Brooklyn rapper Joey Bada$$ has a distinct affinity for all things old-school and underground in hip-hop. Whether it’s his overall production value, his aesthetic, or even the structures and references to his rhymes, Squire Bada$$ is clearly indebted to the heyday of early to mid-’90s East Coast rap. Perhaps his greatest source of inspiration comes with the late, great J Dilla, whom the Pro Era kingpin has rapped over frequently with tracks like “Snakes” and “Where It’$ At”.
Now, the rising MC gets a tangential chance to work with his idol as he’s joined forces with streetwear brand Akomplice and the J Dilla Foundation for a clothing and musical collection. Available beginning November 29th, the line features a crewneck and tee, plus a seven-inch vinyl of Bada$$’s new single “Two Lips”, which features an unreleased Dilla beat. While two never got a chance to properly collaborate, the track proves there’s a shared musical chemistry. Dilla’s syrupy sample of drums and electric piano is the perfect compliment to Bada$$’s rapid-fire rhymes, which in turn help infuse a certain intensity to the more methodical soundscape. Listen in below.
Proceeds from the collection will help go toward buying musical instruments for underprivileged students in the pair’s respective hometowns of Detroit and Brooklyn. Below, check out a few items from the collection.
