Joey Badass All-Amerikkkan Bada$$ (Gatefold LP Jacket, Download Insert) (2 Lp's)

On his sophomore effort, All-Amerikkkan Bada$$, Brooklyn MC Joey Bada$$ continues to honor the golden era legacy of his forebears, while making a major leap in lyrical prowess that takes aim at the ills and injustices in America. Similar to equally politicized releases from the likes of contemporaries Vince Staples, Nick Grant, and Kendrick Lamar, Bada$$ tackles police violence, institutionalized racism, and Donald Trump, while maintaining hope and tempered optimism for the future ("Land of the Free" and "Devastated" are standouts). There's a lot to unpack here, which makes All-Amerikkkan Bada$$ an involved and rewarding listen. Powerful, relevant, urgent, and mature, his anger and frustration bleed into the delivery of every dense bar. On "For My People," he asks "Who will take a stand and be our hero?," while on "Temptation" he begs "Tell me Lord can you help me/I said Lord can you help me?" With production by DJ Khalil, 1-900, Kirk Knight, Statik Selektah, and more, All-Amerikkkan B