“B4.Da.$$” is the title of Joey Bada$$’ studio debut, releasing this coming Tuesday (January 20) on Pro Era/Cinematic/Sony Red. The Brooklyn, New York MC reflects this title, not just as a conveniently clever time-capsule of his rise to stardom, or an ah-ha to the doubters and skeptics. Rather, the Pro Era leader truly questions the merits of monetary gain.

“Cash ruin everything around me” he raps on “Paper Trail$.” The song looks at the good, and the evil of upward mobility. The starving artist often makes the most enduring work, but that does not necessarily keep the heat and lights on. The song captures that hunger, and looks at the road ahead with alert concern. DJ Premier matches his latest run-in with Bada$$ with a beat that includes those razor-sharp scratches, and playful sample triggering. It is also incredibly innovative how the verses begin with that distorted drop that almost makes it sound like a new MC hitting the mic.

Premier captured the hunger of so many amazing MCs in their crossroads moment of fame and ends (Nas, Jay Z, Fat Joe, Royce Da 5’9″). Do you see “Paper Trail$” having that ultimate effect?

Spotted at Unkut.

Related: Joey Bada$$ & Action Bronson Show Why They’re 2 of Hip-Hop’s Most Promising MCs (Audio)