Joey Bada$$ Reignites the East Coast vs. West Coast Debate with “Sorry Not Sorry“
A Brooklynite’s Battle Cry: Joey Bada$$ Drops “Sorry Not Sorry“
Joey Bada$$, the Brooklyn-born rapper known for his sharp lyricism, has ignited a firestorm with his latest release, “Sorry Not Sorry.”
Dropped on January 20th, 2025, coinciding with his 30th birthday, the track is a potent cocktail of classic New York hip-hop and lyrical warfare.
Produced by Conductor Williams and Mario Luciano, “Sorry Not Sorry” pulsates with the energy of the concrete jungle.
Abstract jazz instrumentals and a subversive drum-set beat create a soundscape that perfectly complements Joey Bada$$’s signature flow.
The song is a declaration of dominance, with Joey Bada$$ reigniting the age-old East Coast vs. West Coast debate.
He doesn’t hold back, taking aim at both the lyrical titans of the West Coast and a more unexpected target – J. Cole.
A particularly charged line references J. Cole’s controversial decision to remove his Kendrick Lamar diss track “7 Minute Drill” from streaming platforms. Joey Bada$$ raps, “Might delete later, I know damn sure that Joey won’t/F**k it, I want all the smoke!”
This line is a clear critique of Cole’s perceived retreat, further fueling the flames of the lyrical battle.
“Sorry Not Sorry” follows on the heels of Joey Bada$$’s earlier 2025 release “The Ruler’s Back,” which sparked controversy for its critique of the excessive praise showered upon West Coast rappers.
This latest track maintains that confrontational energy, showcasing Joey Bada$$’s unwavering stance and his willingness to engage in lyrical warfare.
The accompanying music video, directed by Waqas Ghani, is a visual extension of the song’s fiery energy.
“Sorry Not Sorry” and its accompanying visuals have sparked a firestorm of discussion within the hip-hop community.
Fans and critics are dissecting Joey Bada$$’s lyrical jabs, debating his position in the current rap landscape, and eagerly anticipating his next move in this self-proclaimed lyrical war.
Quotable Lyrics:
They f**ked around, woke up the starseed from Marcy
Not the projects but them Brooklyn streets where my heart beat
51 Hart Street, 193 Vernon Avenue
Ni**as Wit Attitude mad I’m bigging up my city, that’s something I had to do
Do or die, home of the gully where we let lead fly (Boom)
2025 on my bully, I know that men lie (Yeah)
Women lie but Joey don’t (Uh)
Might Deletе Later, I know damn sure that Joey won’t
F**k it, I want all thе smoke (Yeah), put my credit on the line
‘Cause ni**as can’t f**k with me, we talkin’ ’bout it line for line
The audacity of this ni**a, he must be out his mind
