Hip hop icon Fat Joe is preparing to make his musical return with a new album The World Changed on Me, set for release in November. During a recent Instagram Live session with actor Michael Rainey Jr., the Bronx rapper shared how he draws inspiration from some of hip hop’s greatest legends—Nas, Jay-Z, and Eminem—whenever he embarks on creating a new project. “I put up posters of them, and I tell myself I have to be as good as or better than them,” Joe admitted. “I could be delusional, but I shoot for the stars.”
Originally set for an August release, Fat Joe’s upcoming album marks his first since 2021. His decision to drop new music this year puts him among a group of legendary artists such as Nas, DJ Premiere, LL Cool J, Common, and Pete Rock—all of whom have released or are planning new projects in 2024.
Joe also made headlines recently when he was awarded the key to his hometown, New York City, in a ceremony hosted at Orchard Beach. Despite some pushback, the 54-year-old Terror Squad leader’s influence on the city and hip hop culture was praised by New York Mayor Eric Adams, who noted, “Fat Joe is a real legend. His music has unlocked our hearts for so many years.”
This key to the city award adds to Fat Joe’s growing legacy, which spans decades of chart-topping hits, community engagement, and philanthropy. While some may have been surprised by his latest honor, Fat Joe stands firm in his position as one of hip hop’s most enduring figures, stating, “I don’t know another guy who keeps it realer with the streets of New York than Fat Joe.”
With his upcoming album, The World Changed on Me, fans can expect the same hunger and drive that has made him a rap legend for years.