1999 is the debut mixtape from Joey Bada$$. Originally released in 2012 as a free digital download, the project garnered much praise, including comparisons to Nas's heralded debut album, Illmatic. Fellow Pro Era members as well as J Dilla, MF Doom, and the likes contribute beats, and Joey's penchant for vintage hip-hop is at full display on 1999. Despite being only 17 years old, it's obvious the Brooklyn rapper listened to and studied the forefathers of hip-hop, and his dedication to the craft of MCing, something often ignored by his contemporaries, is perfectly complemented by the soulful, New York boom-bap musical backing on tracks like "Waves," "Survival Tactics," "Hard Knock," and "FromdaTombs." Features guest appearances from Chuck Strangers, CJ Fly, Capital Steez (rip), and more, this is the first time 1999 is available on vinyl.

• first time on vinyl
• black double vinyl pressing
• original release year: 2012
• music label: Pro Era Records 2018

reviewed by pocari papi 09/18