Joey Bada$$ has expressed his frustration with Columbia Records regarding the unexpected delay of his highly anticipated album, Lonely at the Top. The rapper’s disappointment is palpable, as he feels that this setback has hindered his artistic expression and career momentum.
During a candid session on Instagram Live, the Brooklyn native did not hold back in discussing his challenging relationship with the record label, voicing his concerns openly.
He stated: “Shit goes back, it’s no joke. That’s why it’s lonely at the top, for real. Because it’s just you. My shit got pushed back because the label pushed my shit back. My album is signed, sealed, and delivered over a month ago. This ain’t because of no sample clearances, this ain’t because of no features, this ain’t because of no clashing with another artist on the date. This situation is an example of a label obstructing an artist’s progress. I’m signed to Columbia Records, but for the longest time, I just ain’t been fucking with them. All they do is get in my way. They really don’t fucking contribute to nothing. Especially this year, all of my releases have been on YouTube. It’s been that way because I ain’t got time to wait on nobody.”
Joey Bada$$’ new album is no longer dropping this week — he blames his label for the delay.
“I’m signed to Columbia Records, but for the longest time I just ain’t been f*cking with them.” pic.twitter.com/js9jpZIoTX
— Kurrco (@Kurrco) July 30, 2025
Columbia Records has yet to respond to Joey Bada$$‘s candid remarks regarding the delays.
This year, Joey has been particularly outspoken, engaging in verbal clashes with various artists from the West Coast, notably targeting Kendrick Lamar and Rey Vaughn. His recent diss track, “The Finals,” showcases his lyrical prowess and competitive spirit. In it, he raps: “I salute you Kenny but I know you well aware / You looking for some competition? Then just know that I’ll be right here.”
This track primarily targets TDE rapper Rey Vaughn, featuring sharp lines such as: “The way you let Dot dick sit in your mouth / This that same dick linkin’ I was talkin’ about / You n-ggas would do anything for the clout / Crash out over n-ggas who won’t even let you in they house / I bet you ain’t even got his number / It’s funny how the thirst is being disguised as hunger.”
The tension between Joey and the West Coast rap scene escalated when he released “The Ruler’s Back” in January. This track was particularly provocative, as he rapped: “Too much West Coast dick lickin’ / I’m hearing n-ggas throwin’ rocks, really ain’t shit stickin’ / ‘Cause if we’re talking bar for bar, really it’s slim pickings / I rap like I draw pentagrams and kill chickens, n-gga / Fuck around with your soul like Ether, quick for a feature / This that black Air Force energy comin’ out your speaker.”
