After a 15-year hiatus from solo projects, hip-hop heavyweight Fat Joe ended 2024 on a high note with the release of his album, The World Changed on Me. The Bronx legend, known for hits like “Lean Back,” revealed in an interview with Billboard News how Grammy-winning rapper Killer Mike inspired him to come out of retirement and reclaim his place in the music industry.
A Spark Rekindled by Killer Mike
For Fat Joe, the decision to return to music was not made lightly. In the years following his self-imposed retirement, he had all but closed the door on his rap career despite pleas from industry peers like Eminem. However, witnessing Killer Mike clinch three Grammy awards in 2023 proved to be a pivotal moment.
“He’s the guy who inspired,” Joe said of the Run the Jewels rapper. “I retired. I was gone. Eminem tried talking me out of it, but I was super done. Then Killer Mike won that Grammy, and I thought, ‘It’s possible.’”
Motivated by Mike’s late-career resurgence, Joe called his longtime collaborator Dre, reigniting his passion for music and beginning work on what would become The World Changed on Me.
The 11-track album is a testament to Fat Joe’s enduring artistry. Tracks like “Dog House” and “I Got You” showcase his ability to evolve his delivery while staying true to his gritty wordplay. Collaborations with artists like Babyface, Ty Dolla $ign, and Anitta further demonstrate Joe’s versatility and relevance in today’s music landscape.
The album reflects both personal and artistic growth, with Joe channelling his experiences and emotions into a compact yet impactful body of work.
A New Venture in Media
While 2024 marked Joe’s return to music, it also saw him shine in a different light with the launch of his talk show, Fat Joe Talks, on STARZ. Premiering in October, the series featured conversations with music and entertainment icons, including Method Man, Mary J. Blige, and DJ Khaled.
Despite the impressive guest list, Fat Joe has one dream interview he’s determined to secure: former President Barack Obama. Joe reminisced about Obama’s historic 2008 election victory, describing it as one of the most powerful moments in his life.
“I know what it felt like for me when he did his acceptance speech in Chicago. Millions of people were out there, and I felt so proud,” Joe shared. “I could not believe it. That moment is something I’d love to discuss with him.”
As Fat Joe steps into 2025, his creative resurgence shows no signs of slowing down. With The World Changed on Me earning praise from fans and critics alike and his talk show gaining traction, the BX legend continues to solidify his legacy as a multifaceted force in hip-hop and beyond.
From battling personal struggles to reigniting his passion for music, Fat Joe’s journey serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to embrace new opportunities and inspire others along the way.
