View source for B4.Da.$$

{{short description|2015 album by Joey Badass}}
{{Infobox album
| name         = B4.Da.$$
| type         = Studio
| artist       = [[Joey Badass]]
| cover        = Joey_Badass_B4.Da.$$.jpg
| alt          =
| released     = {{Start date|2015|01|20}}
| recorded     = 2012&ndash;2014
| venue        =
| studio       =
| genre        = {{hlist|[[East Coast hip hop]]|[[conscious hip hop]]}}
| length       = 53:26
| label        = {{flat list|
* [[Pro Era]]
* [[Cinematic Music Group|Cinematic]]
* [[Relentless Records|Relentless]]
* [[RED Distribution|RED]]
}}
| producer     = {{flat list|
* Joey Badass <small>([[Executive Producer#Music|exec.]])</small>
* [[Jonny Shipes]] <small>(exec.)</small>
* ASTR
* Basquiat
* Chuck Strangers
* [[DJ Premier]]
* Freddie Joachim
* [[Hit-Boy]]
* [[J Dilla]]
* [[Kirk Knight]]
* [[Lee Bannon]]
* [[The Roots]]
* [[Samiyam]]
* [[Statik Selektah]]
}}
| prev_title   = [[Summer Knights]]
| prev_year    = 2013
| next_title   = [[All-Amerikkkan Badass]]
| next_year    = 2017
| misc         = {{Singles
| name        = B4.Da.$$
| type        = Studio
| single1     = Big Dusty
| single1date = August 8, 2014
| single2     = [[Christ Conscious]]
| single2date = September 30, 2014
| single3     = No. 99
| single3date = December 9, 2014
| single4     = Curry Chicken
| single4date = December 23, 2014
| single5     = On & On
| single5date = December 30, 2014
| single6     = Teach Me
| single6date = January 7, 2015
| single7     = Like Me
| single7date = February 11, 2015
| single8     = Paper Trails
| single8date = June 16, 2015
}}
}}
'''''B4.Da.$$''''' (pronounced "Before Da Money") is the debut [[studio album]] by American rapper [[Joey Badass]]. It was released on January 20, 2015, his 20th birthday, by [[Cinematic Music Group]] and [[Relentless Records]]. The album was released in North America and United Kingdom, as well as being made available for [[Music download|digital download]] on [[iTunes]].<ref name="UK release">{{cite web | url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/b4.da.$$/id948743541 | title=iTunes - Music - B4.DA.$$ by Joey Bada$$ | publisher=[[iTunes|iTunes UK]] | accessdate=January 9, 2015}}</ref><ref name="US release">{{cite web | url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/b4.da.$$/id948743541 | title=iTunes - Music - B4.DA.$$ by Joey Bada$$ | publisher=[[iTunes|iTunes US]] | accessdate=January 9, 2015}}</ref><ref name="US release 2">{{cite web | url=https://www.amazon.com/B4-DA-Joey-Bada/dp/B00MHS5BMU/ | title=Amazon.com: Joey Bada$$: B4.DA.$$ (CD): Music | publisher=[[Amazon Music]] | accessdate=January 9, 2015}}</ref>
The album debuted at number five on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], selling 54,000 copies in the first week in the United States.<ref name="first week sales">{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.32306/title.hip-hop-album-sales-joey-bada-nicki-minaj-lupe-fiasco |title=Hip Hop Album Sales: Joey Bada$$, Nicki Minaj, Lupe Fiasco |date=28 January 2015 |last=Balfour |first=Jay |work=[[HipHopDX]] |accessdate=30 January 2015}}</ref>
==Background==
Joey Badass first began receiving a widespread recognition, following the release of his debut mixtape ''[[1999 (mixtape)|1999]]'' on June 12, 2012.<ref>Caramanica, Jon [https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/29/arts/music/new-releases-from-friends-wade-bowen-and-joey-badass.html New Releases] New York Times, 7/29/12</ref><ref>Zeichner, Naomi [http://www.thefader.com/2012/07/02/video-joey-bada-waves/ Waves Video] The Fader, 6/2/12</ref> It was named the 38th best album of 2012, by ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2012/12/2012-year-in-review-the-50-best-albums-of-2012/joey-badass-1999 |title=38. Joey Bada$$, 1999 — The 50 Best Albums of 2012 |publisher=Complex |date=2012-12-18 |accessdate=2013-05-06}}</ref> and the best mixtape of 2012, by ''[[HipHopDX]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/editorials/id.2018/title.hiphopdxs-top-10-mixtapes-of-2012 |title=HipHopDX's Top 10 Mixtapes Of 2012 &#124; Discussing Lil' Wayne, Drake & Many More Hip Hop Artists |publisher=HipHop DX |date=2012-12-31 |accessdate=2013-05-06}}</ref> as well as being nominated for "Mixtape of the Year", by [[Black Entertainment Television|BET]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bet.com/shows/hip-hop-awards/2012/nominees/best-mixtape.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915235808/http://www.bet.com/shows/hip-hop-awards/2012/nominees/best-mixtape.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 15, 2012 |title=Best Mixtape &#124; Hip-Hop Awards |publisher=BET |date=2012-09-12 |accessdate=2013-03-25}}</ref> In April 2013, ''B4.Da.$$'' was announced as the title to his album, via his [[Twitter]] account.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/04/joey-badass-announces-new-solo-pro-era-projects/ |title=Joey Bada$$ Announces New Solo, Capital STEEZ Projects Dropping In Summer & Fall - XXL |publisher=Xxlmag.com |date=2013-04-20 |accessdate=2013-05-06}}</ref>
