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.