Fat Joe: Elephant In The Room

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Artist: Fat Joe

Album: The Elephant In The Room

Label: Terror Squad/Imperial/Capitol Music Group

Fat Joe’s new release The Elephant in the Room is possibly his hottest album to this day. Now on his 8th album, the Bronx veteran proves why he has been able to maintain a solid career for over 14 years. One of the most talented Latino rap artists in the game, his music consistently receives heavy rotation. However, the title of his album hints that he feels unappreciated. Even with all of his accomplishments, he has struggled with record sales. This is why he considers himself “The Elephant in The Room.”

Fat Joe opens the album with “The Fugitive” produced by Street Runner. Here he argues his right to use the word “Nigga,” talks about going independent, and even takes you back to his early career “You Gotta Flow Joe.” Joe picks up the pace on “You Ain’t Saying Nothin” featuring Plies. This track isn’t really anything special. Plies doesn’t sound good on fast tracks and honestly the two artists “ain’t saying nothing” themselves.

“Crackhouse” is a definite banger. Cool & Dre go to work on the beat and Joe comes hard all the way through. The flow complements the beat and the lyrics are above par. Of course, it helps that he has the south’s favorite rapper on the hook. “Cocababy” has some hop to it. Danja produced the track and Fat Joe rides the beat like the veteran he is. Here Joe big’s up his name and it works for him. This track has radio potential. Next up is “Get it for Life” where Fat Joe talks about his hunger? Not really sure where he’s going with this one. Honestly, with DJ Khaled at the beginning of the track, I immediately lost interest. This is not one of the better songs on the album.

“Drop” is a definite club track. Swizz Beatz provides the bouncy production for this one. Here Joe’s intentions are obvious and he gets the job done. I personally wasn’t impressed, but then again this one is for the ladies. One of the more popular songs off the album, “I Won’t Tell” features J. Holiday and is in heavy rotation right now. Joe made a smart move by collaborating with one of the newer, more relevant R&B artists in the game right now. The two make a good team.

The album takes a turn in another direction with “K.A.R. (Kill All Rats).” This is a hard track where he speaks on snitching and what happens to those who run off at the mouth. Street Runner produced the track and Joe’s flow is straight. He sounds better here than when he’s trying to serenade women. Joe follows this one with another hard hitter “300 Brolic.” This track sounds like a mixtape banger and once again Joey takes us back to the streets. The opera voices on the hook take away from the song a little, but everything else on this track falls right in line.

The album gets even hotter when Joe hooks up with Scott Storch for the hit “Preacher on a Sunday Morning.” The beat, hook, and flow on this one all say “Hit.” You can’t help but run this one back. Following the album peak is “My Conscience” featuring KRS-One. The two veterans go back and forth on a beat produced by hit producer Alchemist. This track goes hard from start to finish and is a treat for the fans of east coast rap. Fat Joe closes the album with “That White” produced by DJ Premier. The beat goes harder than Joe’s flow but then again, Primo is a living legend. The song sounds good but could really use more substance.

Elephant in the Room is a solid album. Fat Joe remains consistent and shows why deserves recognition for his contributions to rap music. He may not be the best rapper in the game, but he’s been around long enough to deserve honorable mention. If you’re a fan of Fat Joe, this is a must have for your collection.