Joey Bada$$ Lists His Favourite Eminem Albums

When rising stars of hip-hop pay homage to legends, it always sparks excitement among fans. That’s exactly what happened when Joey Bada$$ recently took over Eminem’s Shade45 radio station to promote his new album Lonely At The Top. While Joey was running the boards, DJ WhooKid steered the conversation toward Eminem’s legacy and asked Joey about the role Eminem’s discography plays in his own musical world.

What followed was a moment of respect and admiration, as Joey Bada$$ revealed the Eminem albums that left the deepest impression on him. His picks surprised some fans but underscored how influential Eminem’s early work continues to be for the new generation of artists.

Joey Bada$$ and His Hip-Hop Journey

Before diving into Joey’s admiration for Eminem, it’s important to understand his place in hip-hop. Emerging in the early 2010s with his 1999 mixtape, Joey Bada$$ quickly became known for his sharp lyricism, conscious storytelling, and dedication to preserving the boom-bap tradition.

Unlike many of his peers who leaned heavily on trap sounds, Joey carved out a lane that paid homage to 1990s hip-hop greats while still bringing his own energy. Over the years, he has grown into a respected figure in rap, blending social commentary with confident bars. His latest project, Lonely At The Top, continues this trend, reflecting on fame, growth, and perseverance.

For Joey, Eminem’s influence is undeniable. And during his Shade45 session, he didn’t shy away from giving credit where credit is due.

Joey’s First Pick: Infinite

When asked about his favourite Eminem albums, Joey Bada$$ shocked some listeners by starting with Eminem’s debut album, Infinite. Released independently in 1996, Infinite predates the rapper’s mainstream fame and often flies under the radar for casual fans. But for hip-hop purists and aspiring MCs, it’s a treasure chest of raw lyrical ability and hunger.

Joey explained that Infinite resonated with him deeply during his own formative years:

“That one had me in the clutch when I was coming out, at 17-18,” Joey shared.

Hearing this, it’s clear why Joey feels a connection to Infinite. The project captures Eminem at a time when he was hungry to prove himself, a feeling Joey himself likely related to when launching his career as a teenager.

Although Infinite did not achieve major commercial success upon release, it laid the foundation for Eminem’s artistry and showcased his early potential. For Joey, it’s an album that symbolizes determination, resilience, and lyrical precision—all qualities he embodies in his own work.

The Slim Shady LP: A Classic Favourite

Joey Bada$$ didn’t stop with Infinite. He also listed The Slim Shady LP, Eminem’s 1999 major-label debut, as one of his top picks.

Released under Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment, The Slim Shady LP propelled Eminem into global superstardom. The album introduced listeners to his alter ego, Slim Shady, and featured hits like My Name Is and Guilty Conscience. It was edgy, provocative, and innovative—pushing the boundaries of what rap could be.

For Joey, the impact of this album was undeniable. He praised Eminem’s artistry and gave him his flowers:

“Those are my favourite bodies of work from Em. Shout out to Em. That’s a GOAT. That’s a Rap God right there. Salute. I’ve never met him.”

This acknowledgment speaks volumes. As a lyricist who values authenticity and skill, Joey clearly admires how Eminem used The Slim Shady LP to balance creativity, storytelling, and technical brilliance.

Why Eminem’s Early Work Resonates with Joey Bada$$

It’s no accident that Joey chose two of Eminem’s earliest projects. Both Infinite and The Slim Shady LP represent the rawest stages of Eminem’s career—the moments when he was fighting for recognition and proving himself to the world.

For a rapper like Joey Bada$$, who also had to establish his credibility in a competitive industry, these albums serve as a blueprint for determination and artistry. Eminem’s willingness to experiment with alter egos, storytelling, and sharp lyricism paved the way for younger rappers to embrace their individuality.

Joey’s choices highlight how Eminem’s catalogue continues to inspire new generations, not just because of the commercial success but because of the honesty, hunger, and authenticity embedded in his work.

Joey Bada$$ Gives Eminem His Flowers

One of the standout moments of the Shade45 session was Joey’s genuine respect for Eminem. He didn’t just name albums; he took time to salute Eminem as one of the greatest rappers to ever touch a mic.

“That’s a GOAT. That’s a Rap God right there. Salute.”

These words matter, especially coming from a respected lyricist like Joey Bada$$. In an era where younger rappers sometimes distance themselves from older legends, Joey’s appreciation reinforces the importance of acknowledging those who paved the way.

DJ WhooKid Hints at a Possible Meeting

Adding fuel to the excitement, DJ WhooKid quickly jumped in after Joey’s comments, hinting that he would love to make a Joey Bada$$ and Eminem meeting happen. The idea of these two artists crossing paths has fans buzzing, especially with the possibility of a collaboration down the line.

While nothing has been confirmed, the thought of Joey and Eminem sharing a track is thrilling. Both are lyrical heavyweights, and a collaboration would no doubt deliver a powerful blend of sharp wordplay, introspection, and raw energy.

Eminem’s Lasting Influence on New Artists

Joey Bada$$ is not the first rising star to openly acknowledge Eminem’s influence, and he certainly won’t be the last. From Kendrick Lamar to Logic, countless rappers have cited Eminem’s discography as inspiration.

What makes Eminem’s legacy so enduring is his combination of technical brilliance and emotional storytelling. Whether through early underground projects like Infinite or mainstream triumphs like The Slim Shady LP, his body of work continues to inspire creativity across generations.

Joey’s comments serve as yet another reminder of how deeply Eminem’s music still resonates with those who grew up studying his craft.

What’s Next for Joey Bada$$?

With Lonely At The Top making waves, Joey Bada$$ is entering an exciting new chapter in his career. His Shade45 appearance not only boosted anticipation for his project but also created buzz around his admiration for Eminem.

If DJ WhooKid’s hints come true, fans might not have to wait long to see Joey and Eminem cross paths. Whether that leads to a collaboration or simply a meeting of minds, the hip-hop world will be watching closely.

Conclusion: Respect Across Generations

Joey Bada$$’s decision to spotlight Eminem’s Infinite and The Slim Shady LP as his favourite albums shows how timeless Eminem’s music remains. These projects, though released decades ago, still inspire and shape the artistry of newer generations.

By giving Eminem his flowers on Shade45, Joey Bada$$ reminded fans that respect across generations is vital for hip-hop’s growth. Eminem’s legacy continues to thrive, not just through his own music, but through the voices of artists he influenced.

As fans, all we can do now is hope that DJ WhooKid’s hint comes true—because a Joey Bada$$ and Eminem collaboration would be nothing short of legendary.