63. Joey Bada$$ - “DEVASTATED”

Joey BadA$$ released my favorite Hip-Hop album of 2017. It was a giant leap for him as an artist, evolving out of the indiscernible ranks of his peers to elevate himself to a level all of his own. It’s an album steeped in thought and intellectualism, propelled by evolution and introspection and yet entirely accessible. It was one of the first complete and compelling works of art to emerge after the 2016 election, providing the artistic yang that is so necessary when the politics and actions of the world and those in power lead to an overwhelming and pervasive sense of yin.

Many of the songs on the album are incisive and piercing attacks against privilege, the status quo, and systemic racism and inequality. It’s a take down of America, or rather a call to action, a desperate plea for America to recognize the pain it causes and the ways in which it tarnishes its potential beauty by refusing to acknowledge and correct its faults.

It’s an album full of honesty and pain. However, amidst the onslaught of Joey’s elucidating anger lies this gem. I’ve spoken before of Hip-Hop’s dual spirit , almost as if the genre has its own inevitable yin and yang – one that is celebratory and another that is expository. Although the album as a whole is expository, this jam right here is about as celebratory as it gets. It captures the joy and ecstasy of climbing out of poverty, depression, and hopelessness, of somehow emerging against all odds to accomplish the unthinkable. It’s a testament to the power of patience and belief, but most of all resiliency. Joey won’t be silenced, and America is the better for it.