They say money is the root of all evil. I say money is the root of all people – Joey Bada$$

They say money is the root of all evil. I say money is the root of all people.

0:00 – 0:20 Joey is saying how money controls people no matter who you are. That’s the goal we all as people have. 

“Really started from the bottom, boy cotton

But they still planting plantations, we keep buying in, closed-minded men

Pride is higher than the prices on your Pradas and Balenciagas.”

Joey had a strict upbringing because he grew in an environment with daily threats and violence. He then adds the fact that this generation is so focused on designer clothes and stuff, which makes them “trapped.” 

0:52 – 1:12 This scene is essential because Joey wins by gambling. This shows the lifestyle Joey had to undergo to make it out of poverty with his mother. 

“I got connections that guaranteed to see closed doors.”

Joey was lucky enough to pursue his rapping career from the people he already knew. He is implying; most neighbors would get slammed by the door if they were in Joey’s position. It’s tough to get signed by a record deal and pursue the career Joey was striving for. 

“I got a dollar and a dream, know what I mean?

And I gotta get my mama off the scene.”

1:54 – 2:22 “All you need is a dollar and a dream” is the New York State lottery slogan. Joey is trying to live a better life with his mother. The mom is not living a stress-free experience and Joey is trying to get the money to pay the rent and pursue his rapping career. 

2:38 – 2:49 Joey goes to the local shop to get himself a mic with the money he earned from gambling and trading the sneakers he won. 

“They say money is the root of all evil.

I see money as the route of all people.

‘Cause we all follow paper trails, paper trails

And everybody gotta pay their bills, pay their bills.”

2:58 – 3:24 The person in the scene was desperate for money. He didn’t hesitate to kill the man who was wearing his shoes. Remember, the shoes were lost from gambling. 

3:26 – 3:45 Joey is seen opening the box and having a mic and money in it. This shows the importance of money was for his upbringing and community. 

The music video ends with the verse, “It’s the dollar dollar bill, it’s the dollar bill that kills y’all.” This implies the “hunger” many facing poverty have for money. Some turn out to kill each other as shown in the music video. It was tough for Joey and the people in his community to get the funds needed to support themselves. As shown in the video, Joey’s mom was getting yelled at work while Joey was trying to pursue his rap career with the money he earned. At the end of the day, there’s always good and bads in everything we do. In this scenario, money is an evil thing. However, it is the goal many people work hard for because that’s the only way to live in this world.