Joey Bada$$ Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)

Diving into the discography of an artist like Joey Bada$$ always starts a conversation.

His catalog is a journey through modern boom-bap, political commentary, and personal growth. It makes any attempt to create a definitive list a challenge.

That's why this breakdown of Joey Bada$$ albums ranked is guided by fan sentiment. We're looking at which records have resonated most deeply within the community to determine the best Joey Bada$$ album.

Later, we'll see how streaming data tells a different story.

Ranking Joey Bada$$'s albums: The fan favorites

Here's how the albums stack up based on fan sentiment, community discussions, and overall buzz.

We're starting with the most beloved.

1. 1999 (2012)

This is the debut mixtape that put a teenage Joey Bada$$ on the map.

Released in 2012, 1999 is a powerful tribute to the golden age of 90s East Coast hip hop. The production is rooted in classic boom-bap sounds.

The project features an incredible lineup of producers, including legends like Lord Finesse, MF DOOM, and J Dilla, alongside Pro Era members.

1999 was met with widespread critical acclaim and is widely considered his breakthrough project.

Key tracks:

• Righteous Minds
• Survival Tactics

It's no surprise to see 1999 clinch the top spot. For many, this mixtape is the quintessential Joey Bada$$ experience.

The raw talent and nostalgic production captured a moment perfectly, making it an undeniable fan favorite that still feels fresh today.

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2. ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$ (2017)

Joey Bada$$'s second studio album marked a significant shift in his artistic focus.

Released in 2017, the album delves deep into political and social commentary, reflecting on the state of America.

It features notable guest appearances from Schoolboy Q, J. Cole, and Styles P, blending conscious themes with polished production.

The record received positive reviews and debuted at number five on the Billboard 200 chart.

Key tracks:

• TEMPTATION
• DEVASTATED

Holding the number two spot, ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$ is praised by fans for its maturity and bold message.

It demonstrated his growth beyond pure lyricism into a compelling and conscious artist, cementing his place as an important voice in modern hip-hop.

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3. B4.DA.$$ (2015)

Pronounced "Before Da Money," this is the official debut studio album from Joey Bada$$.

It was released on his 20th birthday in 2015, building on the foundation laid by his earlier mixtapes.

The album successfully bridged the gap between his nostalgic sound and a more contemporary feel, showcasing his lyrical prowess over varied production.

It debuted at number five on the Billboard 200, marking a major commercial milestone for the young artist.

Key tracks:

• Paper Trail$
• Christ Conscious

B4.DA.$$ is often seen by fans as a crucial step in Joey's evolution.

It proved he could deliver a cohesive and powerful studio album that lived up to the immense hype generated by his mixtapes.

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4. 2000 (2022)

Released as a spiritual successor to his breakout mixtape, 2000 arrived a decade after 1999.

The album reflects on Joey's journey, fame, and personal growth over the ten years since his debut.

It blends the classic boom-bap sound he's known for with modern sensibilities, featuring guests like Diddy, Westside Gunn, and JID.

Key tracks:

• Show Me
• Let It Breathe

Fans appreciate 2000 as a full-circle moment for the artist.

While it may not have the same raw, groundbreaking feel as its predecessor, it's a mature and well-crafted project that honors his roots while looking forward.

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5. Summer Knights (2013)

Summer Knights is the second mixtape from Joey Bada$$, released in 2013.

Originally planned as an EP, it was expanded into a full-length project to serve as a prelude to his debut album.

The mixtape features more original production than 1999, with contributions from MF DOOM, DJ Premier, and Statik Selektah.

Key tracks:

• Hilary $Wank
• 95 Till Infinity

This project is often viewed as a solid, if less iconic, follow-up to his explosive debut.

It contains some incredible lyrical moments and fan-favorite tracks, but it sometimes exists in the shadow of the monumental 1999.

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6. Lonely At The Top (2025)

Joey Bada$$'s latest album offers a look at his current artistic state.

The record continues to build on the themes of reflection and success that were present in his more recent work.

Key tracks:

• DARK AURA
• SWANK WHITE (feat. Westside Gunn)

As the newest release in his catalog, Lonely At The Top is still finding its long-term place among fans.

While it has standout moments, it currently sits here as listeners continue to absorb it and see how it holds up against his classic material.

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Picked your top Joey Bada$$ classic? Check out Joey Bada$$'s discography on their Roll The Record Artist hub.

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Joey Bada$$ albums: A look at popularity data

While fan sentiment paints a rich picture, current popularity data can offer another interesting angle.

This looks at an artist's discography through a different lens.

Below is a ranking of Joey Bada$$'s albums based on their popularity scores from available data. This reflects which releases are currently seeing significant engagement.

Popularity Rank	Album Title	Release Year
1	1999	2012
2	ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$	2017
3	B4.DA.$$	2015
4	2000	2022
5	Summer Knights	2013
6	Lonely At The Top	2025

Quick FAQs about Joey Bada$$'s albums

Q: Why was the mixtape 1999 re-released on streaming services years later?

A: The album was re-released in 2018. An uncleared sample on the track "Funky Ho's" had to be changed to allow it on digital services and vinyl.

Q: What is the Rejex mixtape?

A: In September 2012, Joey Bada$$ released Rejex. It's a collection of 14 tracks that didn't make the final cut for 1999.

That wraps up our deep look at Joey Bada$$'s albums ranked by the fans.

From the raw energy of his debut to the refined commentary of his later work, each album captures a different chapter of his story.

Ultimately, the best Joey Bada$$ album is the one that connects with you the most. What does your personal ranking of his albums look like?