Joey Bada$$ expressed his frustration during an Instagram Live session on July 29, 2025, revealing that Columbia Records is blocking the release of his new album, *Lonely At The Top*, just days before its scheduled launch.
"I'mma just rip the band-aid off for y'all," he said, clearly disappointed. "The album is not dropping on Friday." That Friday, August 1, was a date eagerly anticipated by fans. Now, it's off the table, with no new release date in sight.
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Bada$$ did not hold back as he criticized his label, claiming they are solely responsible for the delay. "My s### got pushed back because the label pushed my s### back," he stated bluntly. "This isn't because of sample clearances or features. This is an Exhibit A of the label getting in the artist's way."
For Bada$$, who has always valued independence and creative control, the delay felt like a betrayal. He expressed feelings of shame and disappointment, emotions visible as he spoke directly to his fans. He mentioned that *Lonely At The Top* has been complete for over a month, mixed, mastered, and ready to go.
Instead of supporting the release, the label, according to him, is putting up roadblocks. "I'm signed to Columbia Records," he clarified. "But for the longest time, I haven't really been working with them. Because all they do is get in my way; they really don't contribute anything."
Despite the drama, Joey took responsibility for the fallout and acknowledged the weight of fans' expectations. He emphasized that he has been self-sufficient since he was 17, declaring himself "independent." He pointed out that he had built his reputation with little to no support from the label, which was now stalling his momentum.
*Lonely At The Top* was set to be his first full-length project since 2022 and arrives amid his recent lyrical exchanges with West Coast rivals. The album's lead single, "ABK," released earlier this month, garnered attention during his performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on July 16, further heightening fan anticipation.
"I just want to put the truth out there," he concluded. "Y'all deserve that much."
For Joey Bada$$, navigating the music industry with resilience and an independent spirit, this public clash with Columbia Records represents more than just a delay; it showcases the ongoing tension between artists and labels in today's music landscape. As fans wait for *Lonely At The Top* to be released, finally, Joey isn't staying silent.
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