{{Centered pull quote
|It's coming really soon. I don't want to set a date and be like "yeah it's coming here" then disappoint my fans and not have it ready.|author=Joey Badass |source=in an interview with ''Oyster Colored Velvet'' on 7 July 2014.<ref name="OCV Interview">{{cite web|url=http://oystercoloredvelvet.com/?culture=joey-bada-talks-b4-da-snoop-dogg-and-keeping-it-real-on-twitter |title=Joey Bada$$ talks B4.DA.$$, Snoop Dogg and keeping it real on Twitter |date=7 July 2014 |publisher=Oyster Colored Velvet |accessdate=22 January 2015}}</ref>}}
Joey Badass' recognition continued growing even further with the release of his critically acclaimed single "[[Unorthodox (Joey Badass song)|Unorthodox]]", produced by [[DJ Premier]], before the release of his second mixtape ''[[Summer Knights]]'' on July 1, 2013, which was placed 19th on ''XXL'''s list of the best mixtapes of 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/12/the-25-best-mixtapes-of-2013/3/|title=The 25 Best Mixtapes of 2013 - XXL}}</ref>
==Recording and production==
Producers who contributed on this album includes these fellow [[Pro Era]] members, [[Kirk Knight]] and Chuck Strangers, as well as [[Statik Selektah]], [[DJ Premier]], [[Hit-Boy]], [[J Dilla]], [[The Roots]], [[Samiyam]], Basquiat, Freddie Joachim, and Lee Bannon.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Fleischer|first1=Adam|title=Joey Bada$$ Just Finished His Album And It Will Feature Hit-Boy, DJ Premier And Kiesza|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1943643/joey-badass-album-finished-hit-boy-dj-premier/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140929131218/http://www.mtv.com/news/1943643/joey-badass-album-finished-hit-boy-dj-premier/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 29, 2014|website=MTV|date=25 September 2014}}</ref>
==Promotion==
The album's release was preceded by the #B4DAMONEYTOUR, where Joey Badass performed several of his singles prior to the album's official release date. The tour featured by American hip-hop recording artist [[Vince Staples]], hip-hop collective [[Run The Jewels]], Chance & Status, [[Raz Fresco]] and his own collective [[Pro Era]] performing some of their unreleased songs. During the tour, Pro Era released 4 videos (episodes) promoting the tour and the album.
[[File:Joey Badass UIT 2013 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Joey Badass first announced ''B4.Da.$$'' in April 2013, and went on tour in Europe, Australia and New Zealand in late 2014 to promote the album prior to its release.]]
The tour began running across through North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand; though its European leg was cut short due to the death of Joey Badass' cousin Junior B, to whom he dedicated the album, the music video for "No. 99" and the release of his fifth single "On & On". While in Australia, Joey Badass was arrested and charged with assault for allegedly punching a security guard in the face at the [[Falls Festival]] in [[Byron Bay]], [[New South Wales]], which resulted in major controversy surrounding him and Pro Era.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stereogum.com/1727313/joey-bada-arrested-for-hospitalizing-australian-security-guard/news/ |title=Joey Bada$$ Arrested For Hospitalizing Australian Security Guard |date=5 January 2015 |author=Tom Breihan |publisher=[[Stereogum]] |accessdate=22 January 2015}}</ref> According to reports, the guard didn't recognize Joey Badass and stopped him before he took to the stage, mistakenly thinking that he was not authorized to be there. He would spend all night in jail, before he was granted bail and pleaded not guilty to the charge during the court hearing on the following day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2015/01/joey-badass-arrested-assaulting-australia-security-guard/ |title=Joey Bada$$ Arrested in Australia for Allegedly Assaulting a Security Guard |date=5 January 2015 |publisher=[[Spin.com]] |accessdate=22 January 2015}}</ref> Prior to the album's release, Pro Era received a major buzz due to a photo of American president [[Barack Obama]]'s daughter Malia seen wearing a Pro Era shirt. The album would then receive a major coverage, resulting in its pre-sales increasing massively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2015/01/14/the-malia-effect-how-the-presidents-daughter-is-shaping-teen-tastes/ |title=How Malia Obama is shaping teen tastes |date=14 January 2015 |author=Dana Schuster |work=[[New York Post]] |accessdate=22 January 2015}}</ref> The album was also featured on ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'', ''[[XXL (magazine)|XXL]]'' and ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]''{{'}}s lists of most anticipated albums of 2015.