Hip-hop heavyweight Fat Joe isn’t holding back his thoughts on 2024, calling it one of the most challenging years in hip-hop history, not for its music, but for the turbulent lives of public figures in the genre.
Appearing on Math Hoffa’s My Expert Opinion podcast on December 17, Fat Joe delved into the drama surrounding Remy Ma and her estranged husband, Papoose, both of whom are longtime friends of the Bronx legend.
While discussing their situation, Joe connected their issues to what he sees as a larger pattern of challenges plaguing hip-hop’s elite this year.
“I woke up in 2024 like, ‘Goddamn, this is a horrible year,’” Joe shared. “I was just having a heated discussion with my people about this.
This might be the worst year in hip-hop history, for real. It’s not even about the music, it’s everything else. All our legends, all our mentors, are getting scrutinized. It’s a crazy time to be in the spotlight.”
Joe went on to describe the overwhelming pressure faced by celebrities in today’s hyper-connected world.
“This is the worst time to be a celebrity in the history of mankind. I’m not sure you guys wanna be celebrities,” he said.
Reflecting on the invasive nature of fame, Joe continued, “I’ve got friends who are filthy rich and want to be popping, want to be celebrities.
But I don’t think they realize how crazy it is out here. The world has changed… it’s insane. You can’t make this stuff up!”
While Fat Joe has long been a pillar of resilience and authenticity in the hip-hop community, his candid remarks highlight the personal and professional challenges many artists face beyond the studio.
As the year comes to a close, the question lingers: Will hip-hop find its footing in 2025, or will these struggles continue to cast a shadow over the culture?
