Joey Bada$$

Joey Bada$$, born Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott, is an acclaimed rapper, actor, and entrepreneur known for his lyrical depth and dedication to reviving the essence of 1990s East Coast hip-hop. Rising to prominence with his debut mixtape 1999, Joey quickly established himself as one of the most talented voices in modern rap, blending introspective themes with sharp wordplay. As a founding member of the Pro Era collective, he has championed artistic collaboration and creative independence. Beyond music, Joey has ventured into acting, earning praise for his roles in projects like Mr. Robot and Power Book III: Raising Kanan. His multifaceted career and influence make him a respected figure in both music and film.

Joey Bada$$’s upbringing in Brooklyn, New York, laid the foundation for his passion for music and storytelling.

• Born Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott on January 20, 1995, in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, to a Jamaican father and St. Lucian mother, both of whom influenced his cultural identity.
• Grew up immersed in the diverse cultural and musical heritage of Brooklyn, which inspired his interest in hip-hop and shaped his artistic identity.
• Attended Edward R. Murrow High School, where he initially focused on acting before shifting his attention to music, channeling his creative talents into writing and performing.
• Began rapping under the moniker “JayOhVee” before adopting the name Joey Bada$$, reflecting his commitment to originality and self-expression.
• Co-founded the Pro Era collective in high school with friends, creating a supportive community for young artists to explore their craft.
• Released his breakout mixtape 1999 in 2012 at the age of 17, receiving widespread acclaim for its nostalgic sound and sophisticated lyricism, quickly gaining recognition in the hip-hop community.
• Drew inspiration from rap legends like Nas, MF DOOM, and Biggie Smalls, whose influence is evident in his classic yet innovative approach to music.

Joey Bada$$’s family background and upbringing have profoundly shaped his creative vision and his commitment to authenticity in his music.

• His father, originally from Jamaica, and his mother, from Saint Lucia, instilled in him a strong sense of pride in his heritage, which influences the cultural themes in his music.
• He is the cousin of Capital STEEZ, a fellow rapper and co-founder of the Pro Era collective, whose legacy continues to inspire Joey’s music and dedication to their shared vision.