Joey Badass went live on Instagram on Tuesday, July 29th, to announce that his album is not dropping Friday as originally planned. He apologized to his fans, saying he felt embarrassed, and that he never would have announced the date if he knew that this would happen, explaining that the label has “greenlit” him on the date.
He said that despite his failure to meet deadlines in the past, that this time it is “the label’s fault”.
He is currently signed with Columbia Records.
In the 11 minute 37 second video, he said a mouthful:
“Columbia Records, yall got until Monday to straighten up. And if yall don’t straighten up, then yo, …I’m dropping this whole project on YouTube and I don’t give a f***.
We starting a petition.. Free Joey, because this sh** is gettin’ outta hand.
He said that “a lot goes on behind the scenes in the music industry” that artists have to deal with and said artists should stay independent if they don’t need “the bag” that labels throw them:
“…F** Columbia Records
F yall n****s
It’s lonely at the top bro, it’s really lonely at the top bro.
At this point I feel like it’s me versis everybody and I ain’t backing down for nothin’.
Unfortunately the project is not coming out August 1st. I’m sorry. It’s not my fault. I did everything I could do, in my power.
I was greenlit. I would have never gave yall that date if I knew it wasn’t going to happen.
Really really think it through when these labels approach yall. At this point, I would just say stay independent if you could. If you don’t absolutely need the f***in bag that they throwing you bro, stick it out bro. Because I promise in the long run the sh** will be — you’ll be much better off…”
I wish labels was like the NBA. I wish I could request a trade right now.
Columbia Records ain’t it. We starting a petition. It’s f*** them, it’s Free Joey…”
*** UPDATE ***
On Friday, August 15th, Joey Badass dropped a new single from his highly anticipated upcoming album, ‘Lonely at The Top’.
The single is called “Dark Aura”, and it has a very nostalgic 90’s Hip-Hop vibe that his fans are loving.
We placed “Dark Aura” on our HomeBase Radio Spotify playlists: “Hip Hop” and “Hip Hop Heads Def On Repeat”.
He also announced his new album release date: August 29th. Stay tuned for it and check out the music video to “Dark Aura” below:
Revisions:
8/19/25: Updated to include new release date
