Fans have been thrilled by the unexpected release of a never-before-heard track featuring the late Capital STEEZ and his collaborator Joey Bada$$. This surprise resurfacing comes thanks to Pro Era’s Nyck Caution, who shared a snippet of this ‘old gem’ from around 2010 on Instagram.
Joey Bada$$ and Capital STEEZ, both pivotal figures in the New York Hip Hop scene, share a special place in fans’ hearts. Their close friendship and artistic partnerships were cut short when STEEZ tragically took his own life at just 19, right before Christmas in 2012. However, their legacy continues to shine through their music.
On March 3, Nyck Caution, another member of the Pro Era collective, posted a snippet of a previously unreleased track on Instagram. This track, titled “gwood,” features Joey and STEEZ exchanging verses, much to the excitement of their followers. Caution captioned the post, “Was going through old music… found this old gem circa 2010 with Joey and Steez lmao wanted y’all to peep.”
Joey Bada$$ has often spoken about the deep impact Capital STEEZ’s death had on him, particularly exploring these emotions in his 2022 song, “Survivor’s Guilt.” In the song, he expresses feelings of guilt and loss, rapping about how he’s been “struggling without him” and feeling partially responsible. This personal reflection adds layers to the emotional weight of their collaboration.
The grief shared among those close to STEEZ was not limited to Joey alone. In 2018, STEEZ’s family boycotted the annual STEEZ DAY event, organized by Pro Era to honor him and support his family. Joey addressed them directly in his music, acknowledging their struggles with trauma and expressing his desire to lend a supportive hand.
Capital STEEZ’s passing was marked by a heartbreaking final message. Right before his death, he posted “The end” on social media and sent farewell texts to close friends, leaving the world of Hip Hop in mourning. Despite the years that have passed, his influence and memory endure in the community.
The re-emergence of this track offers fans a poignant reminder of Capital STEEZ’s talent and the unique bond he shared with Joey Bada$$. While his physical presence may be gone, the music he created continues to captivate and connect people, ensuring his legacy lives on.
