Joey Bada$$ claims the internet exaggerated his West Coast reference in “The Ruler’s Back,” which was released during his feud with Ray Vaughn. He revisited the moment during the “New Rory & Mal” podcast on Friday, September 5, also mentioning that he had checked in with Ab-Soul about it.

The rapper from 1999 didn’t believe the lyric “Too much West Coast d**k lickin’ / I’m hearin’ n**gas throwin’ rocks, really ain’t s**t stickin'” would be significant, particularly considering it was inspired by JAY-Z. Joey clarified, “It isn’t like I said, ‘Yo, f**k the West Coast.'” He also stated that Ab-Soul agreed it wasn’t that significant of an issue.

Joey recalled discussing the ‘DO BETTER’ artist, stating their conversation lasted about “10, 15 minutes” and that they shared a laugh about the encounter. “For real, are you seriously taking that disrespect?” He’s saying, ‘No, guys, guys were rapping.’ According to Joey, his favorite thing to say is, ‘You in the gym.’

According to the Brooklyn native, it was social media and stan culture that really exaggerated the situation. “The internet today is full of rubbish,” he explained. As the narrative began to take shape, I thought to myself, ‘Someone was likely to take the bait at this point.’

Admitting honestly, Joey said he wasn’t prepared. I took things as they came. View the clip that is located below.

Vaughn responded to “The Ruler’s Back” with “Crashout Heritage,” which sampled Kendrick Lamar’s “heart pt. 6.” The record sparked a sequence of reciprocal exchanges, with both parties trading blows on tracks including “Impossible Patty,” “Pardon Me,” “H** Era,” “THE FINALS,” and several other songs.

Joey and Ab-Soul are scheduled to embark on a joint tour in October, which will be known as the “Dark Aura Tour,” and will feature Rapsody as a supporting artist. Below is a flyer to view.