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=30 Most Anticipated Albums of 2015|url=http://www.billboard.com/photos/6406578/30-most-anticipated-albums-of-2015?i=540255|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=30 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/01/most-anticipated-albums-2014/|title = Here is the Status of the 25 Most Anticipated Albums of 2014 - XXL}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uk.complex.com/music/2014/01/most-anticipated-albums-2014/joey-badass-b4-da-money|title = The Most Anticipated Albums of 2014}}</ref> Prior to the album's release, Joey Badass performed "Like Me" with [[BJ the Chicago Kid]], [[The Roots]] and [[Statik Selektah]] on ''[[The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon]]'' on January 13, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/segments/103106 |title=Joey Bada$$: Like Me |date=13 January 2015 |publisher=[[NBC]] |accessdate=22 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119223425/http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/segments/103106 |archivedate=19 January 2015 }}</ref>
The night before release, Joey Badass held an early-release concert in Brooklyn's [[Rough Trade (shops)|Rough Trade record shop]]. To gain access, fans had to purchase the album; Joey Badass also did a post-concert meet and greet, where he met the first 50 fans who purchased the album. To celebrate the release of ''B4.Da.$$'' on his 20th birthday, he held a release party in New York City.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2015/01/joey_bada_playi_2.html |title=Joey Bada$$ playing album release show at Rough Trade, playing Fallon, collaborated with Kiesza (listen) |date=13 January 2015 |publisher=Brooklyn Vegan |accessdate=22 January 2015}}</ref> On February 2, 2015, the album was physically released in the United Kingdom, with Joey Badass performing in an event in [[East London]] similar to the launch event at the Rough Trade shop in East London. His fans once again gained access by purchasing the album, while Joey then did a meet-and-greet with his fans after his performance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roughtrade.com/events/2015/2/987 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2015-02-05 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205040248/http://www.roughtrade.com/events/2015/2/987 |archivedate=2015-02-05 }}</ref> On February 5, he appeared on ''Le Before du Grand Journal'' in France, where he performed "Paper Trails" with [[Pro Era|Powers Pleasant]] and then was interviewed by the show's host Thomas Thouroude.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canalplus.fr/c-divertissement/c-le-before-du-grand-journal/pid6429-l-emission.html?vid=1210703 |title=Avec Joey Badass – Le Before du 05/02 |date=5 February 2015 |publisher=[[Canal+ (French TV channel)|CanalPlus.fr]] |accessdate=6 February 2015}}</ref>
The art direction and music packaging for ''B4.Da.$$'' were done by [[Pro Era]] members Tony Whlgn and Dee Knows, featuring Joey Badass on a New York City rooftop.<ref name="credits" />
===Singles===
Joey's official debut [[Single (music)|single]], titled "Big Dusty", was released on August 8, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lilah|first1=Rose|title=Joey Bada$$ "Big Dusty" Video|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/joey-badass-big-dusty-video-new-video.30488.html|website=Hot New Hip Hop|date=12 August 2014}}</ref> It was produced by [[Kirk Knight]]. On September 30, 2014, the song, titled "[[Christ Conscious]]" was released as the album's second single. It was produced by Basquiat. The album's third single, titled "No. 99" was released on December 9, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Block|first1=Justin|title=Stream Joey Bada$$' "Christ Conscious"|url=http://ca.complex.com/music/2014/09/joey-badass-christ-conscious|website=Complex|date=29 September 2014}}</ref> It was produced by [[Statik Selektah]].
On December 23, 2014, 14 days later, the song, titled "Curry Chicken" was released as the album's fourth single.<ref>{{cite web|title=Joey Bada$$ - "Curry Chicken"|url=http://www.stereogum.com/1726320/joey-bada-curry-chicken/mp3s/|website=STEREOGUM|date=23 December 2014}}</ref> It was produced by Statik Selektah. On December 30, 2014, the song, titled "On & On" featuring [[Maverick Sabre]] and Dyemond Lewis, was released as the album's fifth single.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Frydenlund|first1=Zach|title=Premiere: Listen to Joey Bada$$' "On & On" f/ Maverick Sabre and Dyemond Lewis|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/12/joey-badass-on-and-on-premiere|website=Complex|accessdate=30 December 2014}}</ref> It was produced by Freddie Joachim.
