The Real Story Behind Joey Bada$$'s 'My Town': 5 Shocking Facts About The Cross-Coast Diss Track
Joey Bada$$’s track "My Town," featuring the legendary battle rapper Loaded Lux, has cemented itself as one of the most significant and aggressive hip-hop releases of the past year, reigniting the classic East Coast versus West Coast lyrical battle for a new generation. This song, which dropped in mid-2024, is far more than just a celebratory New York anthem; it is a meticulously crafted diss track that serves as the centerpiece of a high-stakes, cross-country rap feud, demonstrating that the Brooklyn lyricist’s pen game is sharper than ever. The track’s intense energy and unapologetic regional pride have made it a viral moment, forcing a conversation about lyrical prowess and the state of the genre today.
The immediate buzz surrounding "My Town" stems directly from its context as a direct response in a heated lyrical exchange, primarily aimed at West Coast rappers like Daylyt and Ray Vaughn. Released as a powerful counter-strike, the song leveraged a classic New York sound, courtesy of Pro Era’s own Kirk Knight, to deliver a scathing, authoritative message. The inclusion of Harlem's Loaded Lux, a master of battle rap, added an undeniable layer of gravity and authenticity, ensuring the track would be dissected and celebrated by hip-hop purists across the globe.
Joey Bada$$: Biography, Profile, and The Pro Era Foundation
Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott, known professionally as Joey Bada$$, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor. He has been a pivotal figure in the resurgence of boom-bap and conscious hip-hop since his emergence in the early 2010s.
- Full Name: Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott
- Born: January 20, 1995
- Hometown: Brooklyn, New York City, New York
- Collective/Crew: Pro Era (Progressive Era)
- Record Label: Pro Era Records, Cinematic Music Group, Columbia Records
- Debut Mixtape: *1999* (2012)
- Debut Studio Album: *B4.Da.$$* (2015)
- Key Albums: *B4.Da.$$, ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$, 2000*
- Acting Roles: Known for his role as Leon in the TV series *Mr. Robot* and Unique in *Power Book III: Raising Kanan*.
- Upcoming Project: *Lonely At The Top* (Expected 2025)
Joey Bada$$ rose to prominence as a founding member of the hip-hop collective Pro Era, which also includes artists and producers like Capital Steez (R.I.P.), Kirk Knight, CJ Fly, and Nyck Caution. The collective is celebrated for its dedication to the classic sound of 1990s New York hip-hop, blending complex lyricism with soulful, sample-heavy production.
The Explosive Context: Unpacking the West Coast Beef That Sparked "My Town"
The creation and release of "My Town" cannot be separated from the intense, multi-front rap beef that dominated hip-hop headlines in the months leading up to its drop. This feud was a high-profile, lyrical battle that saw the East Coast’s Joey Bada$$ take on a contingent of West Coast MCs, most notably Daylyt and Ray Vaughn.
The Origin of the Lyrical War
The conflict escalated following a cypher performance where Joey Bada$$ made comments perceived by some West Coast artists as a challenge to their region's lyrical dominance. This sparked a series of back-and-forth diss tracks. Ray Vaughn, an artist from the West Coast, was one of the first to fire back with tracks like "Hoe Era" (a play on Joey's Pro Era collective) and "Crashout Heritage," directly challenging the New York MC’s legacy and crew.
The battle intensified with the involvement of battle rap legend Daylyt, who released several responses, including "Hiyu" and "Backpack." The beef soon drew in other prominent names, including REASON, who released the track "The Dead Apple," further complicating the lyrical chess match. This flurry of diss records set the stage for Joey Bada$$’s calculated and heavy-hitting response.
When Joey Bada$$ dropped "My Town," it was a clear statement that he was not only participating but was intent on ending the conversation on his terms. He had previously released other tracks in the beef, such as “THE FINALS,” but "My Town" was a definitive, high-caliber response designed to leave no room for doubt about his lyrical superiority and his commitment to the East Coast legacy.
The Lyrical Breakdown: Loaded Lux, Kirk Knight, and New York Pride
"My Town" is a masterclass in modern boom-bap, weaving together a potent mix of regional pride, sharp disses, and classic hip-hop production. The track’s success lies in the synergy between Joey Bada$$’s focused aggression and the contributions of his collaborators.
The Loaded Lux Feature
The decision to feature Loaded Lux was a strategic stroke of genius. Loaded Lux, a Harlem native and one of the most respected battle rappers in history, brings an unparalleled level of lyrical complexity and street credibility to the track. His verse is a clinic in wordplay, intricate rhyme schemes, and authoritative delivery, effectively co-signing Joey’s position and doubling down on the East Coast’s challenge. The collaboration transformed the track from a solo response into a regional declaration.
Kirk Knight's Production Excellence
The beat for "My Town" was handled by Pro Era’s in-house producer, Kirk Knight. Known for his work across the collective’s discography, Kirk Knight delivered a gritty, soulful, and hard-hitting instrumental that perfectly channels the raw energy of classic New York hip-hop. The production is characterized by a dusty, looped sample and heavy drums, providing the ideal sonic backdrop for the lyrical warfare. This internal collaboration reinforces the strength and self-sufficiency of the Pro Era movement.
A Celebration of New York Hip-Hop
Beyond the disses aimed at Daylyt, Ray Vaughn, and Az Chike, the core of "My Town" is an undeniable celebration of Joey’s roots. The song is saturated with references to New York City’s rich hip-hop history, shouting out legends like The Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z, and painting a vivid picture of the culture that shaped him in Brooklyn. This dual nature—part diss track, part cultural anthem—is what gives "My Town" its lasting power, as it taps into the deep well of regional pride that has always fueled hip-hop’s greatest moments.
"My Town" in the Context of Joey Bada$$'s Discography and Future
The release of "My Town" serves as a powerful reminder of Joey Bada$$’s lyrical commitment, a trait that has defined his career since his breakout mixtape, *1999*. His subsequent albums, including *B4.Da.$$* and the politically charged *ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$,* have consistently showcased his ability to blend social commentary with intricate rhyme structures.
The track also builds anticipation for his upcoming fifth studio album, *Lonely At The Top*, which is currently slated for a 2025 release. By dropping a high-profile, lyrically dense track like "My Town," Joey Bada$$ has effectively kept his name at the forefront of the hip-hop conversation, proving that he remains a dominant force in the scene. The song demonstrates that his focus on pure lyricism and authentic hip-hop culture is unwavering, setting a high bar for the quality and intensity expected on his next major project. The entire episode serves as a modern-day testament to the importance of the cipher and the competitive spirit that drives the genre forward.
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