Joey Bada$$ – The Ruler’s Back

Joey Bada$$ rang in the new year with a fiery new freestyle, “The Ruler’s Back,” sparking speculation about possible subliminal shots at Kendrick Lamar. The Brooklyn rapper appears ready to reclaim the spotlight for East Coast hip-hop after a year dominated by West Coast artists. The freestyle’s title pays homage to NYC legends Jay-Z and Slick Rick, highlighting Joey’s reverence for hip-hop history. Notably, Jay-Z’s track of the same name was originally inspired by Slick Rick’s iconic album, cementing its significance in the culture.