Joey Badass premiered the album's sixth single, "Teach Me" featuring [[Kiesza]], on British radio station [[BBC Radio 1]] as [[Zane Lowe]]'s "Hottest Record" and received frequent airplay on these [[London]] radio stations; including [[Capital Xtra]] and [[BBC Radio 1Xtra]]. On January 19, 2015, a day before the album's release, the single was also featured on [[BBC Radio 1Xtra]] as the "Track of the Day". The song peaked at number 23 on the [[UK R&B Chart]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/r-and-b-singles-chart/20150208/114 |title=UK R&B Singles Chart |publisher=[[Official Charts Company|UK]] |date=2015-02-14 |accessdate=2015-04-23}}</ref>
==Critical reception==
{{ Album ratings
| MC = 75/100<ref name="MC">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/b4da/joey-bada |title=Critic Reviews for B4.DA.$$ |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate= January 19, 2015}}</ref>
| rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
| rev1Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web|last=Jeffries |first=David |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/b4da-mw0002718064 |title=Joey Bada$$ - B4.DA.$$ |website=[[AllMusic]] |date=January 20, 2015 |accessdate=February 14, 2015}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[The A.V. Club]]''
| rev2score = B<ref name="TheAVClub">{{cite web|last=Fowle|first=Kyle|url=http://www.avclub.com/review/joey-bada-thoughtfully-engages-hip-hops-past-his-d-214031 |title=Joey Bada$$ thoughtfully engages with hip-hop's past on his debut album|website=[[The A.V. Club]]|date=January 20, 2015 |accessdate=January 20, 2015}}</ref>
| rev3 = ''[[Consequence of Sound]]''
| rev3score = B+<ref name="Consequence of Sound">{{cite web|last=Madden|first=Michael|url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2015/01/album-review-joey-bada-b4-da/ |title=Joey Bada$$ – B4.Da.$$|date=January 20, 2015 |accessdate=January 20, 2015}}</ref>
| rev4 = ''[[Exclaim]]''
| rev4score = 7/10<ref name="Exclaim">{{cite web|last=Lowers|first=Erin|url=http://exclaim.ca/Music/article/joey_bada-b4da|title=B4.DA.$$|date=January 20, 2015 |accessdate=January 20, 2015}}</ref>
| rev5 = ''[[The Guardian]]''
| rev5score = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref name="The Guardian">{{cite web|last=MacInnes|first=Paul|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jan/15/joey-badass-b4dass-review|title=Joey Bada$$: B4.DA.$$ review – 90s hip-hop nostalgia that wears thin too soon |website=[[TheGuardian.com]]|date=January 15, 2015}}</ref>
| rev6 = ''[[HipHopDX]]''
| rev6score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="HipHopDX">{{cite web|last=Balfour|first=Jay|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/album-reviews/id.2415/title.joey-bada-b4-da |title=Joey Bada$$ - B4.Da.$$|date=January 20, 2014 |accessdate=January 20, 2014}}</ref>
| rev7 = ''[[PopMatters]]''
| rev7score = 8/10<ref name="PopMatters">{{cite web|last=Heaton|first=Dave|url=http://www.popmatters.com/review/189803-joey-bada-b4.da/|title=Joey Bada$$: B4.DA.$$|date=January 21, 2015}}</ref>
| rev8 = ''[[Rolling Stone]]''
| rev8score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="Rolling Stone">{{cite magazine|last=Turner|first=David|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/joey-bada-b4-da-20150120|title=B4.DA.$$|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=January 20, 2015 |accessdate=January 20, 2015}}</ref>
| rev9 = ''[[Slant Magazine]]''
| rev9score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="Slant Magazine">{{cite web|last=Cataldo|first=Jesse|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/joey-badass-b4-da-ss |title=Album Review: Joey Bada$$ – B4.DA.$$ |website=[[Slant Magazine]]|date=January 20, 2015 |accessdate=January 20, 2015}}</ref>
| rev10 = ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]''
| rev10score = 5/10<ref name="Spin">{{cite web|last=Haithcoat|first=Rebecca|url=http://www.spin.com/reviews/joey-badass-b4dass/|title=Review: Joey Bada$$' Throwback 'B4.DA.$$' You'll Want to Throw Back|date=January 20, 2015}}</ref>
}}
''B4.Da.$$'' was met with generally positive reviews from [[Music journalism|music critics]]. Michael Madden of ''[[Consequence of Sound]]'' praised the album, noting that Joey's "wordplay, comparable to his friend [[Ab-Soul]]'s, remains integral to his approach, but here he's more personal and purposeful than he was on his mixtapes, rapping about rapping but also lamenting the realities of being young and black in America."<ref name="Consequence of Sound" /> Vish Khanna of ''[[Now (newspaper)|NOW Magazine]]'' also gave the album a positive review, saying that "his production choices (and those of [[Statik Selektah]], [[Kirk Knight]] and Freddie Joachim) are innovative and timeless."<ref name="NOW Magazine">{{cite web|last=Khanna |first=Vish |url=https://nowtoronto.com/music/album-reviews/joey-badass/ |title=Joey Bada$$ – B4.DA.