Fat Joe defends racial identity and use of N-word

Rapper Fat Joe is defending his racial identity and his use of the N-word following criticism from commentator Marc Lamont Hill. During an appearance on ‘The Joe Budden Podcast’, the Puerto Rican and Cuban artist asserted his deep connection to Black culture, stating, “Fat Joe is the Blackest n***a you ever seen in your life.”

Fat Joe cited his upbringing in the Forest Houses in the Bronx, a neighborhood central to the origins of hip-hop, as evidence of his cultural ties. He noted his proximity to hip-hop pioneers such as Melle Mel and Grandmaster Flash during his childhood.

In response to Hill’s critique—which argued that Fat Joe’s ethnic origins do not align with his claim to Blackness—the rapper clarified his heritage on social media, noting, “My dad is Afro Cuban.” This debate follows previous instances where Fat Joe has addressed the intersection of Latino and Black identities within the hip-hop genre.