"The Ruler's Back" by Joey Bada$$ is a track that embodies the raw energy and confidence that has become synonymous with his style. From the outset, Joey's sharp lyricism and commanding delivery set the tone, reflecting his status as a modern-day rap king. The song showcases his ability to maintain a balance between gritty street narratives and intellectual rhymes, offering listeners a bold declaration of his return to the forefront of the hip-hop scene. With its aggressive production and defiant attitude, "The Ruler's Back" feels like a statement piece that reaffirms Joey's place among the top tier of contemporary rappers.
Production and Sound
The production on this track is notably hard-hitting, with booming 808s and a cinematic feel that complements Joey’s intense flow. The beat, which has a vintage East Coast flavor, evokes the essence of classic New York rap, further strengthening Joey’s claim to the throne. The layering of horns and samples gives the song a regal quality, aligning perfectly with the title. The soundscape, though modern, stays true to Joey's roots in boom-bap and 90s-inspired production, which his fans have come to love.
Lyrical Content
Lyrically, "The Ruler's Back" is packed with braggadocio and battle-ready bars. Joey flexes his skills with metaphors and wordplay that showcase his maturity as an artist. The title itself is a reference to Slick Rick’s 1988 song of the same name, and in many ways, Joey positions himself as a successor to the storytelling rap legends that came before him. His verses reflect themes of power, legacy, and survival, as he confidently claims his spot in the rap game with lines that carry weight and authority. He’s not just back—he’s here to dominate.
Delivery and Flow
One of the standout aspects of this track is Joey’s delivery. His voice carries a commanding presence, exuding confidence with every line he spits. There’s an undeniable charisma to how he navigates the beat, switching between rapid-fire flows and more measured, deliberate moments. His cadence is sharp, and his performance feels effortless, proving why Joey has been one of the most respected voices in the genre since his debut. "The Ruler's Back" serves as a reminder that Joey isn’t just resting on his laurels but continuing to evolve as an MC.
Joey Bada$$ The Ruler’s Back Review
"The Ruler's Back" is a triumphant return for Joey Bada$$, a track that encapsulates everything that makes him a formidable force in hip-hop. It’s an unapologetic, chest-thumping anthem that asserts his place in rap royalty while paying homage to the genre's roots. The blend of confident lyricism, hard-hitting production, and undeniable presence makes this track a standout in Joey’s catalog, offering both longtime fans and new listeners a reason to crown him one of the best in the game.
Listen to Joey Bada$$ The Ruler’s Back
Joey Bada$$ The Ruler’s Back Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of "The Ruler's Back" by Joey Bada$$ is a declaration of his return to the forefront of hip-hop, filled with confidence, lyrical prowess, and a nod to his East Coast roots. Throughout the track, Joey reflects on his legacy, dismisses the need for mainstream accolades, and takes subtle shots at rival rappers, particularly Kendrick Lamar. With clever wordplay, historical references, and tributes to his late friend Capital STEEZ, Joey uses the song to assert his dominance in the rap game. By referencing iconic figures like Jay-Z and Yao Ming, Joey positions himself as an untouchable force, signaling his readiness to reclaim his place at the top of the industry.
Introduction
Breaking down the lyrics line by line reveals layers of meaning Joey is conveying throughout the song. In the opening lines, “Con-con— (I'm back, I wanna make you mine) Conductor,” Joey uses "Conductor" as a producer tag, while the phrase "I'm back, I wanna make you mine" suggests his return to claim dominance in the rap scene. The mention of a "Conductor" implies that Joey is in control, orchestrating his return with precision, setting the tone for the entire track.
Reflecting on Legacy
When Joey raps, “I got murals in my city, fuck a nomination / This for every time they left me out the conversation,” he reflects on his legacy in his hometown, signified by murals in his honor, which he believes supersedes awards or mainstream recognition. This can be seen as a nod to Kendrick Lamar’s "Wacced Out Murals," where Kendrick spoke about the defacement of his mural in Compton. Joey contrasts this by implying his community is united with him, while hinting that Kendrick’s relationship with his city might be more fractured. Joey also criticizes how he’s been left out of discussions about the best in the game, further cementing the significance of his achievements outside of industry accolades.
Clever Wordplay and Jay-Z References
The "[Interlude]" in the song contains exactly 24 syllables, a reference to Jay-Z’s "Too much West Coast dick lickin’" from “22 Two’s” on Reasonable Doubt. The clever usage of syllables may connect Joey’s wordplay back to Jay-Z, emphasizing his critique of the West Coast’s dominance in hip-hop while also hinting at his respect for East Coast rap traditions. The interlude sets the stage for Joey’s following lines and builds up tension for what’s to come.
