Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club – Interview with Fat Joe

Episode Title: INTERVIEW: Fat Joe On How The World Changed On Him, Drake-Kendrick, Latinos For Trump, Big Pun's Legacy + More
Release Date: December 11, 2024
Host/Authors: DJ Envy, Charlamagne Tha God, Angela Yee
Podcast: The Breakfast Club
Description: The Breakfast Club is renowned as "The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show," hosted by DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God. This episode features an in-depth conversation with legendary rapper Fat Joe, delving into his personal journey, the evolution of his music, his stance on current events, and the enduring legacy of his late friend Big Pun.

1. Coping with Loss and Personal Struggles

Fat Joe opens up about the recent passing of several close friends, highlighting the emotional toll it has taken on him.

• Fat Joe [05:23]: "We've been dealing with a lot of deaths lately. ... it's just Raul. That's... it's on."

He discusses the difficulty of informing his mother about the loss of her favorite son, illustrating the profound impact of these losses on his personal life.

• Fat Joe [05:38]: "I had to fly to Miami to tell her about her son. It's really hard, bro."

2. Evolution of Music and Being Ungentrified

Fat Joe reflects on how the world and the music industry have evolved, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining the raw, authentic essence of his music.

• Fat Joe [06:23]: "I'm the last Ungentrified MC. My music is gangster. It's raw, it's gangsta."

He expresses pride in his upcoming album, "The World Changed On Me," asserting that despite the changing landscape, he remains true to his roots.

• Fat Joe [06:17]: "We got an album coming out on Friday. The world changed on me. I'm so proud of that work."

3. Confrontation and Respect in the Streets

A significant portion of the conversation centers around an altercation Fat Joe had with an individual attempting to assault him. He emphasizes the importance of respect and his role as an elder in the community.

• Fat Joe [11:15]: "I said, yo, bro, I can't tell you. You're not punching me. You're not punching Fat Joe."

Charlamagne interjects, highlighting the complexity of Fat Joe's responses, which blend street authenticity with smart, calculated answers.

• Charlamagne Tha God [09:43]: "That's a smart answer though."

4. Fatherhood and Family Life

Fat Joe shares insights into his role as a father, stressing the importance of being present and instilling self-respect in his daughter.

• Fat Joe [17:00]: "I give my daughter everything so she can know whoever comes behind me has to do even better."

He discusses the dynamics of balancing a high-profile career with family responsibilities, highlighting his hands-on approach.

5. Performance at Yankee Stadium

Fat Joe recounts his experience performing at Yankee Stadium, detailing technical difficulties that marred an otherwise successful performance.

• Fat Joe [09:27]: "When it came on, there was a delay in my ear thing. They did me dirty."

He expresses resilience and determination to continue performing despite setbacks.

• Fat Joe [27:10]: "It sounded crystal clear. Once again, I was there all day. It was a delay. I don't know what to tell you."

6. Drake-Kendrick Feud

The conversation touches on the longstanding beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Fat Joe shares his perspective on the feud, advocating for mutual respect and understanding.

• Charlamagne Tha God [37:21]: "Sometimes people act like my voice ain't powerful. If I'm going to be Conspiracy Joe..."

Fat Joe emphasizes the need for both artists to move past their differences for the sake of hip hop.

• Fat Joe [37:20]: "Nobody wins when the Family Feuds."

7. Music Industry Insights and Loyalty

Fat Joe delves into the challenges of maintaining loyalty within the music industry. He recounts experiences of betrayal and the difficulty of signing new artists due to trust issues.

• Fat Joe [56:46]: "First of all, chances of an artist being loyal are close to none."

He reflects on his past efforts to support emerging artists and the subsequent fallout when those artists did not reciprocate his loyalty.

8. Community Work and Legacy

A passionate advocate for his community, Fat Joe discusses various philanthropic efforts, including financial support for families in need and disaster relief.

• Fat Joe [84:15]: "We gave $2 million to the African Muslims in the Bronx. 17 of them died in the fire."

He highlights the importance of giving back and inspiring the next generation through his actions.

• Fat Joe [87:40]: "If you don't get back to your hood, you don't change lives, you don't motivate people."

9. Upcoming Album: "The World Changed On Me"

Fat Joe elaborates on his highly anticipated album, emphasizing its reflection of his personal experiences and the changing world around him.

• Fat Joe [45:00]: "The World Changed On Me is the album that comes out this Friday."

He discusses the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and resilience woven throughout the album, asserting his ongoing relevance in hip hop.

10. Personal Anecdotes and Stories

Throughout the interview, Fat Joe shares personal stories that illustrate his journey from the projects to stardom, including an impactful childhood incident.

• Fat Joe [80:22]: "I gave it to him. 10 years old, just a fat little chubby kid."

He recounts how these experiences have shaped his character and commitment to his community.

11. Reflections on Big Pun's Legacy

Fat Joe pays homage to his late friend Big Pun, discussing the struggles they faced together and the lasting impact Pun has had on his life and the hip hop community.

• Fat Joe [61:56]: "If you had owned everything, there would have been stuff out."

He underscores the significance of loyalty and the pain of betrayal within close-knit circles.

12. Closing Remarks

As the interview concludes, Fat Joe reiterates his dedication to his music, community, and loyal relationships, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and resilience.

• Fat Joe [74:51]: "We pretty good at that."

He closes with a call to action for listeners to support his new album and continue uplifting their communities.

Notable Quotes:

• Fat Joe [06:17]: "We got an album coming out on Friday. The world changed on me. I'm so proud of that work."

• Fat Joe [11:15]: "I feel like, yo, bro, don't. You know, like, what's the problem?"

• Charlamagne Tha God [09:43]: "That's a smart answer though."

• Fat Joe [17:00]: "I give my daughter everything so she can know whoever comes behind me has to do even better."

• Charlamagne Tha God [37:21]: "Sometimes people act like my voice ain't powerful."

Conclusion

In this episode of The Breakfast Club, Fat Joe provides a candid and comprehensive look into his life, both personal and professional. From grappling with loss and maintaining authenticity in his music to navigating the complexities of the music industry and giving back to his community, Fat Joe's insights offer listeners a profound understanding of his enduring legacy and unwavering commitment to his roots. His upcoming album, "The World Changed On Me," promises to encapsulate these themes, reinforcing his status as a stalwart in hip hop.