By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Since 2008, Fat Joe has faded into the background of the hip hop scene. Fat Joe has released new albums in 2009 and 2010, but they went unnoticed. However, during his peak years from 2001 until 2008, Fat Joe was among the more vocal rappers in the game. During his feud with 50 Cent and G-Unit, Fat Joe often called the entire group “a bunch of faggots.”
For years, there have been stories about many of rap’s most-popular names and figures being in the closet homosexual men. N.O.R.E. once spoke on this, saying he knows several gay rappers and the public does to. Respecting their friendships, N.O.R.E. said he would not reveal any names, but said it would not change the public perception of them.
Currently, Fat Joe is preparing to re-take the game he once dominated. In doing this, Fat Joe has decided to return to the mixtape scene. His new mixtape, The Dark Side, Vol. 2, is a follow-up to his 2010 album, The Dark Side. Promoting the new release, Fat Joe is currently making his rounds and discussing some of the events of the past year.
Last year, Mister Cee made news for being caught participating in homosexual activity. During an interview with Vlad TV, Fat Joe was asked how he felt about this. Fat Joe said he could care less about the situation, as long as Mister Cee is being true to himself. He added if Mister Cee likes being with men, that is his decision and it should be respected. Looking past right or wrong, Fat Joe said it is time for everyone to be honest about their sexuality.
Sounding much like N.O.R.E., Fat Joe said he is sure he has done songs with gay rappers. However, Fat Joe did manage to take the spotlight off hip hop, saying he is sure there are also gay men in basketball and football. Fat Joe went on to say there are a number of gay women out there too. But, with times changing and 2011 going into 2012, Fat Joe said people should be comfortable enough to reveal their true sexuality to the public.
During the Mafioso phase of the late 1990s, Fat Joe became one of New York’s most popular rappers. Rappers, during this period of time, rapped from the perspective of mobsters. It is no secret organized crime is real and is involved in several aspects of every day life. Fat Joe feels there is a gay Mafia and he says they are in control of the hip hop media. Looking past the rappers, Fat Joe said the editors of the magazines, the programming directors at radio stations, and people in power are gay. Fat Joe said it would be a good look for rappers needing exposure to come out as gay to them for their resources.
While he does not know Lady Gaga’s orientation, Fat Joe said she has blended in well with the gay community and is still a highly-successful artist.
