Veteran rapper Fat Joe has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, and his recent remarks about the state of modern rap music have sparked a heated conversation.
In an interview with Complex’s Jordan Rose, the Bronx legend admitted he feels out of touch with today’s rap trends, describing some of the current sounds as downright puzzling.
“I encourage the youth, but honestly, some of the stuff they’re doing just leaves me confused,” Joe candidly shared. “I’ve been stuck in traffic next to these kids, and I swear it feels like they’re playing devil music. I’m like, ‘What the heck? This is hip-hop?’ It’s just some weird stuff going on.”
Joe didn’t hold back, explaining his disappointment with the repetitive nature of some contemporary New York rap tracks. “Back in the day, you had Lauryn Hill, Biz Markie, Eric B and Rakim, Nas… it was all different. But now? Sometimes it’s just the same beat, the same vibe. I listen, and it’s like I’m numb. I think, ‘Yo, this is crazy.’”
The rapper even reflected on how themes in love songs have shifted. Comparing LL Cool J’s iconic 1987 hit “I Need Love” to today’s music, Joe joked that modern love tracks might sound more like threats with lyrics such as “I’ll kill you” or “F*** your mother.”
When Jordan Rose playfully suggested that Fat Joe consider a “sexy drill song,” he quickly shut down the idea. “That’s definitely not happening,” he laughed. Instead, he pointed to his more soulful collaboration with Babyface, “I Got You,” as evidence that he’s staying in his lane.
Despite his critiques, Joe made it clear that he still supports the new generation of artists. “If you’re positive, making money, and bringing creativity to the game, I salute you. I’m happy for you,” he emphasized.
Fat Joe’s thoughts on today’s rap scene come on the heels of his 2024 appearance on My Expert Opinion, where he expressed concern about the treatment of hip-hop veterans. “This is the worst time to be a celebrity in history,” he stated. “Legends and mentors are getting scrutinized like never before.”
While Fat Joe remains a vocal advocate for the culture, his perspective reflects the growing divide between rap’s golden era and its current evolution. Whether fans agree or not, one thing’s for sure: Joey Crack will always keep it real.
