Brooklyn rapper and actor Joey Bada$$ recently opened up about a pivotal moment early in his career — a potential management deal with hip-hop legend Jay-Z.
In a new interview with Red Bull published on May 13, 2025, Joey revealed that Jay-Z wanted to manage him through Roc Nation back in 2010, but the opportunity fell through due to miscommunication.
“It was a chain of communication that I didn’t have any part in,” said Joey. “Jay is my favorite rapper, even to this day, and within a year of being in the game, he wanted to sign me. But he didn’t want to sign me as an artist, he wanted to manage me.” Joey expressed lingering doubts that a former manager may have botched the opportunity.
Joey also discussed his role as Unique on Power Book III: Raising Kanan, executive produced by 50 Cent. He praised 50’s strategic thinking and intelligence. “He’s much smarter than people may think,” Joey said. “His mind is very interesting and very multidimensional.”
The rapper-turned-actor says the transformation into his character begins the moment he puts on Unique’s vintage ’90s wardrobe. “As soon as I land on set and I put them clothes on, it’s just time,” he added.
Joey Bada$$ continues to build his legacy in both music and acting, with fans eager to see what comes next.
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