Joey Bada$$ has made his official return, dropping his newest full-length solo album, Lonely At The Top. The 11-track project is the Brooklyn rapper’s first since 2022’s 2000 and features a star-studded and eclectic lineup of guest appearances.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Joey explained the creative process behind the new record, revealing that it began with the raw energy of a mixtape. “Made this album in under 6 months in the spirit of a mixtape. Really just wanted to get some raps off and feed the core, nothing more,” he wrote. “But in the process, I felt the need to give it some more experimentation and some introspection.”
Kaytranada Returns to His Dance Roots on New Album ‘AIN’T NO DAMN WAY!’
He also shared his philosophy on the album’s concise length, which clocks in at approximately 40 minutes. “Only 11 tracks because I believe in easy listens and projects that can be consumed in under 40 min,” he explained, adding that there is “something for everybody on there. Every type of fan of mine.”
The album’s guest list is a testament to its wide-ranging sound. It includes appearances from fellow New York rappers like A$AP Ferg, RomeStreetz, KaiCah, and CJ Fly, as well as the unmistakable ad-libs of Westside Gunn. The project also features West Coast lyricist Ab-Soul, R&B heavyweight Ty Dolla $ign, and acclaimed rapper Rapsody, among others.
Lonely At The Top is a confident and welcome return from one of modern hip hop’s most respected lyricists, blending raw rap energy with thoughtful introspection and a massive list of collaborators.
