"Trump revealed that racism is still alive and well — that there's still bigots out there. He exposed the bigotry that still exists in this country even after a black president."

That's the firm, unapologetic stance rapper Joey Bada$$ took in a recent interview. Sitting down with CNN, he discussed the impact the Trump presidency has had on the nation in its first 90 days, his new, politically-driven album All-Amerikkkan Badass and the fight this new administration has created amongst the youth. His lead single, "Land of the Free," critically took aim at the issues this country is currently dealing with, focusing on police brutality, racism and mass incarceration. Though very charged in its message and delivery, Bada$$ wants to focus on the good that has come since November.

The young Brooklyn rapper offered up an alternative response to the Trump administration, working to see the light in what is arguably an era of darkness. He notes that the nation has become more inspired to seek change by any means necessary, waking up from the "sleep" we fell into during the Obama years.

Bada$$ loves it, including the changes he's seen in the music industry. "The music has taken a shift now," he says optimistically. "Everyone is starting to feel somewhat responsible because we're realizing the power that we have as individuals, as musicians, as people with high influence."

As a young artist, Joey Bada$$ has continuously taken the responsibility he has to the culture to the heart. That, within itself, is so refreshing. He speaks what he's lived, and owns his role of storyteller and activist with his bars.

Photo: Pro Era/Cinematic

"This is not me stepping out of my comfort zone or anything. This is literally what I feel and what I've been dealing with since I was born."

His new album is scheduled to drop April 7 with features from artists like Chronixx, Schoolboy Q and fellow socially-active MC J. Cole.

All-Amerikkkan Badass

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