Joe and Jada - DaBaby on surviving controversies, putting Charlotte on the map & Joe's robbing the gym story

Joe and Jada show energy from the jump—today wasn’t my best start, but we’re closing strong. When you think of our guest, you hear voice and stadium anthems, and you see a mind that storyboards his own visuals—ladies and gentlemen, DaBaby.

We keep it honest in here, so let’s get right to it. That moment that turned into a tidal wave—did you see it blowing up like that?

No way. It hit from left field, I just threw on the life jacket and steered the boat. Stuff happens—I stayed locked in.

I told you then—forget the noise and keep rapping. Now you’ve got a monster record moving. What’s it feel like after people said it was over?

Like it should. I never forgot how to do this. The difference now is I’m having fun again, not chasing anything, and that’s when the music connects.

Respect. Most fold when the game pushes back. You stood tall and outlasted it.

Talk Charlotte. Few examples before you, but when the heat came, your city’s radio still rode with you. How did that shape you?

Charlotte’s tough—no blueprint, so I kicked the door down. I’m still there, still grounded, and that grind made me ready for industry weather.

Your visuals set the bar. How do you think about them, and what’s next on stage?

I trained my fans to expect a movie. This new joint flew before the video, so I had to meet that standard—I’m hands-on because no one can paint my picture better than me. Performance is my favorite part; tour starts next week with Zeddy Will and a young DMV artist—I love bringing new talent.

What’s your studio process when it’s time to catch one?

Give me the beat and a mic, sitting outside the booth. If the beat talks to me, I’m cutting it right then—music leads, I follow.

Hooks matter more than people think—I learned that the hard way. Sometimes you’ve got to let a beat be what it is and write the hook that lives in it.

On this album I checked every box—bars, big energy, records for the ladies, straight heat. Wild part is the song going crazy was the last one I made.

Life talk. I’ve lost a lot, rebuilt three times, and learned to cut off fair-weather friends who only pop up when it’s lit. Gratitude and boundaries keep you sane.

Family first—being a dad is my favorite job. My pops passed in nineteen, my mom’s living well, and I just bought about forty acres. Life’s short; build something real.

Name the album and tour for the people.

Be More Grateful—the album and the tour. I kept features light; my daughter’s on there, Coi Leray’s on there, and it feels right.

We ran that strip-club anthem and it knocks. Let the hit breathe, enjoy the moment, and go get those tickets. Appreciate you, my brother.