Ah, Fat Joe, the Don Cartagena himself, the Bronx bomber that has been in the rap game since ’93, certified certified. That’s longevity, something that ain’t common in this game of hip-hop. Catapulting to fame as part of the legendary Diggin’ in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C) and making waves with his solo debut ‘Represent’, Joe’s been holding down the fort for the culture for decades. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg with this goliath of the game.
Steppin’ out from Big Pun’s shadow post his unfortunate passing (Rest In Power, Capital P), Fat Joe took Terror Squad to heights no one expected. Albums like ‘Jealous One’s Still Envy (J.O.S.E.)’ and ‘All or Nothing’ not only showcased his lyrical dexterity, but also his uncanny ability to crossover into the mainstream without losing his street edge. And who can forget ‘Don Cartagena’, where he proved to those sleepin’ that he could hold his own with some of the rap game’s heavyweights.
Schooling cats on longevity in the rap game, Fat Joe’s knack for catchy hooks, dope beats (shout out to the producers he’s rocked with, from DJ Premier to Scott Storch), and the ability to drop anthems that become a part of hip-hop’s DNA, has proven his worth time and again. His discography encompasses all that’s revered about hip-hop: hard-hitting rhymes, smooth flows, and a realness that resonates with fans from all walks of life.
So let’s get into the songs list. From ‘Represent’ to ‘Family Ties’, here are the Top 10 Fat Joe Songs: Best of All Albums.
10. The Crack Attack
His grim storytelling hits hard, an unflinching portrayal of the Bronx hustler life he once lived. Lyrics like, “I’m from the place where hardcore is beautiful” express his gritty roots and the hardships he faced. It’s this authenticity that built Joe’s rep as a no-nonsense rapper who stayed true to his hood.
9. John Blaze (feat. Nas, Big Punisher, Jadakiss & Raekwon)
Loading up with hard-hitting verses, Fat Joe stands tall against these heavyweights, showcasing his lyrical prowess and street cred. The lyrics convene gritty street narratives, verbal competency, and the inherent attitude that pervades the hip-hop ethos. It’s a reflection of Fat Joe’s relentless craft, marking his place in a powerful cipher with his Terror Squad affiliate Big Pun and the rest.
8. YES
He flexes about his wealth and lavish lifestyle, echoing the theme of prosperity that dominates hip-hop lyricism. Bigging up the Bronx, his bars showcase vivid street narratives laced with opulence and decadence. It’s Joe at his cockiest, a celebration of the hustle and the rewards it can yield when you’re hip-hop royalty.
7. Another Round (feat. Chris Brown)
With Chris Brown on the hook, Joey Crack reflects on a past relationship over a smooth, laid-back beat. He flips the script, trading fast-paced rhymes for a flowing confessional, showing us a softer, more introspective side. It’s the Don Cartagena displaying his finesse, tackling love and loss in the gritty, unflinching language of the streets.
6. Get It Poppin’ (feat. Nelly)
This jam is a straight flex, a testament to Fat Joe’s rise from the streets to the glitz and glamour of VIP sections. Our man Joey Crack keeps it 100, flaunting his opulence from the Phantom whip to the ice on his neck, while injecting some playful braggadocio in his persona. The infectious hook, “I’ma get get get it poppin,” captures the exuberance of a night out, loaded with high-energy and non-stop party vibes.
5. Lean Back (feat. Lil Jon, Eminem, Mase & Remy Martin) – Remix
In this hard-hitting, infectious track, Fat Joe represented his Bronx roots, spitting bars about his gritty past and present success. His vivid lines, “I don’t give a fuck about your faults or mishappens nigga/We from the Bronx, New York, shit happens,” not only portray the relentless spirit of the Bronx but also its reality. The hook, “my niggas don’t dance, we just pull up our pants/And do the Rockaway, now lean back,” became a cultural phenomenon, consolidating Fat Joe’s status in the hip-hop game.
5. Sunshine (The Light)
Loaded with shimmering energy and a DJ Khaled sample, he lyrically maneuvers when it comes to devotion and self-indulgence. The lines “Been waitin’ on that sunshine, boy / I think I need that back,” captures Joe’s signature swagger – there’s an undeniable longing for the kind of love that warms like sunshine. Meanwhile, his penchant for luxury lifestyle is exposed: “Silk shirts and a couple of chains.”
3. Make It Rain
Fat Joe drops cash-touting bars while Weezy delivers a hook that became an anthem for high-rollers. The track is hedonistic and glamorous, showcasing Fat Joe’s opulent lifestyle. Yet, it underscores deeper themes of the hustle and grind, the relentless pursuit of success that’s intrinsic to hip-hop culture.
2. All The Way Up (feat. Infared)
Infused with catchphrases like, “Nothing can stop me, I’m all the way up,” the track becomes a testament to Fat Joe’s relentless hustle and indomitable spirit, paralleling his life journey with his hometown, the Bronx, known for its gritty perseverance and vibrancy.
1. What’s Luv? (feat. Ja-Rule & Ashanti)
A prime example of 2000s hip-hop at its finest, layering punchy rhythms with smooth vocals. Fat Joe, Ja-Rule, and Ashanti evoke raw emotion as they explore twisted notions of love and loyalty amidst the gritty allure of street life. Visual lyrics like “Let’s get it poppin’, let’s hop on a flight / Miami for the night, tell my wife” paint vivid scenarios, revealing the complexities of romantic entanglements within the hip-hop scene.
