Review: Joey Bada$$ – 1999 (Mixtape)

Posted on June 15, 2012 by Textbook

If you don’t already know who Joey Bada$$ is, I suggest find out quickly. The 17-year-old Brooklyn native has serious flow and knack for rap. Talent that is most noticeable on his debut mixtape, 1999.

So, his first official project is now out, and man is it impressive. Since making a name for himself with “Survival Tactics,” Joey Bada$$ has continued to put in work and show his worth. There is no doubt about it, Joey Bada$$ can spit bars.

As expected, 1999 is full of lyrical joints that are catchy and rhythmical. The mixtape is 15 tracks long, featuring fellow Pro.Era members to add some variety to the content.

The tracks that headline the mixtape, in my opinion, are the two Capital STEEZ-assisted tracks ”Survival Tactics” and “Kulluminati,” as well as “Hardknock” featuring CJ Fly and “World Domination.” That said, the majority of the tracks on 1999 are dope.

From a production standpoint, this mixtape is full of impressive beats. MF Doom and Lord Finesse have produced several tracks on the mixtape, and even beats from the late J Dilla are present. Enough said.

Much like fellow New Yorker, A$AP Rocky, and MMG’s Meek Mill (who are both set to drop their debut albums later this year), Joey Bada$$ clearly has an extremely bright future ahead of himself. 1999 begins what will surly be a long and successful career for him.

Rating: 8/10

Download: Joey Bada$$ – 1999 (Mixtape)