Fat Joe Talks Controversy Surrounding Him Getting The Key To New York City

On August 20, Mayor Eric Adams will present Fat Joe with the key to New York City. According to him, not everybody is happy about the decision. The Bronx legend posted a video on Instagram on Wednesday announcing that he will receive the honor on August 20 in Orchard Beach, just a few minutes from where he grew up. Joe is also scheduled to perform a free concert at the celebratory event. In a video posted after the announcement, Joe explained that people have already criticized his ceremonial key, despite his legendary status in the New York rap scene.

“I get the key to the city the 20th and, boy, was that a hard one. Hip-hop got a black eye,” he said in his video. “The mayor and his crew, his right-hand girl, got me the key to the city. Everybody was a little upset,” Joe said. “But I don’t know another guy who keeps it realer with the streets of New York than Fat Joe, who feeds more people, opens more businesses. I don’t know what to tell you guys.” However, Joe did not go into more detail than that.

Read More: Fat Joe Essential Songs

Fat Joe To Receive Key To The City

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Rise Up NYC (@riseupnycconcerts)

Of course, Fat Joe isn’t the first rapper to receive the key to the city. Mayor Eric Adams faced widespread calls earlier this year to revoke Diddy’s key to the city. The calls came after a video of him brutally assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie in 2016 leaked. The disgraced mogul received the award in 2023. After condeming the attack and discussing the matter with his team, Adams rescinded the honor in June, making Diddy the first person to lose the key to NYC.

“The Key to the City of New York is presented to individuals whose service to the public and the common good rises to the highest level of achievement, and who act as a model for fellow and future New Yorkers,” Adams said in a letter addressed to Diddy. Fat Joe regularly returns to his hometown to give back. In the past, he fundraised for kids in the community to ensure they have new clothes for school. In 2022, he helped the residents of a Bronx apartment building get back on their feet after a fire. Joe’s history of community outreach goes back nearly two decades. It makes sense that the city he grew up in is acknowledging him for it with such an honor.

[Via]

The post Fat Joe Talks Controversy Surrounding Him Getting The Key To New York City appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Hip-Hop Mourns The Tragic Passing Of M.O.P Affiliate, Foxx

Foxx, M.O.P.’s former tour manager and former member of the rap group Lethal, died on August 3 after a 15-year battle with scleroderma, an autoimmune disease. The Bronx native’s respirator was removed from her on August 2 in the hospital. She was 55. DJ Kid Capri, a childhood friend of Foxx’s, broke the news on Instagram in a heartfelt post, paying tribute and detailing the story of the last time he saw her in the hospital.

The hip-hop community best knows Foxx as the “mother figure” of the Brownsville-based duo M.O.P. She played an integral part in the duo’s successful run in the late 1990s and early 2000s. “M.O.P. wouldn’t get nowhere if it wasn’t for me. I’m like their Mother Goose,” said Foxx in a previous interview. “They don’t got no mothers, no fathers, none of that sh*t. I can put them in check, and I’m probably the only one that can do that, partly because I’m older than them.” Of course, the hip-hop community paid tribute following Capri’s announcement.

Read More: Chino XL’s Passing Has The Entire Hip-Hop World Mourning

Foxx Passes Away At 55, Hip-Hop Legends Mourn

DJ Premier also shared a tribute to Foxx, accompanied by a video from 1998 of her rapping on a tour bus while she was traveling with Gang Starr. “I’m hurt in more ways than one, but your pain is gone now,” he said. “Even tho I saw you in the hospital Tuesday, it sucks to get that call. We all are gonna miss you so much but the fun times are documented in our souls. You were HardCore and Sweet at the same time. Would f*ck up anybody that fronted on us or you. My beautiful Foxx Beige sleep peacefully Queen.” Fat Joe referred to her as “family,” while The Alchemist expressed his condolences as well, calling her “the illest.”

Foxx’s death is the latest in what has been a sad last few weeks for hip-hop. Chino XL, long considered one of the most underrated rappers of his era, unexpectedly died on July 28. DJ Polo, the former Juice Crew member best known for his career-defining work with Kool G Rap, passed away the day before. The hip-hop world continues to mourn the passing of its legends. We would like to extend our condolences as well.

