Major Controversies Surrounding Fat Joe: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Fat Joe.

Fat Joe, born Joseph Antonio Cartagena, is an American rapper who rose to prominence as a member of the hip-hop collective Diggin' in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.) in the early 1990s. He launched his solo career with the album "Represent" in 1993. He is also the founder of Terror Squad, a hip-hop group and record label that fostered the careers of artists like Big Pun and Remy Ma, and producers such as DJ Khaled and Cool & Dre.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

September 8, 1998: Arrested on assault charges

On September 8, 1998, Fat Joe and Big Pun were arrested on assault charges for hitting a man with a baseball bat and stealing the man's gold chain that year.

1999: Feud with 50 Cent

Fat Joe's feud with 50 Cent was provoked in 1999, when Ja Rule and Jadakiss made appearances on Ja Rule's single.

May 2001: Altercation at Angie Martinez's release party

In May 2001, Fat Joe was involved in an altercation with rapper SunKiss at a release party for Angie Martinez's album, resulting in Cuban Link getting his face cut.

May 12, 2002: Arrested for alleged fight

On May 12, 2002, Fat Joe was arrested for allegedly fighting with another man at B.B. King's Blues Club in Times Square.

2002: Collaboration on "What's Luv?"

In 2002, Fat Joe collaborated with Ja Rule on the single "What's Luv?", which ignited a feud with 50 Cent.

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2004: Collaboration on "New York"

In 2004, Fat Joe continued his collaborations with Ja Rule on the single "New York", which also featured Jadakiss.

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June 14, 2005: Release of 'All or Nothing' Album

On June 14, 2005, Fat Joe released his sixth studio album, All or Nothing, which included the single "My Fofo" dissing 50 Cent, as well as "So Much More" and "Get It Poppin".

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2005: Feud escalates at MTV Video Music Awards

During the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards, tensions between Fat Joe and 50 Cent escalated after Fat Joe's comments during the Best Hip Hop Video award presentation and 50 Cent's subsequent profanity-laden response. Michael Jordan cancelled a contract fearing conflict with 50 Cent.

2005: Response to "Piggy Bank" with "My Fofo"

In 2005, following 50 Cent's diss track "Piggy Bank", Fat Joe responded with "My Fofo" from his album All or Nothing.

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June 2007: Billboard Campaign Targeting

In June 2007, Catholic priest Michael Pfleger launched a billboard campaign, "Stop Listening to Trash", in Chicago, targeting Fat Joe and other rappers for allegedly promoting misogyny. Also in June 2007, Fat Joe was featured on DJ Khaled's single, "We Takin' Over".

September 2007: 50 Cent accuses Fat Joe of cowardice

In September 2007, on BET's Rap City, 50 Cent accused Fat Joe of being a coward for not confronting him.

January 2008: 50 Cent releases diss track "Southside Nigga (I'm Leaving)"

In January 2008, 50 Cent released another diss track towards Fat Joe called "Southside Nigga (I'm Leaving)".

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March 20, 2008: 50 Cent's "funeral" video

On March 20, 2008, 50 Cent released a YouTube video that featured a "funeral" of Fat Joe, mocking his album sales.

2010: Proposed end to the feud

In 2010, Irv Gotti expressed anger at Fat Joe following his proposal to quell their longstanding feud with G-Unit.

2011: Feud calms down

By 2011, the feud between Fat Joe and 50 Cent seemed to calm down with little action taken by either side.

2012: Feud Squashed at BET Hip Hop Awards

In 2012, Fat Joe and 50 Cent squashed their feud by performing together at the BET Hip Hop Awards in honor of Chris Lighty. They became close friends and business associates shortly thereafter.

June 24, 2013: Sentenced to prison for tax evasion

On June 24, 2013, Fat Joe was sentenced to four months in prison for tax evasion.

August 26, 2013: Began prison sentence

On August 26, 2013, Fat Joe began his four-month prison sentence for tax evasion.

August 2014: Liza Rios files $2.3 million lawsuit

In August 2014, Liza Rios, Big Pun's widow, filed a $2.3 million lawsuit against Fat Joe and Steve Rifkind, alleging unpaid royalties for Big Pun's albums Capital Punishment (1998) and Yeeeah Baby (2000) since 2005.

June 22, 2016: Settlement in lawsuit

On June 22, 2016, Fat Joe and Liza Rios, the widow of Big Pun, settled out-of-court for undisclosed reasons regarding the $2.3 million lawsuit filed in August 2014 concerning unpaid royalties.

September 15, 2021: Verzuz Battle with Ja Rule

On September 15, 2021, Fat Joe reunited with Ja Rule to engage in an online single battle via Verzuz, which ended with Jadakiss appearing and the three performing "New York".

August 8, 2024: Awarded key to the city of New York

On August 8, 2024, Fat Joe was awarded the key to the city of New York, which resulted in heavy backlash.

December 22, 2024: Liza Rios storms out of interview

On December 22, 2024, Liza Rios stormed out of an interview on the Uppercut podcast when asked about Fat Joe.

2024: 50 Cent regrets starting the feud

In 2024, 50 Cent admitted that he regretted starting the feud with Fat Joe.

April 29, 2025: Filed lawsuit against Terrance "T.A." Dixon

On April 29, 2025, Fat Joe filed a lawsuit against his former hype man, Terrance "T.A." Dixon, for defamation and extortion based on false accusations.