Joey Bada$$ Blames Columbia Records for Delayed Album Release

Joey Bada$$ announced that his upcoming album 'Lonely at the Top,' initially scheduled for release on August 1, 2025, has been delayed due to issues with his label, Columbia Records. He expressed frustration and disappointment in a candid Instagram video, emphasizing that the album was completed and delivered over a month ago, and the delay is solely the label's doing rather than sample clearances or feature conflicts. Joey criticized Columbia Records for consistently obstructing his artistic progress, noting that many of his recent releases have been independently uploaded to YouTube to avoid waiting on the label. He also stated he has given Columbia a deadline to resolve the situation, threatening to release the album himself on YouTube if they do not act. Additionally, Joey has been involved in ongoing rap feuds, particularly with West Coast artists, which has kept him in the spotlight leading up to the album's intended release. Columbia Records has not publicly responded to his accusations.