Legendary rapper Fat Joe shares powerful insights from his life and career. He criticizes J. Cole for not addressing beefs, while fondly referring to DJ Khaled as his angel. Joe opens up about a harrowing experience helping a friend through suicidal thoughts and his own journey battling diabetes, which he reversed after the death of Big Pun. He discusses the joys and challenges of raising a son with autism and Down syndrome, and reflects on 30 years of marriage marked by resilience. Additionally, his passion for graffiti and political activism adds depth to his multifaceted personality.
Fat Joe criticizes J. Cole for not addressing beef in the Drake vs Kendrick rivalry, showcasing his belief in active engagement.
Joe shares a profound personal experience of saving a friend from suicide, underscoring the importance of trust and support in tough times.
Discussing his son with autism and Down syndrome, Joe highlights the rewarding yet challenging journey of fatherhood and acceptance.
Deep dives
The Power of Small Business Ownership
Small business ownership is a remarkable journey that requires resilience and innovation. The episode highlights the pivotal moments when entrepreneurs are faced with critical challenges that demand decisive action, further shaping their business's identity. These turning points can range from financial crises to market competition, showcasing the need for adaptability and strategic thinking. Successful owners emphasize the importance of perseverance and learning from failures as essential components of achieving lasting success.
Collaboration and Community Support
Building a strong community network is crucial for small business owners. The episode discusses how collaboration with local businesses, mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, and fostering relationships within the community can result in shared resources and mutual support. Small businesses can thrive when they leverage each other's strengths, share best practices, and provide a safety net during tough times. This spirit of togetherness not only enhances individual business prospects but also strengthens the local economy.
Embracing Technology and Innovation
In an evolving marketplace, embracing technology is essential for small business growth. The episode explores how utilizing digital tools and platforms can streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and improve marketing efforts. From e-commerce to social media, technology enables small businesses to reach a broader audience and compete effectively with larger corporations. By adopting innovative practices, entrepreneurs can stay relevant and responsive to changing consumer behaviors.
Navigating Financial Challenges
Financial management remains a significant hurdle for many small business owners. The podcast delves into strategies for managing cash flow, budgeting effectively, and securing funding, whether through loans, grants, or investors. Access to financial resources can be a determining factor in a business's survival and growth, making it critical for owners to understand their financial statement intricacies. Moreover, developing a financial literacy foundation equips entrepreneurs to make informed decisions that help sustain their ventures through ups and downs.
The Impact of Storytelling in Business
Storytelling serves as a powerful tool for small businesses to connect with their audience on a deeper level. The episode emphasizes how sharing personal narratives, brand stories, and customer experiences can create emotional resonance and differentiate a business in competitive markets. By effectively communicating their values and missions, business owners can foster loyalty and trust among their customers. This narrative approach not only enhances brand identity but also encourages advocacy, as loyal customers become ambassadors for the business.
Fat Joe starts Part 2 by criticizing J. Cole for not responding to the beef aimed at him revolving around the Drake vs Kendrick feud, saying he would have responded himself. Joe calls DJ Khaled his angel, supporting Khaled's message about spreading love and positivity. Joe shares a personal story about talking his friend out of suicide after his wife cheated on him, noting that trusting in God saved the man’s life. He mentions how his friends like DJ Khaled and Pitbull often catch beef because of their association with him. Then, Joe reflects on the best and worst parts of having money.
He mentions using Ozempic for diabetes, which he’s had since he was 13, and how Big Pun’s death motivated him to work out so intensely that he reversed his diabetes. Joe proudly talks about being married for 30 years, and how his wife held him down while he was in prison. He explains how they’ve stayed together through thick and thin. Joe discusses his son, who has autism and Down syndrome, and how initially he wasn’t ready to be a father. Joe calls his son his biggest blessing.
Joe talks about his love for graffiti, admitting he’s “addicted” to it. He explains why he became politically active, noting how it’s alienated parts of his audience but emphasizing the importance of his work regarding issues like healthcare transparency. Joe says nobody has been to Africa more than him and shares a stressful story about an African warlord not letting him leave Angola. Joe reflects on how Atlanta has replaced New York as the capital of hip hop. He recalls almost getting into a fight with Roy Jones Jr. over his lyrics. Joe tells a wild story about nearly beating someone up with Mike Tyson and Big Pun at the craziest club in New York.
As the episode draws to a close, Fat Joe talks about his close relationship with Jennifer Lopez. He declares that women in Atlanta are running hip hop. Joe reveals that Eminem once wanted him to sign him and mentions that he also missed the opportunity to sign Pitbull and Rick Ross. He explains how the Black and Brown communities can come together. The episode concludes with Fat Joe flipping the script and asking Shannon a question back. In this episode, Fat Joe offers insight, laughter, and reflection, showcasing the highs and lows of his career and personal life, leaving viewers with a deeper understanding of the legendary rapper’s journey and mindset.