$$ |date=21 January 2015 |accessdate=22 January 2015}}</ref> Kyle Fowle of ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' gave the album a score of B, saying that Joey Badass "finally lives up to the expectations that have been thrust upon him, delivering a confident debut steeped in the history of hip-hop and simultaneously engaged with the current cultural climate."<ref name="TheAVClub" /> In a positive review, Ken Capobianco of ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' says that Joey Badass "speaks with a clear-eyed vision about growing up young and black in America. He’s often as playful as he is combative, asserting his place in hip-hop."<ref name="Boston Globe">{{cite web|last=Capobianco |first=Ken |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/music/2015/01/20/joey-bada/1r61kZ228rHbH94JliVdmM/story.html |title=Joey Bada$$, 'B4.DA.$$' |website=[[The Boston Globe]] |date=20 January 2015 |accessdate=22 January 2015}}</ref>
Full of praise for the album, Dave Heaton of ''[[PopMatters]]'' notes that the album "is strikingly similar in tone to the mixtapes; [Joey Badass] is not trying anything different, but rather continuing what's worked well for him. But everything is more refined and better expressed; there are also songs that stand out more as anthems."<ref name="PopMatters" /> Nathan Fisher of ''Inveterate'' also chips in with another positive review, stating that fans of Joey Badass "will no doubt be impressed and satisfied with what he delivers, which is a mature improvement on his first two efforts, showing clear growth in both delivery and lyrical content."<ref name="Inveterate">{{cite web|last=Fisher |first=Nathan |url=http://www.inveterate.co.uk/music/review-joey-bada-b4-da/145442/ |title=Review: Joey Bada$$ - B4.DA.$$ |date=January 20, 2015 |accessdate=January 20, 2015 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121012658/http://www.inveterate.co.uk/music/review-joey-bada-b4-da/145442/ |archivedate=January 21, 2015 }}</ref> Jesse Cataldo of ''[[Slant Magazine]]'' gave the album three-and-a-half stars, saying that it "deftly traverses the different economies of the rap world, from the desperate hustle of the streets to the showy wastefulness of the club and the tricky minefield of the music business."<ref name="Slant Magazine" /> Dan Rys of ''[[XXL (magazine)|XXL]]'' praised the album, noting that "it just so happens that this story is a lot more personal than the 'fuck bitches, get money, do drugs, buy diamonds' aesthetic of so many of [Joey Badass'] peers in the rap game."<ref name="XXL">{{cite web|last=Rys|first=Dan|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/reviews/2015/01/joey-bada-b4-da-review/|title=Joey Bada$$ Takes A Big Step Forward On 'B4.Da.$$' |date=January 23, 2015 |publisher=[[XXL (magazine)|XXL]] |accessdate=January 26, 2015}}</ref>
Edwin Ortiz of ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'' gave the album a mixed review, saying that it "finds a way to balance out the confines of revivalist '90s rap with deeper tracks that play up a more introspective Joey." However, he continues to say that Joey Badass' potential is only "half-realised" on the album, "which speaks to his lack of adjustment in transitioning into a full-fledged artist who truly represents something other than '90s nostalgia rap."<ref name="Complex">{{cite web|last=Ortiz |first=Edwin |url=http://www.complex.com/music/2015/01/joey-badass-b4-da-money-review |title=Joey Bada$$ Stays Trapped in the '90s on "B4.DA.$$" |website=[[Complex Networks]] |date=21 January 2015 |accessdate=22 January 2015}}</ref> David Turner of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' gave the album three stars, stating that the album "still sounds like it's stuck in the past, with solid production from old-school legend [[DJ Premier]] and his latter-day disciple Statik Selektah."<ref name="Rolling Stone" /> ''B4.DA.$$'' received a mostly positive review from Rebecca Haithcoat of ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]'', saying that Joey Badass' style is characterized by "often-poetic lyrics rapped in a blunted monotone over moody production" and is "skilled, but not always very fun. Unless you're a teenager trying to establish aesthetic lines in the sand or an old hip-hop head who still gets excited about a [[Wu-Tang Clan]] reunion show, over the course of an hour those cloudy beats and Badass' unrelenting, ''I-really-mean-it'' flow get kinda tedious."<ref name="Spin" /> Paul MacInnes of ''[[The Guardian]]'' gave the album 2 stars, saying that the album "is often set at the middling pace of a [[Fugees]] B-side, and a rapper whose technical abilities are damn close to those old timers he seeks to emulate. In the end, the album is just enough to make the affair interesting."<ref name="The Guardian" />
==Commercial performance==
