REASON Fires Back at Joey Bada$$ with Scathing “The Dead Apple” Diss Track
When Joey Bada$$ dropped “The Ruler’s Back” to kick off 2025, he likely didn’t anticipate igniting a lyrical firestorm that would stretch across the country. Fast forward a few months and what started as a challenge to West Coast rappers has evolved into a full-scale battle of bars—with former TDE artist REASON now stepping into the arena with his new diss track, “The Dead Apple.”
The Carson rapper’s entry into the fray arrives after a cascade of diss tracks and responses between Joey Bada$$, Ray Vaughn, and Daylyt. REASON’s track adds another layer to the beef, marked by sharp lyricism and a creative three-part instrumental that moves from dusty boom-bap to menacing trap to an energetic West Coast bounce. Lyrically, REASON takes aim squarely at Joey, arguing that the Brooklyn rapper has failed to uphold New York’s once-dominant position in hip hop.
This latest clash was sparked by a direct name-drop in Joey Bada$$’s “The Finals,” a fiery response track aimed at Ray Vaughn’s “He Era.”* On “The Finals,” Joey raps: “You’re the next n**a gettin’ dropped off the Top roster / And I’ma be the REASON,”* sending a clear shot that REASON clearly couldn’t ignore.
REASON’s response on “The Dead Apple” is both personal and territorial, a rebuttal to Joey’s earlier critiques of West Coast rap. The tensions trace back to Joey’s “The Ruler’s Back,” where he took issue with what he called “too much West Coast d**k-licking,” challenging the region to step up and meet him bar for bar. That track served as the spark for responses from Ray Vaughn, Daylyt, and now REASON.
The escalating war of words has unfolded in a series of freestyles, diss tracks, and bold statements. Vaughn came back at Joey with “Crashout Heritage,” while Daylyt dropped cryptic, layered responses through “Hiyu” and “Backpack.” Joey maintained momentum with his standout freestyle alongside Big Sean and Ab-Soul during a Red Bull session, which saw him sharpen his lyrical sword once more.
As the back-and-forths continue, fans of lyrical competition are being treated to a renaissance of rap beef that’s as competitive as it is entertaining. While some argue that much of this drama unfolds in the shadow of Kendrick Lamar—whose dominance still looms large over West Coast lyricism—the reality is that artists are stepping up and letting their bars do the talking.
REASON’s “The Dead Apple” might not be the final word in this ongoing saga, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most calculated and forceful responses yet. With the ball now back in Joey Bada$$’s court—and Daylyt possibly preparing another round—it’s clear this isn’t just a fleeting moment. It’s a battle for lyrical supremacy, and for now, the competition is wide open.
