During a recent captivating interview, Fat Joe opened up about his past feud with the renowned rapper, 50 Cent, shedding light on a turbulent chapter in his life that ultimately taught him valuable lessons. As he delved into the story, it became evident that this clash of titans had more depth and complexity than meets the eye.
In those intense days, Fat Joe found himself in utter disbelief that 50 Cent would dare to throw shade at him, considering the formidable aura he had garnered throughout his career. The mere association with Ja Rule seemed to have ignited this feud, with 50 Cent perceiving Joe's support as a source of strength for his adversary. The tactics employed were nothing short of brilliant, leaving Joe in awe of the shock and awe effect that unfolded.
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Reflecting on his past, Fat Joe took immense pride in acknowledging that every success he achieved was the result of hard work and dedication. He never resorted to extortion or bullying, but his persona was akin to that of New York's Suge Knight, commanding respect and fear wherever he went. It was this very persona that made 50 Cent's words about him echo through the city, causing tremors so profound that even funeral homes reportedly had bids pouring in.
"He just felt like I was giving him that strength,” he begins. “It was so brilliant because it was the shock and awe effect.” “Although I worked for everything I got, although I never extorted nobody, although I didn’t bully nobody,” he continued, “I had the persona of New York Suge Knight. Like, y’know, people feared Fat Joe and the Terror Squad in that way, y’know? So for [50 Cent] talking about Fat Joe in the same city … the funeral homes was making bids.”
The feud between these two larger-than-life personalities seemed destined for a collision course of violence, given the reputations they carried. Fat Joe humbly acknowledged that he was grateful when the hatchet was finally buried, a moment catalyzed by the tragic passing of Chris Lighty in 2012. In a heartwarming twist, the once-bitter adversaries, Fat Joe and Fif emerged as the best of friends. The journey from animosity to camaraderie was a testament to the power of forgiveness and growth.
One cannot help but admire Fat Joe's candid introspection, as he admitted that this showdown was the first time someone had truly challenged him. The experience forced him to adapt and restrain his impulses, transforming him into a wiser and more composed individual. As he ventured into the realm of social media, the learning curve was steep, and he candidly described the growing pains he encountered.
“I had to adapt,” he reflects, “I had to learn how to not be impulsive.” He describes “growing pains” he experienced in “Social Media,” he explains, “it’s not for real real street guys. We just don’t know how to react on there.” The artist even adds that he thinks his crew coming into contact with 50 Cent at the 2012 BET Awards for a Chris Lighty tribute was a “set-up.” “His trailer was in front of ours,” he reveals, “Like come on, what [do you think is] gonna happen?”
For someone deeply rooted in the streets, navigating the world of virtual interactions was an entirely different ball game. But, like a true survivor, he faced the challenge head-on and learned to adjust his approach.
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Intriguingly, Fat Joe shared a fascinating anecdote about the 2012 BET Awards and how it all seemed like a "set-up." The encounter between his crew and 50 Cent during the Chris Lighty tribute appeared to be orchestrated, with their trailers conveniently placed in close proximity. It's as if destiny had orchestrated a reunion of sorts, pushing them to mend their broken ties and embark on a new chapter of friendship and mutual understanding.
As the interview concluded, one couldn't help but marvel at the growth and evolution of Fat Joe, both as an artist and as a person. His journey from a feared figure in the streets to a beacon of wisdom and reconciliation serves as an inspiration to us all. Embracing change, learning from past conflicts, and embracing the power of forgiveness can lead to unexpected friendships and open doors to new possibilities. The tale of Fat Joe and 50 Cent reminds us that even in the world of hip-hop, where egos clash and rivalries run deep, there is always room for redemption and transformation.