Joey Bada$$

Joey Bada$$, born Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott, is a critically acclaimed rapper, actor, and entrepreneur. He emerged as a fresh voice in hip-hop during the early 2010s, known for his lyrical depth and revival of 1990s boom-bap sound. Bada$$ first gained widespread attention with his 2012 mixtape, 1999, released at just 17 years old. The project, featuring tracks like "Survival Tactics" and "Waves," showcased his raw talent and drew comparisons to hip-hop legends such as Nas and The Notorious B.I.G.

A founding member of the Pro Era collective, Bada$$ helped bring underground New York rap back into the mainstream. His debut studio album B4.Da.$$ debuted at number five on the Billboard 200 in 2015 and included standout tracks like "Paper Trail$" and "Like Me." Subsequent albums, including ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$ and 2000, saw him addressing themes of social justice, systemic oppression, and racial inequality, solidifying his role as a socially conscious artist in modern hip-hop.

Additionally, Bada$$ has performed as an actor playing prominent roles in series like "Mr. Robot," "Boomerang" and "Power Book III: Raising Kanan." His acting work complements his music, often reflecting his interest in storytelling and exploring the human experience.

Bada$$ is also an advocate for mental health awareness and community empowerment, using his platform to inspire and uplift young people.