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Nice Kicks: How did your interest in hip-hop influence your interest in style?
Joey Bada$$: The word hip-hop is more than just a genre of music. The definition of hip-hop is a culture. When you represent hip-hop, you represent your style. Part of that style is trendy kicks and all of that. A lot of the music I listened to I can say definitely played a big part in that. With Wu-Tang and Raekwon repping his ‘lo sweaters and things like that, it represents the culture of it. That connects the two lanes.
Nice Kicks: Growing up, which rappers influenced your fashion sense?
Joey Bada$$: I never really admired any rapper’s style growing up. I guess you could say 2Pac and Jay Z when he was younger.
photo by LaVan AndersonNice Kicks: Readying your debut album, what was the first album you heard that made you want to rap?
Joey Bada$$: Ready to Die. Ready to Die and Reasonable Doubt. Michael Jackson’s Thriller, too.
Nice Kicks: What can you tell us about the new album, B4.DA.$$?
Joey Bada$$: It’s fire. I’m still working on it but I’m at a really amazing place. I’m gonna keep making it amazing. [Once] I feel like it’s complete, then I’ll start giving out more information. I don’t want to spoil it. I want the fans to get out and change the game.
Nice Kicks: You stated on Twitter that your album title itself is a triple entendre. Care to elaborate on that or share the triple meaning?
Joey Bada$$: I can’t tell you that. [Laughs] You won’t understand that one until you listen to it. You’ve gotta figure it out for yourself right there.
Keep up with Joey on IG and Twitter for updates on the release of B4.DA.$$, slated to drop later this year. Pro Era gear is available now here.
