Definitely. Pitbull is my man, and he’s killing it. We support him; I did records with him already. I actually helped him get a deal. I put in a good word for him over at TVT. I’m that way. I want to see all my brothers rise. I’m happy for him.
What was it about Pitbull that appealed to you?
He was just a nice dude. I just got this vibe, and my intuition is always right. When I feel a certain way about someone, like you for example, I’ll always show love. Pitbull – I always seen him and felt him. He was just dope, and he’s just getting better and better.
Is there an initiation process to be down with Terror Squad? Who decides who gets to rock a TS chain?
Everybody wants that TS piece. Some people have been down forever and don’t get the chain. You have to earn and contribute to get the chain. [DJ] Khaled deserves a TS piece a block long. He earned my piece and more.
Is he one of the reasons you’re always in Miami?
Yeah, this is my second home. My place will be finished in two months. When I come down here, I stay at Khaled’s house. We recorded the whole [Terror Squad] album at Khaled’s studio, Jerusalem. I love Khaled. I can count all the people I love on one hand. Whenever I’m stressed out and Joe Crack feels like the world is going wrong, Khaled is there for me.
So is this upcoming album a compilation album?
It’s a Terror Squad album. Remy Martin is on there, Tony [Sunshine] got solos, Armageddon and Prospect are on there, and [Big] Pun is on there. I got a joint on the album with me, Big L, and Pun. It’s crazy, verses from Big L and Pun you never heard before. It’s called “Bring ‘em Back.” It’s sick.
I noticed you switch up your flow a lot.
At times you have to be inventing stuff. That what helps you have longevity. I’ve come up with so many names, come back so many times. You have to come back with a new flow every time. I feel like I’m the best I’ve ever been. I’m letting myself be creative, and talk about different things. I’m just expanding right now, and not afraid to take a chance.
(Joe interrupts the interview when his right-hand man Macho arrives with suntan lotion. “No homo… Mach, put that shit on my back, please!”)
How did you still keep that New York feel to your music when you’re down here in Miami so often?
I’m so New York. I’m the King of New York, nobody else. I know everyone who owns anything in New York, even the guys who own the Frankfurter stands. I come down here and get that Southern vibe. {sings) “Ohhh, I like it like that, Slow motion for me.” That shit don’t be poppin’ in New York but I be up on it. Now I’m starting to twist my flow certain ways, so now it can only help me. I’ve always got that New York hardcore hip-hop vibe. I am that. That’s what I live and breathe. Being in the South just allows me to open up and try some new shit.
Are you still on Atlantic Records?
My solo deal is through Atlantic. They’re offering me too much money for me to leave. The Terror Squad album is through SRC/Universal. I love Steve [Rifkind]. I never met another rap executive better than Steve Rifkind. He’s a real loyal dude. When this business is sometime-ish, he looks out.
Are the other members of TS on SRC as solo artists?
No, they’re on Terror Squad/Universal. I’ve got a joint venture with them right now, and I’m on Atlantic. So I’ve got like two joint ventures.
Is Terror Squad more like a clique or a label?
We function as a label, but it is a clique.
What appeals to you about the other members of Terror Squad?
Prospect is dope. He’s just got to get really, really focused. He brings a Pun-like element. Pun always liked the way Prospect rhymed more than anyone else. He spits that vintage flow.
There was a rumor going around that you and Cuban Link had an altercation in a hotel down here in Miami?
Wow. I haven’t heard that name in so long. Actually, the day he said I did that, I was sitting front row at the Heat game. I’m not trying to hurt that dude. We’re happy right now, we don’t need that.
(A plane flies by overhead, advertising Fat Joe’s event later that night on South Beach. “See that?” he points. “That’s why they’re mad.”)
I heard you just bought your wife a new car?
I stay buying her some shit (laughing).
How do you balance your personal and professional lives?
(shakes head) I don’t know. It’s hard to balance both, but I try my best.
Do you have any kids?
Yes, I have two sons: Joey and Ryan. They come and visit all the time. My son just told me he doesn’t have summer camp, so he’s coming to be with me every day. I told him I was going on tour, but you know, I’ve got to figure it out somehow. We’re on the Latin Kings of Hip-Hop Tour. It’s me and a bunch of popular Spanish rappers. I’m the headliner, of course.
Do you think Latinos get respect in hip-hop?
Fuck respect. I don’t care about that. It ain’t about respect, just hot music. They never give us our respect though. Fat Joe been in the game ten years, selling millions, yet they still don’t consider us. I sold four million on my own.
What do you think it will take to get that respect?
We continuously keep coming back with hits, winning the Rucker, we the livest out there. We’re making movies and we still don’t get recognized. I don’t know what they want from us.
Are you coming out with a solo album soon?
We’re working on my album and Remy’s album. We’ve got Khaled, Cool & Dre, Street Runnerz, and DirtBag so far.
Anything else you want to say?
We love Miami!