''B4.Da.$$'' debuted at number five on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], earning 58,000 [[album-equivalent unit]]s (including 54,000 copies in pure album sales) in its first week, according to [[Nielsen Soundscan]].<ref name="debut">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/fall-out-boy-third-no-1-album-billboard-200/|title=Fall Out Boy Scores Third No. 1 Album on Billboard 200|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|author=Keith Caulfield|date=January 28, 2015|accessdate=March 1, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.32306/title.hip-hop-album-sales-joey-bada-nicki-minaj-lupe-fiasco|title=Hip Hop Album Sales: Joey Bada$$ Lupe Fiasco Nicki Minaj|website=HipHopDX|author=Jay Balfour|date=January 28, 2015|accessdate=March 1, 2020}}</ref> This became Joey Bada$$'s first US top-ten debut.<ref name="debut"/> The tally made ''B4.Da.$$'' the top rap album of the week, outperforming [[Lupe Fiasco]]'s ''[[Tetsuo & Youth]]'', also released on January 20, which entered the ''Billboard'' 200 at number 14.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2015/01/joey-badass-album-album-sales-lupe-fiasco/ |title=Joey Bada$$' 'B4.DA.$$' Debuts At No. 5 In This Week's Album Sales |date=28 January 2015 |last=Walsh |first=Peter |work=[[XXL (magazine)|XXL]] |accessdate=29 January 2015}}</ref> In its second week, the album fell to number 41 on the chart, selling an additional earning additional 13,000 units.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Harling|first1=Danielle|title=Hip Hop Album Sales: Ne-Yo, Pitbull & Joey Bada$$|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.32405/title.hip-hop-album-sales-ne-yo-pitbull-joey-bada|website=HipHopDX|date=February 2, 2015 |accessdate=February 2, 2015}}</ref> On March 4, 2015, Joey Badass announced on [[Instagram]], that the sales for his album had surpassed 120,000 copies.<ref>{{cite web|title=Joey Bada$$ (@jozifbadmon) on Instagram: "120,0000 strong! Thank ya'll #B4DAMONEY #LongLiveSteelo #ForeverJR" |url=https://instagram.com/p/z0dRSfRxpZ/ |website=[[Instagram]] |date=March 4, 2015 |accessdate=March 19, 2015}}</ref> As of March 2017, the album has sold over 227,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/magazine-feature/7718126/joey-badass-all-amerikkkan-badass-album-interview|title=Joey Bada$$ on Finding His Sound In The Era of Trump: 'It's Time to Wake the F--k Back Up|date=10 March 2017|publisher=Billboard|accessdate= 4 April 2017}}</ref>
==Track listing==
Credits adapted from the album's official liner notes.<ref name="booklet">{{cite web|title=Digital Booklet - B4.DA.$$ |url=http://imgur.com/a/qD9mO |accessdate=June 26, 2017}}</ref>
{{tracklist
| headline = ''B4.Da.$$''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baeblemusic.com/musicblog/12-9-2014/Joey-Badass-Drops-Defiant-New-Single-And-Album-Artwork.html |title=Joey Badass Drops Defıant New Sıngle And Album Artwork |date=2014-12-09 |accessdate=2014-12-09}}</ref>
| extra_column    = Producer(s)
| total_length = 53:26
| title1   = Save the Children
| writer1  = {{flat list|
* [[Joey Badass|Jo-Vaughn Scott]]
* [[Statik Selektah|Patrick Baril]]
}}
| extra1   = [[Statik Selektah]]
| length1  = 3:35
| title2   = Greenbax (Introlude)
| writer2  = {{flat list|
* Scott
* [[Fred Warmsley|Lee Bannon]]
}}
| extra2   = Lee Bannon
| length2  = 0:48
| title3   = Paper Trails
| writer3  = {{flat list|
* Scott
* [[DJ Premier|Christopher Martin]]
}}
| extra3   = [[DJ Premier]]
| length3  = 3:14
| title4   = Piece of Mind
| writer4  = {{flat list|
* Scott
* Freddie Joachim
}}
| extra4   = Joachim
| length4  = 3:38
| title5   = Big Dusty
| writer5  = {{flat list|
* Scott
* [[Kirk Knight|Kirlan Labarrie]]
}}
| extra5   = [[Kirk Knight]]
| length5  = 4:53
| title6   = Hazeus View
| writer6  = {{flat list|
* Scott
* Labarrie
}}
| extra6   = {{flat list|
* Kirk Knight
* [[Adam Pallin|1-900]]{{ref|a|[a]}}
}}
| length6  = 3:39
| title7   = Like Me
| note7    = featuring [[BJ the Chicago Kid]]
| writer7  = {{flat list|
* Scott
* [[BJ the Chicago Kid|Bryan Sledge]]
* [[J Dilla|James Yancey]]
* [[Black Thought|Tariq Collins]]
* [[Questlove|Ahmir Thompson]]
* [[The Roots|Kamal Gray]]
* [[The Roots|Frank Walker]]
* [[Captain Kirk Douglas|Kirk Douglas]]
* [[The Roots|Damon Bryson]]
* [[James Poyser]]
* [[The Roots|Mark Kelley]]
}}
| extra7   = {{flat list|
* [[J Dilla]]
* [[The Roots]]
* 1-900{{ref|a|[a]}}
}}
| length7  = 4:28
| title8   = Belly of the Beast
| note8    = featuring [[Chronixx]]
| writer8  = {{flat list|
* Scott
* [[Chronixx|Jamar McNaughton]]
* [[Hit-Boy|Chauncey Hollis]]
}}
| extra8   = [[Hit-Boy]]
| length8  = 3:56
| title9   = No. 99
| writer9  = {{flat list|
* Scott
* Baril
}}
| extra9   = {{flat list|
* Statik Selektah
* 1-900{{ref|a|[a]}}
}}
| length9  = 2:46
| title10  = [[Christ Conscious]]
| writer10 = Scott
| extra10  = Basquiat
| length10 = 2:53
| title11  = On & On
| note11   = featuring [[Dyemond Lewis]] and [[Maverick Sabre]]
| writer11 = {{flat list|
* Scott
* Dyemond Lewis
* [[Maverick Sabre|Michael Stafford]]
* Joachim
}}
| extra11  = Joachim
| length11 = 4:40
| title12  = Escape 120
| note12   = featuring [[Raury]]
| writer12 = {{flat list|
* Scott
* [[Raury|Raury Tullis]]
* Chuck Jessamy
}}
| extra12  = Chuck Strangers
| length12 = 3:47
| title13  = Black Beetles
| writer13 = {{flat list|
* Scott
* Jessamy
}}
| extra13  = {{flat list|
* Chuck Strangers
* 1-900{{ref|a|[a]}}
}}
| length13 = 3:50
| title14  = O.C.B.
