At the start of the year, Joey Batts liberated the reflective and moving “Thankful.” Since then, Batts has been relatively quiet in regards to his musical endeavors, instead taking time to mindfully experience the wild winds of what 2020 has shaped up to be. With roughly half a year separating the music, Batts returns with “Kafkaesque,” officially dropping the new record alongside the aforementioned “Thankful” last week as a 2-track Snake Eyes project.

“Kafkaesque” kicks off with brooding instrumentation that comes courtesy of blckwndr, who has time and again proven to be a viable tag-team partner with Joey. Before long, the soundscape gives way to Batts’ sharp wordplay, waterfalling into a classic Joey Batts cut that comes to vibrant life with modern perspective and energy. The new music is a glowing example of the wisdom and perspective that comes with age – although far from “old,” the elder Batts has never stopped being a student of life, managing to dance between his role of educator while remaining constantly and consistently open to the ever-present education that comes with being alive.

With Joey dropping little gems of knowledge along the way, “Kafkaesque” is something like a necessary kick in the ass for the listener. The track gently but passionately forces one to take a look in the mirror and ask, what are you doing? It’s a question that inevitably causes the ego to take a hit when you realize the what, why, how and when of your existence might not be as aligned as it could be. And, with the loving but blunt compassion of an elder tribesman, Batts leaves the listener with little doubt concerning who is responsible for the trajectory of one’s life. At the end of the day, you gotta have you – it really doesn’t matter who else is in your corner if you aren’t stepping up, showing up and putting in the work on yourself, your dreams and your passions.

“Kafkaesque,” complete with scratches from MoNiklz, is available now on all your favorite streaming platforms. Be a good friend and hit that “follow” button on Batts’ Spotify so he can stay independently wealthy.

Press play below.