Asserting Dominance
In the line “Yeah, the ruler's back, baby,” Joey references Jay-Z’s The Blueprint track "The Ruler's Back," where Jay confidently asserts his return to the throne. Joey mirrors this confidence, declaring his dominance and readiness to reclaim his spot at the top of the rap game. The allusion to Jay-Z could also signal Joey’s intent to engage in a rivalry, perhaps with Kendrick Lamar, similar to how Jay followed his own declaration with a diss track aimed at Nas.
Disses and Clever Punchlines
Joey doesn’t hold back with his criticism when he spits, “Too much West Coast dick lickin' / I'm hearin' niggas throwin' rocks, really ain't shit stickin’.” This line, another homage to Jay-Z’s “22 Two’s,” expresses Joey’s frustration with the excessive praise for West Coast rap, potentially targeting Kendrick Lamar. The "throwing rocks" metaphor, commonly used by Kendrick himself, refers to sneak dissing, and Joey turns the phrase back on Kendrick, suggesting that Kendrick’s shots aren’t landing. Joey follows up with “'Cause if we talkin' bar-for-bar, really, it's slim pickings,” using clever wordplay to critique the shallow nature of West Coast music. "Slim pickings" not only refers to the lack of lyrical substance but could also be a play on the name of actor Slim Pickens, who was known for roles in action-packed films that often lacked depth, drawing a parallel between these films and certain rap styles.
Honoring Capital STEEZ and Subliminal Disses
Joey then pays tribute to his fallen friend Capital STEEZ with the line “Me and Steelo had a dream.” Capital STEEZ, a founding member of Pro Era alongside Joey, passed away in 2012. Joey's reference is a reminder that his career is built on the foundation of a shared dream and ambition, keeping STEEZ’s memory alive through his music. The following line, “I stand tall in this rap thing like Yao Ming,” compares Joey’s stature in the rap game to Yao Ming, one of the tallest players in NBA history. This metaphor not only highlights Joey’s prominence but could also be a subliminal jab at Kendrick Lamar, who is known for his shorter height. In rap, height has often been used to demean rivals, with Joey using it as a subtle diss towards Kendrick.
Conclusion
Finally, Joey declares, “Your arms might be too short to box with the Elohim,” further driving home the height metaphor and emphasizing the gap between him and other rappers, who he deems incapable of matching his skill or stature. The word "Elohim" refers to God, which suggests that Joey sees himself as a divine figure in the rap game, untouchable by those who try to challenge him. In the line “This ain't boom bap, nigga, this that boom-bow-bing,” Joey references Kendrick Lamar’s recent track “Peekaboo,” contrasting the traditional boom-bap sound of East Coast rap with a more experimental West Coast style. Joey acknowledges the evolution of hip-hop while maintaining that his music still retains its core essence, despite its newer sound. This playful line showcases Joey’s versatility while reminding listeners that his roots are firmly planted in East Coast tradition.
Joey Bada$$ The Ruler’s Back Lyrics
[Intro]
Con-con— (I'm back, I wanna make you mine) Conductor
Yeah (I'm back, I wanna make you mine)
Ha-ha, right?
Uh, I'm back
That's right
It feels so good to be back, mane
I'm back, baby
By popular demand, ayo
[Verse 1]
Moved out the city, copped the house in the sticks
Couple acres, couple whips, whole lotta blicks
I got options, baby, take your pick
Might fuck around and coordinate the fit, take a— Ha-ha, this my life in film, baby, I just write the script
Mister really put that on, they be counterfeit
I'm taking calculated risk, too legit to quit
Can get you niggas acclimated quick, it's rules to this shit, hold up—
I got murals in my city, fuck a nomination
This for every time they left me out the conversation
I'm back by popular demand and world domination
I'm finna bomb on niggas plans, fresh off my vacation
I was sittin' back, watchin' from a eagle eye
Tryin' not to react, just give me one reason
I swear, I'm on full attack, East Coast nigga 'til I die
It's clear who the heir apparent king of NY, nigga
[Interlude]
Straight like that, come on
Told y'all niggas I'm back, come on
Yeah, the ruler's back, baby
Ayo
[Verse 2]
Too much West Coast dick lickin'
I'm hearin' niggas throwin' rocks, really ain't shit stickin'
'Cause if we talkin' bar-for-bar, really, it's slim pickings
I rap like I draw pentagrams and kill chickens, nigga
Fuck around with your soul like ether, quick for a feature
This that black Airforce energy comin' out your speaker
I'm out your reach, your arms too short to box the Elohim
Still reigning rap supreme, me and Steelo had a dream
I stand tall in this rap thing like Yao Ming
And won't stop 'til the crowd sing when I'm crowned king
My aura scream and my style ring
This ain't boom bap, nigga, this that boom-bow-bing
We can run a fair one, I knew some real haters, but I ain't never fear none
Guess that's just the Brooklyn in me, they must not know where I'm from
Heard that they was lookin' for me, okay
Tell 'em, "Here I come, I'm nowhere near done with you, nigga"
You fuckin' stupid?