In a move that has the hip-hop community buzzing, Mick Jenkins has seemingly aimed some pointed lyrical barbs at Joey Bada$$ in his latest release, “Wars & Rumors of Wars.” Dropped on January 13, 2025, this track serves as a bold response to Joey’s provocative song “The Ruler’s Back,” and it’s clear that Jenkins is ready to stir the pot.
The Chicago lyricist doesn’t hold back, delivering a hard-hitting verse that makes it evident he has Joey in his sights. With lines like, “Placeholders out here claiming ruler, we goin’ yard / Ferris Bueller, got no regard for the new school, I’m so appalled,” Jenkins takes a thinly-veiled jab at Joey’s self-proclaimed status, questioning the authenticity of those who seek to lead without true merit.
In a further critique, Jenkins addresses Bada$$’s pro-Black imagery and his infamous all-white outfit from the 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards, rapping, “These n-ggas ain’t Panthers / These n-ggas in white hoods like Klan movements.” Such bold statements underscore Jenkins’ willingness to tackle sensitive topics while also positioning himself in the ongoing dialogue of hip-hop’s evolving landscape.
The lyrical tension continues as Mick asserts his dominance in the genre, dismissing Joey’s claims of being part of hip-hop’s “holy trinity” alongside Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole. With lines like, “Fuck is you talking about top three? / They tried to tell me it’s not yours [nachos], a bodega the way that I chop cheese,” Jenkins clearly makes his stance known, rejecting the notion of sharing a pedestal with his contemporaries.
Shortly after the release of “The Ruler’s Back,” Jenkins took to social media, expressing his thoughts on the ongoing lyrical spat. “Lol if you gone talk like that you gotta come wit somn better than that,” he tweeted, further clarifying, “I’m a fan of rap bro. I’m not holding my tongue about this sport no more. Ain’t no hate. At all. I got no reason to hate. My statement was a fact.”
As the lyrical back-and-forth heats up, it’s clear that both artists are ready to defend their legacies and stakes in the rap game. With Joey Bada$$ recently critiquing the West Coast’s dominance in hip-hop, the stage is set for potential fireworks as the rivalry unfolds.
For those eager to dive into the lyrical intricacies of this unfolding drama, be sure to check out Mick Jenkins’ “Wars & Rumors of Wars” and stay tuned to hiphopraisedmetheblog.com for the latest updates and insights into this escalating hip-hop feud!
