‘What happens when a millennial rapper with an old soul connects with a Gen Z fanbase infatuated with mid-’90s hip hop? A sold-out show with a vibration unlike any other.’ – Parklife DC
After selling out shows in Sydney and Melbourne in 2018, Illusive Presents and Frontier Touring are excited to announce American rapper, singer and actor Joey Bada$$ returns with his long-awaited Australian Tour 2023. The Brooklyn native will bring his latest project and third studio album 2000 – a sequel to his critically acclaimed debut mixtape 1999 – to Australia performing here live for the first time in five years.
Kicking off his tour on Australia’s west coast, Joey will play Metropolis Fremantle on Wednesday 4 January. He’ll then travel east to Brisbane, playing Fortitude Music Hall on Friday 6 January, Sydney’s Enmore Theatre on Saturday 7 January, and Forum Melbourne on Sunday 8 January.
Frontier Members presale begins Wednesday 14 September (10am local time) before the General Public on sale on Friday 16 September (12pm local time). Tickets and more information via frontiertouring.com/joeybada$$.
2000 was released on 22 July (via Columbia Records/Sony Music – here), nearly 10-years to the date after his classic boom-bap mixtape 1999. The album title serves as a reminder for the world that time is a concept and it’s really just been one long year since Joey and his hip hop collective Pro Era exploded onto the scene in 2012. Singles from the record include:‘Head High’, ‘Where I Belong’, ‘Survivors Guilt’ and ‘Zipcodes’.
‘The album is emotionally mature beyond his years, and like 1999, it is a gateway to hip-hop sounds of the past while looking to the future, making for a project that shouldn't be skipped this year.’ – Exclaim
Joey Bada$$ released his debut studio album B4.DA.$$ in 2015 premiering at #5 on Billboard and topping hip hop charts across America. Two years later he showed his lyrical prowess on his follow up record ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$, translating his world-wearied political observations into unifying anthems. The 2017 record features the twice RIAA Platinum ‘Devastated’ and RIAA Gold ‘Temptation’.
Bada$$ last toured Australia in 2018 as one of the biggest names on the Sugar Mountain Festival lineup, as well as performing four headline shows, which quickly sold out in Sydney and Melbourne.
‘...his current live show is more than enough evidence for Joey’s unimpeachable skill as an emcee and a performer, elevating him to the upper echelon of hip hop, demanding that he be recognised as such.’ – The AU Review
Critics are praising him as one of the most celebrated rappers of this generation. Don’t miss Joey Bada$$ when he returns to Australia in January 2023.
