Fat Joe opens up in a lively and reflective interview with Shannon Sharpe on ‘Club Shay Shay’, beginning with a lighthearted comment about wanting to be like Snoop Dogg. Joe dives into his childhood, sharing stories of his struggle to escape poverty. He recounts pivotal moments, such as being abandoned by his best friend during an attack, surviving eight gunshots over two days, and how hip-hop ultimately saved his life. He also recalls being wrongfully framed for three murders by the police, shedding light on the darker moments of his past.
The conversation shifts to the tragic deaths of modern rappers like Nipsey Hussle, Pop Smoke, and PnB Rock, whom Joe compares to legends Tupac and Biggie. He stresses the importance of unity in the music industry, using Jay-Z and DJ Khaled as examples of collaboration, and comments on Michael Rubin’s controversial statements. Joe emphasizes that his flexing is meant to inspire the youth, not tear down the community.
Joe also touches on the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar beef, joking that he hopes no one comes after him for sharing his opinion. He mentions that if he were Drake, he’d be confused about the situation, especially since the song in question is up for multiple Grammys and could go down as a classic. Joe likens the public’s fascination with the beef to a football game, and believes Drake has the power to make everyone forget about the feud with the right response.
Recalling his efforts to mediate between Ja Rule and 50 Cent, Joe says the feud should have ended by now. He expresses hope that Young Thug will be released soon to reunite with his loved ones. Joe reflects on losing a $20 million Jordan Brand deal due to his feud with 50 Cent and admits that beefs with other rappers, including Jay-Z, cost him financially as well. He warns young rappers that law enforcement closely watches their crews, citing Bobby Shmurda’s situation as a cautionary tale.
Joe criticizes J. Cole for staying silent on the Drake vs. Kendrick feud, saying he would have responded. He praises DJ Khaled as his “angel,” appreciating Khaled’s message of spreading love and positivity. Joe shares a personal story about helping a friend reconsider suicide after a betrayal, crediting faith in God for saving his friend’s life.
He also opens up about his battle with diabetes, which he’s had since he was 13. Inspired by Big Pun’s death, Joe worked out so intensely that he reversed his diabetes and now uses Ozempic to manage his condition. He reflects on his 30-year marriage, praising his wife for supporting him through tough times, including a stint in prison. Joe speaks candidly about his son, who has autism and Down syndrome, admitting he wasn’t ready to be a father initially but now considers his son his greatest blessing.
As the episode winds down, Fat Joe discusses his close friendship with Jennifer Lopez, declares that women in Atlanta are leading hip hop, and reveals that he missed the chance to sign Eminem, Pitbull, and Rick Ross. He concludes by discussing how the Black and Brown communities can unite, leaving viewers with a blend of humor, insight, and powerful reflections on his career and personal life.
