Fat Joe reveals how Killer Mike saved him from retirement: Watch

Before Fat Joe kisses 2024 goodbye, the hip-hop star has one more trick up his sleeve after a blockbuster year: releasing his first solo album in 15 years. In December, Joe abandoned his long-awaited effort to accomplish the feat, The world changes because of meand was interviewed by Billboard News about the launch of the project.

Despite its compact size, this 11-track set is a hearty entrée for avid Joe supporters. The BX powerhouse shows off a new flow and delivery while maintaining his steely punchline, as demonstrated on standout tracks “Dog House” and “I Got You.” With roles such as Babyface, Ty Dolla $ign, and Anitta, Fat Joe has maintained his own identity while guest-starring. According to Joe, his decision to venture back into the booth was a courtesy from Killer Mike after the Run the Jewels MC won three Grammys at last year’s ceremony.

“He was the one who inspired it,” Joe said, referring to Mike’s inspiration. “I’m retired. I’m gone. I had that infamous phone call with Eminem where he was trying to talk me out of retiring. ‘Joe, we need you. You’re one of us. I’m done, But I’m back out there because of Killer Mike, and this guy won a Grammy.

For Joe, a Grammy remains an elusive feat in his illustrious career. As he explained to Billboard News, seeing what Killer Mike accomplished later in his career inspired him to pursue music again. “When I saw it, I called Dre and I was like, ‘Yo. This is possible. Let’s get back in the kitchen and cook. So, he inspired me to come out of retirement,” Joe said .

While Joe remains a fixture in the hip-hop scene for his gritty raps, he was able to flex his journalism muscles this year when his new talk show premiered on STARZ, Fat Joe speaks. Premiering last October, Joe interviewed countless friends in the music and entertainment world, including Method Man, Mary J. Blige, DJ Khaled and more. While these names are hot in hip-hop circles, Joe has his sights set on a bigger figure outside the realm: Barack Obama. Having the former president recount his historic 2008 election victory would be a landmark conversation for Joe and a definite check off his interview bucket list.

“I know how I felt when he gave his acceptance speech. When he first won, it was a speech in Chicago. Like millions of people out there. I was so proud,” Joe recalled road. “I couldn’t believe it. At that moment, Jesse Jackson was crying in the audience. It was so sad to see.

Watch the full interview advertising billboardCarl Lamarre talks Chris Rock’s involvement in Joe’s new album, maintaining friendships with 50 Cent and Ja Rule, and overcoming depression.