| writer14 = {{flat list|
* Scott
* [[Samiyam|Sam Baker]]
* Roman Orlow
* Janusz Bibik
}}
| extra14  = [[Samiyam]]
| length14 = 3:43
| title15  = Curry Chicken
| writer15 = {{flat list|
* Scott
* Baril
}}
| extra15  = {{flat list|
* Statik Selektah
* 1-900{{ref|a|[a]}}
* Antman Wonder{{ref|a|[a]}}
}}
| length15 = 3:33
}}
{{tracklist
| headline        = Deluxe edition (bonus tracks)
| extra_column    = Producer(s)
| title16  = Run Up On Ya
| note16   = featuring [[Action Bronson]] and [[Elle Varner]]
| writer16 = {{flat list|
* Scott
* [[Action Bronson|Arian Asllani]]
* [[Elle Varner]]
* Baril
}}
| extra16  = Statik Selektah
| length16 = 4:08
| title17  = Teach Me
| note17   = featuring [[Kiesza]]
| writer17 = {{flat list|
* Scott
* [[Kiesza|Kiesa Ellestad]]
* Jessamy
* [[Corey Latif Williams]]
* St.John
}}
| extra17  = {{flatlist|
* ASTR
* Chuck Strangers
}}
| length17 = 4:18
}}
'''Notes'''
* {{sup|{{note|a|[a]}}}} signifies an additional producer
* "Greenbax (Introlude)" and "Like Me" features additional vocals by [[Kirk Knight]]
* "Piece of Mind" features additional vocals by [[Dyemond Lewis]]
* "Big Dusty" features additional vocals by James Niche
* "Hazeus View" features additional vocals by Francesca Guzman
* "No.99" and "O.C.B" features additional vocals by Wayne "Heirowayne" Harewood
* "Curry Chicken" features additional vocals by Cole Williams
{{Listen
| type         = music
| pos          = right
| filename     = Joey Badass - Big Dusty sample.ogg
| title        = "Big Dusty"
| description  = 29-second sample of "Big Dusty", the fifth track on and debut single from the album.
| filename2    = Joey Badass - Teach Me sample.ogg
| title2       = "Teach Me"
| description2 = 26-second sample of "Teach Me", the second bonus track on and sixth single from the album.
