Fat Joe, the legendary Bronx rapper, has voiced his confusion and concerns about the current state of Hip-Hop. In an interview with Complex’s Jordan Rose, he candidly described certain sub-genres as puzzling, even likening them to “devil music.” His comments reflect a growing sentiment among Hip-Hop’s elder statesmen as the genre evolves.
Fat Joe Expresses Concerns Over Modern Rap Trends
“I encourage the youth and I love the youth,” Fat Joe emphasized. However, he admitted that modern rap often leaves him bewildered. “I’ve sat in traffic, and I felt like they were playing devil music right next to me,” he said. “I’m like, ‘Yo, what the f**k? That’s Hip-Hop?!’ They got some weird sh*t going on.”
While Joe expressed support for young artists, he lamented the shift in sound and thematic diversity. Citing iconic figures like Lauryn Hill, Eric B. & Rakim, and Nas, he pointed out the genre’s rich history. “Hip-Hop’s so diverse. You’re not gonna open this sh*t and hear the same sh*t,” he said. Yet, he admitted that much of today’s music feels repetitive, particularly among younger artists in New York. “I’m hearing the same sh*t, the same beats, and I’m like numb. This is crazy.”
Fat Joe also highlighted how contemporary love songs in Hip-Hop differ starkly from classics like LL Cool J’s “I Need Love.” “Now, if you hear a love song, it’s over the same beat as ‘I’ll kill you! F**k ya mother!’ It’s the same sh*t!” he said.
When Jordan Rose suggested Joe experiment with New York’s rising sexy drill sub-genre, he firmly declined. “That’s definitely not in the works,” he responded. Instead, Joe shared pride in his collaboration with Babyface on the 2021 track “I Got You.”
Despite his critiques, Fat Joe reiterated his respect for the younger generation. “If you’re positive, you’re getting money, you’re bringing your contributions, creativity, I love you, I’m happy for you.”
As Hip-Hop continues to evolve, artists like Fat Joe offer reminders of its roots while navigating the genre’s changing landscape.