The post Hip-Hop Mourns The Tragic Passing Of M.O.P Affiliate, Foxx appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Fat Joe Thinks J. Cole Exiting The Kendrick Lamar Beef Knocked Him Down A Peg, But He Gets Why He Did It

Fat Joe knows his way around a hip-hop feud, as he famously had beef with 50 Cent in the 2000s. So, his perspective about those matters is an interesting and informed one, and now he has shared his thoughts about J. Cole’s (relative lack of) involvement in the Kendrick Lamar and Drake feud.

On a new episode of the On Purpose With Jay Shetty podcast, Joe spoke about Cole deciding to bow out of the feud and had both positive and negative thoughts on how Cole handled himself, saying:

“When you [get] called out in hip-hop, you gotta respond. And so, I’m a big fan of J. Cole, but it started from that. He probably saw that it could get real messy and real ugly, and so he said, ‘Yo, you know what? This ain’t me. I don’t want no parts of it,’ but he definitely got a stripe off […] because in hip-hop, they call you out, you come out, you know? That’s just what it is. […] You got to come out, and a guy like him… he was a king. He’s so talented, he’s a king, so it was like, ‘Wow, Cole! You did that?

But I get it, I get all scenarios. He was mature enough to think past the lyrical beef and say, ‘Yo, this might turn physical.’ I’m not mad at him, but I’m just saying from a real hip-hop artist… you know, I’ve been called out and I got to step up, even if I think the artist is a million times better than me.”

Check out the full episode above; The Cole-related portion of the show starts at about 1:11:00 into the video.

Fat Joe Claims J Cole’s Legacy Is Tarnished By Kendrick Lamar Battle

J Cole is in a weird place. The rapper wasn’t defeated in combat the way Drake was. The fact that he chose to forfeit, and cede ground to Kendrick Lamar, though, has been viewed by many as a fate worse than defeat. At least Drake stood on his convictions, right? The debate as to whether Cole made a smart or cowardly decision continues to rage on. Fat Joe recently weighed in on the legacy of the Dreamville star during a recent appearance on the Jay Shetty Podcast. He gave J Cole his flowers, but also noted that things will never quite be the same.

“He definitely got a stripe off,” Fat Joe asserted. “They took a stripe off that because in hip-hop, when they call you out, you come out.” The Terror Squad founder acknowledged that J Cole’s sense of self preservation was smart in some ways, but noted that it came at a great cost. “He probably saw that it could get real messy and real ugly,” Fat Joe added. “So he said, ‘You know this ain’t me I don’t want no parts of it.’” Joe’s reputation is ironclad when it comes to rap beef, so it’s hard to argue with his stance. The rapper has gone at everybody, from 2Pac to JAY-Z to 50 Cent, and never backed down. As far as he is concerned, backing down is not an option.

Read More: J Cole Supported By Trae Tha Truth Over Dropping Out Of Drake & Kendrick’s Beef

Fat Joe Wishes That J Cole Had Risen To The Challenge

Part of Fat Joe’s reasoning is that beefing on record is not the same as beefing in real life. The rapper was perplexed by J Cole’s decision to throw in the towel, given that his battle with Lamar was strictly a lyrical one. “I had one of the biggest, most dangerous beefs with 50 Cent,” Joe relayed to Shetty. “And I was sitting next to him at the game yesterday, having the best time in the world. We’re brothers.” Once again, the rapper took Cole to task for shying away from competition. “When you’re called out in hip-hop, you gotta respond,” he asserted. “I’m a big fan of J Cole, but it started from that.”

Fat Joe isn’t alone in his thinking. Kanye West absolutely laid into Cole on the “Like That” remix, throwing more shots at the Dreamville star than his supposed “main” target, Drake. The Game was also frustrated by Cole’s reticence to attack Kendrick Lamar. “Hip hop [or] rap or whatever y’all calling it these days was already watered down,” the Compton emcee tweeted. “Then Cole apologized and turned this sh*t into Kool-Aid wit no sugar.” Here’s hoping J Cole can bounce back. We will all agree to forget “Grippy.”

