Stripped-back lyrics underline sparse identity on new song which features 2025 single, The Ruler’s Back.
Beginning the year with The Ruler’s Back, Joey Badass (real name Jo-Vaughn Scott) has released a brace of new music. This most recent delivery, Pardon Me, which includes his New Year’s drop.
The production takes a retrospective approach, reminiscent of his lauded past work, though the intensity of its lyrical construction leaves much to be desired.
What Pardon Me Sounds Like
In today’s reveal, his penmanship is average at best, with a foray of attempts that suggest things may have gone to his head.
It holds an introspective approach, dabbling in cyphers that check opponents without saying much at all.
READ MORE: Joey Badass’ New Album Delayed as He Blames His Label
Stylistically, it’s all Joey, though it sounds like watching prodigy Neo trying to hit an agent for the first time, and not landing as expected. It’s worth keeping an eye on, as he’s heading in the right direction; I just hope the album is worth waiting for.
Featuring production that is quintessentially plush hip-hop, The Heatmakerz have fused together samples for a sonically pleasing track.
Verdict
On his January track, where he takes shots at J.Cole, there is little to be impressed by. The sparks just don’t fly, and at best, he’s firing off a signal flare instead of a weapon. While the beat is fire, it’s not a porous song, but it’s certainly not his best. The rapper has been known to commercially pull off works of an indelible nature, so don’t be surprised if he flips 180.
Where to Stream It
The original publication was not available upon its publication, but it is now accessible through this EP on platforms that include, Apple Music, Spotify and more. It’s worth keeping an eye on his store for potential CD and vinyl drops.
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