Fat Joe Names LL Cool J & Heavy D as Biggest Inspo + Growing Up Where Hip Hop Was Born

Photo Credit: Power 106

Fat Joe is having a standout year, especially with his most recent release “Yes” featuring Cardi B and Anuel AA. The Latin-heavy single has been climbing the Billboard charts, inspired by the hybrid Yoruba and Spanish word, aguanilé, which translates to spiritual cleanse. Now, the Terror Squad rapper stops by Power 106 for an exclusive non-traditional interview with DJ Felli Fel, posted inside Felli’s crispy clean ‘64 Chevy Chevelle convertible,

Fat Joe begins by reminiscing on his early life and the impact he’s made on the music industry. With his latest single “Yes,” Joe spoke on the record stating, “We got the single out now, ‘Yes’, with Cardi B and Anuel. Anuel the biggest in that Reggaeton space, that Spanish Trap, so it’s an honor for me. You know, we’ve been doing this for so long so to have two of the hottest people in the whole game get on the joint with me — it’s really doing well.” 

In the latter part of the interview, Felli asked Fat Joe how he was able to pioneer himself in the music industry and eventually become one of the realest MCs in the game. Fat Joe claimed that the classic single, “What’s Love” featuring Ja-Rule and Ashanti put him over the top. From there, he released hit after hit and made sure to solidify that spot early on. The legendary MC also reminisced about growing up around hip-hop and how that had a lot to do with his success. Fat Joe states, “I was born in the block, where hip-hop was at. I would watch Melly Mel play basketball. I would watch Grandmaster Flash load his van up with his crates. This was all in my neighborhood right there and I was just so blessed.” 

Speaking on the artists who inspired him the most, Joe states, “My two idols are KRS-One, Boogie Down Productions, and LL Cool J. Influence in making big hits? LL Cool J and Heavy D. Rest in peace, he made me feel good to be a big man and dress fly. Make that kind of music for the ladies. LL Cool J was probably my biggest inspiration in the rap game ever.”

Peep the rest of the interview above as Fat Joe and Felli discuss sports, movies, the birth of hip-hop, and more.