Fat Joe discusses Capitol Records split
Why Fat Joe Says Capitol Records “Left Him to Die”
Fat Joe once bragged about his deal with Capitol Records. He liked his earnings per sale, but after J.O.S.E. II, he demanded to leave the label. Now, he’s explaining why.
Fat Joe on Capitol Records: “They Left Me to Die”
After years of dominating the rap scene with hits like “Lean Back” and “What’s Luv,” Fat Joe is opening up about the struggles behind his latest career move. The Bronx-born rapper, celebrating the release of his tenth studio album, The Darkside, Vol. 1, today, has made it clear why his relationship with Capitol Records came to an abrupt end. Fat Joe accuses the label of neglecting his 2009 album, J.O.S.E. II, leaving it to flounder in the marketplace with little to no support.
In a candid interview with VIBE.com, Fat Joe didn’t mince words about Capitol Records’ treatment of the project. “They left me to die,” the rapper bluntly stated, pointing to a lack of promotional support, marketing dollars, and the absence of key leadership. For a veteran rapper with a proven track record of hits, this was an experience he describes as both shocking and frustrating.
The Breakdown of the Capitol Deal
Fat Joe’s tenure at Capitol Records was supposed to be a unique partnership. Signed through a distribution deal, Capitol didn’t manage the creative aspects of Joe’s projects but was responsible for releasing and promoting them. Initially, the rapper praised the deal, emphasizing its flexibility and the control it gave him over his music. As a result, he hit the ground running with “Make It Rain.” However, things quickly soured after Neal Levine, the executive who orchestrated the deal, left the company for Sony. His replacement didn’t see eye to eye with Joe.
“I had bad words with [Levine’s replacement],” Joe revealed. “He told me, ‘Yo, you are going to see how I do you.’ That meant no marketing dollars behind that album—no money for videos or for a promo tour. They left me to die.” This friction came to a head during the rollout of J.O.S.E. II, which Joe insists was a strong album. Songs like “One” featuring Akon were poised to be hits, but the label’s lack of support doomed the project before it even got off the ground.
The album sold fewer than 8,000 copies in its first week—a career low for the rapper who had previously enjoyed platinum success. Fans and critics alike questioned the album’s poor performance, but Joe now lays the blame squarely at Capitol’s feet.
The Capitol Exodus: A Familiar Tale
Fat Joe isn’t the only artist who found Capitol Records an unwelcoming home. Chingy, who left the label in 2007, famously remarked that Capitol was “no place for a rapper.” At the time, other artists like Mims defended the label, but he too has since voiced frustrations and sought an exit. Fat Joe’s split from Capitol adds to a growing list of rappers who have struggled under the label’s management.
“It’s like they wanted to ruin me,” Joe said, explaining how Capitol tried to block his exit even after refusing to support his work. It wasn’t until he threatened legal action that the label finally let him go. By that time, the damage to his career and confidence had already been done.
A Fresh Start with E1 Music
With J.O.S.E. II behind him, Fat Joe wasted no time finding a new home for his music. Signing with E1 Music (formerly Koch Records), Joe feels reinvigorated and ready to prove his doubters wrong. His new album, The Darkside, Vol. 1, released today, marks the beginning of what he calls a new chapter in his career.
“This is the music I wanted to make,” Joe explained. While Capitol tried to steer him in a different direction, E1 Music has given him the freedom to create without interference. The album features collaborations with prominent artists and producers, delivering the gritty, street-inspired sound that fans have come to expect from the Terror Squad leader.
Songs like “(Ha Ha) Slow Down” featuring Young Jeezy and “If It Ain’t About Money” with Trey Songz showcase Joe’s ability to balance hardcore rap with radio-friendly hits. For Joe, this album isn’t just about reclaiming his place in the rap game—it’s about proving that he’s still one of the genre’s most versatile and enduring voices.
Reflecting on J.O.S.E. II
Despite the challenges he faced with Capitol Records, Fat Joe still stands by the music he created on J.O.S.E. II. Tracks like “One” featuring Akon and “Aloha” with Pleasure P were potential chart-toppers, and the album as a whole represents a significant effort from the rapper.
While J.O.S.E. II may not have received the attention it deserved, Joe hopes fans will revisit the project with fresh ears. For him, the experience serves as both a cautionary tale and a motivator.
Looking Ahead: The Darkside Beckons
With The Darkside, Vol. 1, Fat Joe is embracing a darker, edgier sound that reflects his struggles and triumphs over the past few years. The album serves as both a rebirth and a statement of intent: Fat Joe isn’t going anywhere.
With a renewed focus and a supportive label behind him, he’s ready to reclaim his spot at the top of the game.
As Fat Joe moves forward, he remains grateful for the lessons learned from his time at Capitol Records.
Fat Joe’s Vision for the Future: Taking Control of His Narrative
Fat Joe’s departure from Capitol Records marks a pivotal moment in his career, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of autonomy and creative freedom in the music industry. Reflecting on the challenges he faced during his tenure with the label, Joey Crack remains resolute in his determination to chart a new course. With The Darkside, Vol. 1 now out, he is embracing the opportunity to connect with fans on his terms, free from the constraints of corporate decision-making.
As Fat Joe embarks on this new chapter with E1 Music, he is laser-focused on reclaiming his narrative. His bold move to leave Capitol not only showcases his resilience but also serves as inspiration for artists striving to maintain control over their art. Despite the struggles of the past, Fat Joe proves that staying true to oneself and pushing through adversity can lead to a brighter and more successful future.
This marks the beginning of a new era for Fat Joe—one driven by his own vision, determination, and unyielding belief in his craft.