Read More: Joe Biden Draws J Cole Comparisons After Dropping Out Of Presidential Race

The post Fat Joe Claims J Cole’s Legacy Is Tarnished By Kendrick Lamar Battle appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Fans Question Marriage Status of Remy Ma and Papoose After She Uses Maiden Name in Single Credits

ax

Remy Ma and Papoose’s marriage status is currently a toss-up. Her latest release with Fat Joe may give some clues. A post on The Neighborhood Talk reveals that her song credits use her maiden name, Remy Kioni Smith, as opposed to other recent releases that carried Papoose’s name, “Mackie.”

Grammy-nominated artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Fat Joe has ended his music hiatus with the release of “Outta Control (feat. Remy Ma),” a fiery new track sampling DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince’s classic hit, “Summertime.” Produced by the super-producer duo Cool & Dre, the song marks the latest collaboration in Joe and Remy’s longstanding partnership. Joe delivers a dynamic verse, followed by Remy’s blazing lyrical display, including the standout line, “They say I shot my friend over a band. And? Imagine what I do to a bitch that I can’t stand.”

“Outta Control” is Joe’s first new music release since 2021, when he dropped “Back Outside (feat. Remy Ma and Cool & Dre)” and “Sunshine (The Light),” which reached No. 1 on Urban Radio and broke into the Top-10 rhythmic radio charts. Over the years, Joe and Remy have proven to be a formidable duo, collaborating on hits like “All the Way Up (feat. French Montana)” and “Lean Back,” which celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special “Fat Joe & Friends Show” at The Apollo in April.

The post Fans Question Marriage Status of Remy Ma and Papoose After She Uses Maiden Name in Single Credits first appeared on The Source.

The post Fans Question Marriage Status of Remy Ma and Papoose After She Uses Maiden Name in Single Credits appeared first on The Source.

Fat Joe Is Ready To ‘Talk His Sh*t’ On The New ‘Provocative’ Starz Show Executive Produced By LeBron James

fat joe one man show
Getty Image

Fat Joe hasn’t quite leaned all the way back from music. On July 12, he reunited with longtime friend and collaborator Remy Ma for the song, “Outta Control.” But that’s not the only new work he announced.

In an exclusive report from Deadline, details surrounding the “All The Way Up” rapper’s upcoming show were revealed.

According to the outlet, Fat Joe has inked a deal with Starz to produce an interview series, Fat Joe Talks. As the host, Fat Joe is set to travel across the country to “conduct conversations with cultural icons.”

Details about when it is expected to air and featured guest have not yet been revealed. However, in a statement, Kathryn Busby, the President of Original Programming for Starz, expressed her support of the network’s forthcoming show.

“‘Fat Joe Talks’ is an exciting foray into talk,” she said. “And who better than Joe—a legend in and of himself—to drive provocative conversations that tap into the zeitgeist and matter to our audience. We are thrilled to be working with Joe and our partners at SpringHill and Embassy Row to launch this incredible show, offering authentic, backstage, rare access to these cultural icons.”

In addition to Embassy Row, the other confirmed production team includes LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Philip Byron, and Jamal Henderson, who will all serve as executive produces (for SpringHill). For Embassy Row, Michael Davies take on that responsibility.

LL COOL J Announces Release of 14th Studio Album ‘The FORCE’

LL COOL J Announces Release of 14th Studio Album 'The FORCE'

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and two-time Grammy® Award-winning Hip-Hop icon, LL COOL J, has announced his 14th studio album, The FORCE (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy). Set for release on September 6th via Def Jam Recordings / Virgin Music Group, the highly anticipated 14-track album features an impressive lineup of guest artists, including Nas, Eminem, Rick Ross, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, Saweetie, Snoop Dogg, Don Pablito, J-S.A.N.D., Mad Squablz, and Sona Jobarteh.

