Joey Badass
A Brooklyn-bred lyricist who spearheaded the 2010s boom of nostalgic, boom-bap revivalism with his collective Pro Era and sharp, conscious raps.
Born 1995 (age 31)·American rapper and actor·Birthday: January 20·Millennials
Biography
Joey Badass, born Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott, didn't just arrive on the hip-hop scene; he and his friends built their own. As a teenager in Brooklyn, he co-founded the Pro Era collective, a group of like-minded artists dedicated to the raw, lyrical essence of East Coast hip-hop. His 2012 mixtape '1999,' released for free online, became a seismic event, its dusty samples and wise-beyond-his-years bars offering a stark contrast to the prevailing sounds of the time and earning him instant reverence. He transitioned this underground credibility into a sustained career, releasing critically praised albums like 'B4.DA.$$' and 'All-Amerikkkan Badass,' where his focus expanded to pointed social commentary. Beyond music, he has built an acting resume, most notably in the TV series 'Mr. Robot' and 'Wu-Tang: An American Saga,' proving his artistic depth extends beyond the microphone.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Joey was born in 1995, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Joey Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Joey's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1995Born
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2000Started school
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2008Became a teenager
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Could drive
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2013Could vote
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Turned 21
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2025Turned 30
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 31 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Released the influential mixtape '1999' at age 17, which helped revive interest in 1990s-inspired boom-bap hip-hop.
- Founded the hip-hop collective Pro Era, which launched the careers of several notable artists.
- Starred as Unique in the acclaimed television drama series 'Mr. Robot'.
Did You Know?
He is a distant cousin of the late hip-hop artist Capital STEEZ, his Pro Era co-founder.
Joey Badass made his acting debut in the Netflix series 'The Get Down.'
He is an avid chess player and has participated in celebrity chess tournaments.
“The truth will set you free, but first it'll piss you off.”
