Joey Bada$$ Confirms New Album Lonely At The Top During Jimmy Kimmel Performance
Joey Bada$$ has officially announced the title of his next studio album, Lonely At The Top, during a performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live Wednesday night. Introduced by country star Jelly Roll, who was guest hosting the episode, the Brooklyn rapper made his intentions clear—he’s stepping back into album mode, and he’s bringing the heat.
Joey took the stage to perform what many believe is the lead single from the upcoming album, a sharp, lyrical track titled “ABK.” Over a smooth yet gritty instrumental, he reminded fans—and rivals—why he’s still one of the most respected MCs in the game.
“Everybody got a price and I’m owed this here / Who wanna go bar for bar? Somebody hold my beer / Y’all n****s ain’t war-prepared, my sword is near / The King Arthur rap extraordinaire,” Joey raps with intensity.
The song appears to address his recent viral disputes with fellow artists Ray Vaughn, Daylyt, and others. Rather than shy away from the back-and-forth, Joey leans into the lyrical warfare, delivering battle-ready bars with poise and precision.
Although Lonely At The Top is only now being confirmed by name, Joey has been steadily dropping music throughout 2025. He kicked off the year with “The Ruler’s Back”, a hard-hitting single that reignited East Coast pride and sparked a wave of West Coast responses. The track was seen by many as a statement piece, placing Joey at the center of a renewed bi-coastal rap debate.
While Joey didn’t give a specific release date during the Kimmel performance, he previously hinted that the album would arrive before August 30, during an appearance on UPROXX’s Sound Check back in May. With summer in full swing and anticipation building, fans are watching closely for any signs of an official drop.
Outside of the booth, 2025 has also been a big year for Joey on a personal level. He and actress-singer Serayah recently confirmed the birth of their first child together. In June, Serayah shared an adorable photo of their newborn son on Instagram, a moment that followed her surprise pregnancy reveal during New York Fashion Week in February.
In an Essence cover story published earlier this year, Joey opened up about his new journey into fatherhood. “I think we’re excited about doing things our way with something that’s equally important to both of us individually and collectively, and that’s having a strong family structure, especially a strong Black family structure,” he said. “Breaking those generational curses and setting an example for the future.”
As the release window for Lonely At The Top approaches, Joey Bada$$ is balancing fatherhood, legacy, and lyrical dominance—all while reminding the rap world that the crown may be heavy, but he’s ready to wear it.
