Appearances can be deceiving, but names can be so much worse. Exhibit A: Brooklyn rapper Joey Bada$$.

“When people see my name for the first time, without understanding my character, they might be like, Wow, this guy’s wild,” laughs Joey. “Which I am! But not like breaking your car windows wild, more like speaking my mind and being a badass by nature.”

Indeed, his name, with its double-dollar sign flourish, does perhaps camouflage the important things he has to say. ...