Joey Bada$$ Goes Off on Columbia Records for Delaying His Album

Joey Bada$$ is fed up — and this time, his frustration is aimed directly at his label, Columbia Records. The Brooklyn rapper and Raising Kanan star hopped on Instagram with a profanity-filled rant, accusing Columbia of intentionally stalling his long-awaited album, Lonely at the Top.

According to Joey, the project has been finished for over a month — and the delay has nothing to do with sample clearance, features, or conflicting release dates. He says the problem is entirely with Columbia.

“I’m signed to Columbia Records, but for the longest time I just ain’t been f*ing with them. All they do is get in my way.”

Joey admitted he jumped the gun by announcing an August 1st release date, explaining that he was tired of waiting around. But now, he’s forced to break the bad news to fans:

“The album is not dropping Aug. 1st. I’m fing sorry. I’m ashamed. I’m disappointed. This time it’s not my fault… The label pushed my st back.”*

Visibly angry, Joey even threw up an obscene gesture toward Columbia, making it crystal clear where he stands. He also revealed that all his recent music has been released independently on YouTube to avoid label interference.

“I’m way too f*ing independent-minded and self-sufficient to sit around and wait for people who are not getting in line with the vision.”

As for a new release date? Joey says don’t hold your breath.

“At this moment in time, I can’t even give y’all a date. This is such a bad representation of the new energy I’m on.”

Fans are now wondering if Lonely at the Top will even drop this year — or if Joey will find a way to bypass Columbia completely.