The FORCE, LL’s first new album in over a decade, is a powerful testament to his enduring influence in the music industry. Produced entirely by Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest, the album showcases LL’s renewed vigor and lyrical prowess. The Queens emcee describes the creation process as “learning how to rap again,” resulting in a record that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in Hip-Hop tradition.

“It’s like a director going back to film school after he’s had blockbusters,” LL says, or “Denzel going back to acting class.”

This album explores various themes, from racial injustice and law enforcement abuses to the effects of the pandemic, isolation, and LL’s legacy in the Hip-Hop canon. With sharp writing and dynamic vocals, “The The FORCE blends serious topical content and energetic, fun tracks, demonstrating LL COOL J’s continued relevance and creativity.

“We’re talking 14 tracks of straight fire, all crafted by myself and the one and only Q-Tip,” LL said. “When you listen to this album, you’re not just hearing music, you’re experiencing a whole new vibe, a whole new level of artistic passion.”

The FORCE is set to inspire and challenge the genre, offering a new direction for Hip-Hop while celebrating its rich history. Fans can look forward to a modern, thought-provoking album that reaffirms LL COOL J’s place as a Hip-Hop legend.

Previously, LL COOL J triumphantly returned to music with his new single “Saturday Night Special” featuring Rick Ross and Fat Joe. Released via Def Jam Recordings and Virgin Music Group, the track marks LL’s comeback after a decade-long hiatus.

The new single, produced by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Q-Tip, kicks off with an innovative sonic approach. LL COOL J, Rick Ross, and Fat Joe navigate the track with lyrical finesse, depicting life’s harsh realities, intricate dynamics, and the code of ethics governing it. Named after the revolver class “Saturday Night Special,” the song explores key players in the hustle, such as the “greedy killer” who reacts violently to disrespect and the “daredevil type” who seeks attention. Emphasizing self-preservation and strategic interaction, the song’s core message revolves around trust and reciprocity in the hustle.

The minimalist, black-and-white music video, directed by JakeTheShooter with creative direction from HiHat, brings the hustler anthem to life. Shot in Miami, Florida, the video features LL, Fat Joe, and Rick Ross performing together.

“‘Saturday Night Special’ is just the beginning,” LL said. “There’s a lot more where this came from, and I’m hype for y’all to hear this new record. We’re doing this for the fans and for Hip-Hop culture.”

You can see the tracklist below.

  1. Spirit of Cyrus (Featuring Snoop Dogg)
  2. The FORCE
  3. Saturday Night Special (Featuring Rick Ross and Fat Joe)
  4. Black Code Suite (Featuring Sona Jobarteh)
  5. Passion
  6. Proclivities (Featuring Saweetie)
  7. Post Modern
  8. 30 Decembers
  9. Runnit Back
  10. Huey In Da Chair (Featuring Busta Rhymes)
  11. Basquiat Energy
  12. Praise Him (Featuring Nas)
  13. Murdergram Deux (Featuring Eminem)
  14. The Vow (Featuring Mad Squablz, J-S.A.N.D., and Don Pablito)

The post LL COOL J Announces Release of 14th Studio Album ‘The FORCE’ first appeared on The Source.

The post LL COOL J Announces Release of 14th Studio Album ‘The FORCE’ appeared first on The Source.

Fat Joe Returns with New Single “Outta Control” Featuring Remy Ma

Fat Joe Returns with New Single "Outta Control" Featuring Remy Ma

Grammy-nominated artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Fat Joe has ended his music hiatus with the release of “Outta Control (feat. Remy Ma),” a fiery new track sampling DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince’s classic hit, “Summertime.” Produced by the super-producer duo Cool & Dre, the song marks the latest collaboration in Joe and Remy’s longstanding partnership. Joe delivers a dynamic verse, followed by Remy’s blazing lyrical display, including the standout line, “They say I shot my friend over a band. And? Imagine what I do to a bitch that I can’t stand.”

