Video: Joey Bada$$ - 'Land of the Free'
After revealing the title of his forthcoming album All-Amerikkkan Bada$$, Joey Bada$$ unleashes a politically-charged video for his potent protest single, “Land of the Free.”
Directed by Joey and Nathan R. Smith, the clip features Bada$$ in a desert with a group of shackled people, but also in a grassy field with a group of young children. “Donald Trump is not equipped to take this country over,” he tells the youth.
The symbolic visual features bold and explicit imagery, including the shooting of unarmed people of color by white law enforcement officials, politicians, and businessmen. Later, those same men are dressed as Ku Klux Klan members who burn a cross and lynch a black man.
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Following the video’s darkest moments, a symbol of hope falls in the form of rain, as those who were shot open their eyes. Finally, sunshine appears, while Joey runs around a tree with the group of kids dressed in white.
“Proud to share my new visual masterpiece for #LANDOFTHEFREE off my upcoming album #AABA,” Badmon tweeted. “Enjoy!”
Last year, Joey told Rap-Up about how race was playing a role in the making of his forthcoming LP. “I think there’s been something going on in America,” he said. “Especially against the young black youth, the oppressed people of this country. So I think the young generation needs a voice. I do believe I am that voice.”
All-Amerikkkan Bada$$ is due April 7. Watch the “Land of the Free” video below.