Fat Joe Confesses He’s Lost When It Comes to New Hip-Hop

In a candid interview, Fat Joe opened up about his confusion surrounding the music of today’s younger generation. The veteran rapper, known for his contributions to hip-hop since the ’90s, shared his honest thoughts on the current state of the genre, admitting that he has a hard time understanding the direction it’s taken.

“I Feel Like They’re Playing Devil’s Music”

Fat Joe’s comments left no room for ambiguity as he reflected on the changes in hip-hop over the years. He recalled a particular incident while in New York City, where he heard a car playing music that he described as “devil’s music.” He could hardly believe his ears.

“I love the younger generation, I encourage them, but I was sitting in a car, listening to music, and I felt like they were playing devil’s music right next to me,” Joe confessed. “I was like, ‘Yo, what the hell is that? Is that Hip Hop?!’ They’ve got some weird stuff going on. I joke with them, I always greet them, but I just don’t understand how they got into that specific sound.”

A Shift in Sound: From Legends to the New Wave

Fat Joe’s frustration stems from what he sees as a drastic shift in hip-hop’s sound. He pointed to the diversity of hip-hop in its prime, which included the likes of Lauryn Hill, Biz Markie, Eric B. and Rakim, and Nas. According to Joe, you wouldn’t have opened a record back then to hear the same sound that seems to dominate the scene today.

“The beauty of Hip-Hop was the variety. We had everything. You had Lauryn Hill, Biz Markie, Eric B. and Rakim, Nas… But you wouldn’t pop on a record back then and hear the same kind of stuff that’s out now.”

Joe then turned his focus to a trend he’s noticed, especially in New York’s current hip-hop scene. He described hearing the same repetitive beats and rhythms, which left him feeling both “numb” and perplexed.

“When I listen to the young artists, especially in New York, I hear the same bullshit, the same beat, and I’m just paralyzed. I’m like, ‘Yo, this is crazy.’ Back in my day, if we had a love song, it was LL Cool J saying, ‘I need love / Sometimes I stare at the room, and I hear my conscience calling.’ But now, if you hear a love song, it’s the same beat, and they’re talking about, ‘I’m gonna kill you! F*ck your mom!’ It’s still the same nonsense. I’m confused.”

The Generational Divide in Hip-Hop

Fat Joe’s sentiment isn’t unique. He’s not the only legendary figure in hip-hop who’s voiced his concerns about the current direction of the genre. Both LL Cool J and Dr. Dre have also expressed their frustrations with how the genre has evolved in recent years.

Despite his confusion, Fat Joe’s comments highlight the ongoing debate about the evolution of hip-hop, and whether today’s music truly reflects the foundations laid by the genre’s pioneers. While Joe isn’t shy about his love and respect for the younger generation, it’s clear he’s struggling to embrace the sounds and messages that dominate hip-hop today.

The Future of Hip-Hop: Where Does It Go from Here?

As hip-hop continues to evolve, it’s clear that the divide between the older and younger generations of artists is widening. The genre, once marked by its diverse sound and lyricism, now faces criticism for its growing uniformity and controversial messages. However, this clash of styles and opinions may be part of what keeps the genre vibrant and ever-changing.

While Fat Joe may not understand where today’s music is headed, he remains hopeful and supportive of the next wave of artists, even if he doesn’t always get what they’re doing. After all, hip-hop’s strength lies in its ability to adapt and evolve — something that Fat Joe himself knows all too well.

Is hip-hop truly evolving, or has it lost its way? What do you think of Fat Joe’s take on the current state of the genre? Share your thoughts below!