“Outta Control” is Joe’s first new music release since 2021, when he dropped “Back Outside (feat. Remy Ma and Cool & Dre)” and “Sunshine (The Light),” which reached No. 1 on Urban Radio and broke into the Top-10 rhythmic radio charts. Over the years, Joe and Remy have proven to be a formidable duo, collaborating on hits like “All the Way Up (feat. French Montana)” and “Lean Back,” which celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special “Fat Joe & Friends Show” at The Apollo in April.

The post Fat Joe Returns with New Single “Outta Control” Featuring Remy Ma first appeared on The Source.

The post Fat Joe Returns with New Single “Outta Control” Featuring Remy Ma appeared first on The Source.

Fat Joe Announces New Album Releasing This August

Fat Joe

In addition to a new TV show in the works, Fat Joe is getting ready to release a new album. Speaking with TMZ, Joe revealed the release is coming in August.

“Breaking news: Fat Joe be dropping a album in August, too, so put me in that list of pioneers and legends and icons,” Joe said.

On Thursday’s Television Critics Association (TCA) press tour, Starz introduced its new tagline, “We’re All Adults Here,” and unveiled exciting news about several new and returning series. Among the announcements was the greenlight for “Fat Joe Talks,” a new 30-minute series hosted by hip-hop legend Fat Joe.

“Fat Joe Talks” will feature the charismatic artist engaging in conversations on newsworthy topics. The show will take Fat Joe across the United States as he meets cultural icons in their environments, providing viewers with an intimate look at these influential figures.

“‘Fat Joe Talks’ is an exciting foray into talk, and who better than Joe—a legend in and of himself—to drive provocative conversations that tap into the zeitgeist and matter to our audience,” said Kathryn Busby, president of original programming for Starz to Variety. “We are thrilled to be working with Joe and our partners at SpringHill and Embassy Row to launch this incredible show, offering authentic, backstage, rare access to these cultural icons.”

Embassy Row produces the series, and Fat Joe serves as an executive producer alongside SpringHill’s LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Philip Byron, and Jamal Henderson and Embassy Row’s Michael Davies.

Starz’s new tagline, “We’re All Adults Here,” signifies the network’s commitment to delivering mature, thought-provoking content that resonates with its adult audience. Adding “Fat Joe Talks” to the lineup underscores this mission by offering insightful and relevant discussions led by a respected voice in the hip-hop community.

The post Fat Joe Announces New Album Releasing This August first appeared on The Source.

The post Fat Joe Announces New Album Releasing This August appeared first on The Source.

Starz Announces New Series ‘Fat Joe Talks’ at TCA Press Tour

Fat Joe Shares That He's 'One Million Percent' Taking The COVID-19 Vaccine

On Thursday’s Television Critics Association (TCA) press tour, Starz introduced its new tagline, “We’re All Adults Here,” and unveiled exciting news about several new and returning series. Among the announcements was the greenlight for “Fat Joe Talks,” a new 30-minute series hosted by hip-hop legend Fat Joe.

“Fat Joe Talks” will feature the charismatic artist engaging in conversations on newsworthy topics. The show will take Fat Joe across the United States as he meets cultural icons in their environments, providing viewers with an intimate look at these influential figures.

“‘Fat Joe Talks’ is an exciting foray into talk, and who better than Joe—a legend in and of himself—to drive provocative conversations that tap into the zeitgeist and matter to our audience,” said Kathryn Busby, president of original programming for Starz to Variety. “We are thrilled to be working with Joe and our partners at SpringHill and Embassy Row to launch this incredible show, offering authentic, backstage, rare access to these cultural icons.”

Embassy Row produces the series, and Fat Joe serves as an executive producer alongside SpringHill’s LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Philip Byron, and Jamal Henderson and Embassy Row’s Michael Davies.

Starz’s new tagline, “We’re All Adults Here,” signifies the network’s commitment to delivering mature, thought-provoking content that resonates with its adult audience. Adding “Fat Joe Talks” to the lineup underscores this mission by offering insightful and relevant discussions led by a respected voice in the hip-hop community.

The post Starz Announces New Series ‘Fat Joe Talks’ at TCA Press Tour first appeared on The Source.

The post Starz Announces New Series ‘Fat Joe Talks’ at TCA Press Tour appeared first on The Source.