In a recent interview with Red Bull, Joey Badass opened up about his connections to legendary New York rappers Jay-Z and 50 Cent. The artist, signed to Columbia Records, revealed that he had the chance to join Jay-Z’s Roc Nation in the 2010s, but ultimately decided against it. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, he shared, “I didn’t necessarily opt to go the indie route; it was a chain of communication that I didn’t have any part in.”
At just 17 years old, Joey considered the opportunity to sign with Jay-Z, whom he called his favorite rapper, to be a “dream” and “the highest honor you can have.” He recounted that Jay-Z initially wanted to manage him rather than sign him as an artist, a situation that led to some confusion. Joey expressed curiosity about how things might have unfolded had he signed with Roc Nation.
In addition to Jay-Z, Joey found mentorship from 50 Cent, who produces the Starz series “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” in which Joey stars. He described 50 as “a very interesting individual,” noting that he was surprised by the depth of 50 Cent’s intelligence and perspective. Joey remarked, “He reminds me a lot of myself, like how he thinks,” highlighting the connection they share in their creative approaches.
In previous discussions, such as his 2016 appearance on Sirius XM’s Shade 45, Joey has drawn parallels between his ambitions and Jay-Z’s early experiences, emphasizing the mindset of striving to become a leader in the industry rather than just another artist under someone else’s label.
This reflection showcases the rich tapestry of influences in Joey Badass’s career and underlines the supportive network of iconic figures in the hip-hop community that can shape the journeys of emerging artists. With both Jay-Z and 50 Cent’s guidance, Joey continues to carve out his niche in the music world, combining his unique style with the wisdom gained from these legends.