Bronx rapper Fat Joe recently made a bold claim on his “Joe & Jada” podcast, asserting that he is the “realest rapper to ever live,” second only to the legendary Tupac Shakur. He shared this declaration while expressing his respect for guest Ghostface Killah and the Wu-Tang Clan, admitting he’d never want any conflict with them.
A Claim Backed by Street Cred
“I’mma admit something. I think I’m the realest rapper to ever live, I’ll keep it a buck with you. Besides 2Pac. I really believe that,” Joe stated. He further elaborated on his claim in the comment section of a Hollywood Unlocked Instagram post, emphasizing his street credibility and unblemished reputation within both the rap and street communities.
“Street sh*t I did that on another level, none of these guys have,” Joey Crack wrote. “You’ve never in ur life heard of any rapper or street dude checking me. i ain’t talking bout back in the day, i stay with a half a million dollar watch on everyday, yall gotta stop.”
Reflections on Hip-Hop Culture
Fat Joe has been using his platform with fellow rapper Jadakiss to share his views on various aspects of hip-hop culture. He also commented on the recent hiatus of the BET Hip-Hop Awards and Soul Train Awards, describing it as a form of “gentrification.” He recalled his experience as a BET Hip-Hop Awards host, noting a perceived decline in budget and a pattern of dismissing individuals with strong opinions behind the scenes.
Joe’s assertion about being the “realest” rapper, aside from 2Pac, has certainly sparked conversation, highlighting his confidence and deep roots in the culture he represents. His emphasis on his street experiences and consistent presence underscores his belief in his authentic connection to the genre.
Do you agree with Fat Joe’s claim? Who do you think is the ‘realest rapper’ in hip-hop history? Let us know in the comments below!