Joey Bada$$ Sends a Bold Message to The West Coast With ‘The Ruler’s Back’

According to reports, Joey Bada$$ makes a powerful return with his latest track, “The Ruler’s Back,” delivering sharp lyrics aimed at the dominance of West Coast rap, which regained its place at the top in 2024. Against a backdrop of slick yet gritty beats from Conductor Williams and Mario Luciano, Joey critiques both fans and the media for their idolization of West Coast artists, carrying a fiery spirit from last year into the new year. He raps, “Too much West Coast dick lickin’ / I’m hearing n-ggas throwin’ rocks, really ain’t shit stickin’ / ‘Cause if we’re talking bar for bar, really it’s slim pickings / I rap like I draw pentagrams and kill chickens, n-gga / Fuck around with your soul like Ether, quick for a feature / This that black Air Force energy comin’ out your speaker.” Joey asserts his dominance over his hometown, confidently positioning himself as the new King of New York, a title once held by legends such as JAY-Z, Nas, and The Notorious B.I.G. He spits, “I’m back by popular demand and world domination / I’m finna bomb on n-ggas’ plans, fresh off my vacation / I was sitting back, watching from an eagle...