Brooklyn. He is an evolving artist, a vocal advocate for ownership and mental health, and someone who has managed to maintain authenticity in an industry often driven by trends. And if his words are any indication, the next chapter of his career will be even more intentional than the last.

With a foundation built on purpose and principle, Joey is positioning himself as a multidimensional force in music and beyond. His path shows that you do not have to compromise to succeed. For fans and fellow artists alike, Joey Bada$$ continues to stand as proof that longevity is possible when you know who you are and refuse to settle for less.