Despite its heavyhearted title and accompanying artwork, Joey Bada$$’s new single is full of uplifting energy.
Over a buoyant beat provided by a trio of producers Adam Pallin, Kirk Knight, and Powers Pleasant, Joey recites hopeful lines like “at times I thought we’d never make it, but now we’re on our way to greatness.”
Showing his versatility beyond the 90s-inspired hip-hop that he built his early career on, “Devastated” feels geared more for summer cookouts than underground rap shows.
Although the song was released on the same day as Troy Ave’s arrest for attempted murder (the two have ongoing beef) it appears to be a coincidence as Joey has wisely decided not to comment on the situation. Regardless, the upbeat track is a nice break from all the unsettling news coming from NYC today.