}}
==Personnel==
Credits for ''B4.Da.$$'' adapted from [[AllMusic]].<ref name="credits">{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/b4da-mw0002718064/credits |title=Joey Bada$$ – B4.DA.$$ |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |date=20 January 2015 |accessdate=22 January 2015}}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[Action Bronson]] – featured artist
* ASTR – [[Record producer|producer]]
* [[Lee Bannon]] – producer
* Basquiat – producer
* [[BJ the Chicago Kid]] – featured artist
* [[Mark B. Christensen|Mark Christensen]] – [[Audio mastering|mastering]]
* [[Chronixx]] – featured artist
* [[DJ Premier]] – producer
* Francesca Guzman – vocals
* Wayne "Heirowayne" Harewood – vocals, [[Artists and repertoire|A&R]]
* [[Hit-Boy]] – producer, [[Audio mixing|mixing]]
* [[J Dilla]] – producer
* Joey Badass – primary artist, executive producer, A&R
* Freddie Joachim – producer
* [[Kiesza]] – featured artist
* [[Kirk Knight]] – producer, vocals
* Andrew Krivonos – [[Audio engineer|engineer]], mixing, [[Audio sequencer|sequencing]]
* Dyemond Lewis – featured artist, vocals
* [[Maverick Sabre]] – featured artist
* Nastee – mixing
* James Niche – vocals
* Adam Palin – additional production
* Parks – mixing
* Raury – featured artist
* Anthony Reid – additional production
* [[The Roots]] – instrumentation
* Amanda Rosenthal – [[project manager]]
* [[Samiyam]] – producer
* Jonny Shipes – executive producer
* [[The Soul Rebels]] – instrumentation
* [[Statik Selektah]] – producer, mixing
* Chuck Strangers – producer
* Tony Whign – art direction, design
* [[Elle Varner]] – featured artist
* Brady Watts – [[bass guitar]]
* Cas Weinbren – [[Keyboard instrument|keyboards]]
* Cole Williams – vocals
{{div col end}}
==Charts==
{{col-start}}
{{col-2}}
===Weekly charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+ 2015 chart performance for ''B4.Da.$$''
! Chart (2015)
! Peak<br />position
|-
! scope="row"| Australian Albums ([[ARIA Charts|ARIA]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ariacharts.com.au/chart/albums/3229 |title=ARIA Australian Top 50 Albums |publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]] |accessdate=23 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123121125/http://ariacharts.com.au/chart/albums/3229 |archivedate=23 January 2015 }}</ref>
| align="center"| 17
|-
{{album chart|BillboardCanada|8|artist=Joey Bada$$|album=B4.da.$$|date=2015-02-07|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|Netherlands|69|artist=Joey Bada$$|album=B4.da.$$|accessdate=January 24, 2015|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|New Zealand|11|artist=Joey Bada$$|album=B4.da.$$|accessdate=January 24, 2015|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|UK|28|artist=Joey Bada$$|album=B4.da.$$|date=2015-01-31|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|UKR&B|3|artist=Joey Bada$$|album=B4.da.$$|date=2015-01-31|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|Billboard200|5|artist=Joey Bada$$|album=B4.da.$$|date=2015-02-07|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardIndependent|1|artist=Joey Badass|album=B4.da.$$|date=2015-02-07|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardRandBHipHop|1|artist=Joey Bada$$|album=B4.da.$$|date=2015-02-07|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardTastemaker|3|artist=Joey Bada$$|album=B4.da.$$|date=2015-02-07|rowheader=true}}
|}
<!-- Per [[WP:BILLBOARDCHARTS#Album charts]], "If an album has charted on R&B/Hip-Hop Albums you may not add any of the following → Top R&B Albums [,] Top Rap Albums" -->
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ 2022 chart performance for ''B4.Da.$$''
! scope="col"| Chart (2022)
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
{{album chart|Germany4|45|id=264713|artist=Joey Bada$$|album=B4.Da.$$|rowheader=true|access-date=May 27, 2022}}
|}
{{col-2}}
===Year-end charts===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
! Chart (2015)
! Position
|-
! scope="row"| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2015/top-r-and-b-hip-hop-albums|title=Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2015|magazine=Billboard|date=2 January 2013|accessdate=July 8, 2020}}</ref>
| align="center"| 44
|}
{{col-end}}
==Release history==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|-
! scope="col" style="width:9em;"| Region
! scope="col"| Date
! scope="col"| Format
! scope="col"| Label
|-
! scope="row"| United Kingdom<ref name="UK release" />
| rowspan="2"| January 20, 2015
| rowspan="2"| [[Compact disc|CD]], [[Music download|digital download]]
| [[Cinematic Music Group|Cinematic]], [[Relentless Records|Relentless]], [[Sony Music Entertainment|Sony Music UK]]
|-
! scope="row"| United States<ref name="US release" /><ref name="US release 2" />
| rowspan="2"| [[Pro Era]], Cinematic, [[RED Distribution|RED]]
|-
! scope="row"| Worldwide<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MHS5AVM/ | title=Amazon.com: Joey Bada$$: B4.DA.$$ (LP): Music | publisher=[[Amazon Music]] | accessdate=January 9, 2015}}</ref>
| January 27, 2015
| [[LP record|LP]]
|-
! scope="row"| Japan<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/b4.da.$$/id948743541 |title=iTunes - Music - B4.DA.$$ by Joey Bada$$ |publisher=[[iTunes|iTunes Japan]] |accessdate=January 9, 2015 }}{{dead link|date=October 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
| February 8, 2015
| CD, digital download
| Cinematic, [[Sony Music Entertainment Japan|Sony Music Japan]]
|-
|}
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{Joey Badass}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Before the Money}}
[[Category:2015 debut albums]]
[[Category:Joey Badass albums]]
[[Category:Albums produced by DJ Premier]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Statik Selektah]]
[[Category:Albums produced by J Dilla]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Hit-Boy]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Kirk Knight]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Fred Warmsley]]
[[Category:Cinematic Music Group albums]]
[[Category:Pro Era albums]]