In a memorable segment of Million Dollar Worth of Game, the legendary Fat Joe, aka Joey Crack, sits down with Gillie Da Kid and Wallo267 for a conversation that spans his career, his roots in the Bronx, his ties to North Philly, and the battles he fought both in the streets and in his personal life.
Fat Joe opens up about the deep connections he has with Philadelphia, especially North Philly, and his personal journey through tough environments. Recalling an emotional moment when he visited a bodega in the city, Joe was overwhelmed by the love and respect he received from the local community. This gesture, he says, reminded him of the loyalty that exists in the streets of both Philly and his hometown of the Bronx.
Joe also reflects on his early struggles, describing how he grew up in a rough environment filled with gang violence and hardship. He takes listeners back to his first show in Camden, New Jersey, where the experience of staying in a hotel that felt like luxury was a stark contrast to the harsh conditions he grew up in. His story highlights the importance of street love and loyalty, concepts that shaped his perspective on life.
In this candid interview, Joe shares his personal struggles with depression and how he learned to face adversity head-on. He stresses the significance of therapy and the importance of moving toward positivity when faced with negative emotions. Reflecting on his time in the music industry, Joe recalls the pressures that came with leadership, personal losses, and financial struggles. Yet, despite the hardships, he learned vital lessons about resilience and growth.
“The world changed on me,” Joe says, touching on everything from gentrification to societal shifts, encouraging younger generations to understand that the problems they face today may not be as significant in the future. He also credits his uncle, a former gang leader, with teaching him about impulse control and thinking before acting—lessons he believes are crucial for the youth of today.
Joe’s influence extends beyond the music world, as he reflects on his role as a “politician” in the streets, someone known for squashing beefs and acting as a mediator in conflicts. But, like many in the industry, Fat Joe also faced his share of struggles. From battling financial issues to dealing with crooked promoters and IRS troubles, Joe’s path to success has been anything but smooth. Despite the setbacks, including working with a dishonest manager and navigating depression, Joe emphasizes the importance of resilience.
“Keep grinding,” Joe advises, stressing that no matter how tough the times get, persistence is key. He also addresses the difficulties older artists face in staying relevant, noting how the new generation of artists often doesn’t fully appreciate the legacy they’re building.
The conversation wraps up with a reflection on success, jealousy, and the importance of hard work. Fat Joe recounts the story of Latin artist Tempo, who, despite being compared to Tupac Shakur in Puerto Rico, faced struggles that come with fame. Joe’s reflections tie into a larger message about the fleeting nature of material wealth and the importance of leaving behind a lasting legacy.
Joe emphasizes that wealth is temporary, but the lessons we leave behind are what truly matter. He advises his listeners to work hard, educate themselves, and make a positive impact in the world. Drawing wisdom from mentors like Pitbull, Joe shares that it’s not about the material success but about being remembered for the knowledge and legacy we build.
