MY TOWN Lyrics – Joey Bada$$

MY TOWN Lyrics Meaning

[Intro: Joey Bada$$]
Joey starts off by saying that some people have completely forgotten who he is and where he comes from. He’s making it clear that they’ve made a big mistake by underestimating him. He’s so confident that he doesn’t care if it’s a one-on-one fight or a bunch of people against him — he’ll take on anyone. Joey’s basically warning everyone that he’s back and ready to show who’s boss. The vibe is strong, like he’s saying, “I’m from New York City, and you better respect that.”

[Verse 1: Joey Bada$$]
Joey is talking tough here. He says that the people going against him don’t have much time left — like the short summer days — meaning their moment is ending. No matter what, he’s ready to bring his best energy, “thunder,” through every challenge. He points out that some people act like they don’t see what’s really going on, but Joey sees everything clearly. Then, he questions if the fight is between him and another person, or someone else, but either way, the losers will be handing out losses. When Joey is “blackout,” or in his zone, it’s dangerous for anyone to be around him.

He calls others “lightweight,” meaning they aren’t strong enough to keep up with him, even when he’s not at full power. Joey jokes that no matter where they put these opponents, they always mess up. He calls out people who seek attention by talking nonsense online and says their words don’t matter. Joey even says he could attack their weaknesses, but he suspects some might actually like the attention they get from it. He’s confident, saying he smokes everyone in the “blunt,” like he’s dominating the rap game effortlessly.

Joey recalls how people told him to fight back for months, and now that he’s doing it, others need help or excuses to keep up with his clever punchlines. He tells them to stop tweeting and instead get in the studio if they want to compete. He claims he’s the truth and suggests others should surrender or call a truce because he’s too strong. He even talks about taking down his rivals like a general leading troops in battle, and that he’s so dominant he’s sending people home defeated.

He mocks others, saying they’re not ready for real competition but more ready for Comic-Con, a place for fans and cosplay, implying they’re just playing pretend. Joey says he’s a rap “phenomenon,” so if anyone wants to challenge him, they should wait their turn. He compares moving through his day to fasting during Ramadan, fast and focused. He calls himself the “bogeyman,” the scary figure others should fear.

He points out how he’s taken all the hits others threw at him without being hurt. He brags about raising his game and delivering triple meaning punchlines, hitting hard like a famous boxer, Pacquiao. Joey says real rap skills are back and people are getting “smoked” or destroyed like cheap cigars. He hears his opponents are weak and scared, which makes sense why they get rattled easily. Joey calls himself a “gladiator” and says he’s flexing without even having to try hard.

He claims to have the whole West Coast under control with his skill, while his rivals’ attacks are weak. He dismisses old rivals as irrelevant and warns that there are new ones ready to take a fall. Joey talks about breaking down his competition until they are completely defeated, like splitting atoms. His focus is on winning, and he warns others to be smart because he’s precise, crossing every “T” and dotting every “I.”

He says the story he’s telling is more intense now than a famous actress’s figure, meaning it’s complex and gripping. Joey calls himself the villain because he’s back to shake things up and bring energy. Others are just fillers or extras, while his rap skills are strong enough to break ceilings and knock down buildings. He reminds everyone he said he’s back, and now people can feel it. He also calls out those who pretend to predict his bars when really they just heard his freestyle early. Finally, he calls out anyone bluffing or scared to face him because they’re running away from battles like the one with Lux.

[Verse 2: Loaded Lux, Joey Bada$$ & Both]
This part talks about people who say they want power but don’t follow through when it’s time to fight or prove themselves. They post battles or challenges online but don’t actually show up. Lux says he’s different because he puts his skills on wax — meaning he records and proves himself in real music, not just talk. He compares his smooth moves to skateboarding tricks, saying he’s got it locked.

They talk about how the East and West sides of the rap game don’t really mix, and they don’t expect to meet in a real fight or competition. This isn’t about being a “good kid” or a “badass,” but about people who talk big but don’t back it up. The rappers say they’re fighting for the throne — the palace — and only real kings belong there, while challengers are just trying to get in.

They say this is easy for them, like light work, and they have a strong presence, comparing their aura to the Northern Lights, something rare and impressive. They warn others to stop pretending because they don’t care about songs, albums, or performances right now; it’s about real skill and respect. They say chasing the competition won’t work because those challengers will have to come and get what they want. But many try and fail, falling flat or breaking themselves trying to rise.

[lift?]
This short part talks about someone changing or switching up their style or actions, but it doesn’t affect the group or crew because they stay strong and ready. They mention “whips raised,” which means cars or weapons are ready, and things are serious. It’s about staying alert and not letting anything slip.

[Raymon?]
Here, Joey talks about being focused and prepared, like cooking in a kitchen where nothing misses. Someone tries to sneak around or fake their way, but Joey says he’s serious and confident, like a mannequin showing off without fear. He warns that anyone who tries to mess with him will lose because they can’t keep up.

He mentions Tee Grizzley and being in control like a Knicks coach, showing he’s big in the game and putting pressure on opponents. He talks about others being “on the ropes,” meaning close to defeat, which is why they hide behind masks or fake identities. Their careers are slipping, and their attempts to avoid real competition are failing. Joey says he’s out here exposing them and taking over, warning not to play games with his name.

[Bridge: Joey Bada$$]
Joey says some people thought this was just a game, but he’s serious. He talks about watching Knicks games courtside, showing his connection to New York and his confidence. He repeats that he’s not playing around and means business.

[Outro: Joey Bada$$]
Joey reminds everyone where he’s from — New York City — a place with a deep history, including tragic moments like 9/11 and tough times, but also strength. He says the city still stands strong and powerful, never losing its edge. He calls himself the “BK Batman” and “Harlem assassin,” showing he’s like a protector and a fighter for his boroughs.

He talks about “toe-tagging,” meaning marking his enemies as defeated, like in battle. Joey welcomes listeners to NYC, proud to represent it. He gives respect to the city’s legends, like Michael Jordan, Biggie Smalls, Jay-Z, and Lil Wayne, showing where his inspiration comes from. He warns others to find something safe to mess with because this is serious — this isn’t a game. He ends strong with the producer’s tag, marking the beat and vibe of the city and the track.