On December 3, Fat Joe revealed the highly anticipated details of his upcoming album, The World Changed On Me, scheduled for release on December 13. The album’s cover features a powerful photograph of Fat Joe and his older brother Angel, who tragically passed away this past Thanksgiving.
Angel, who was a pioneering DJ in the Bronx during the early days of hip-hop, played a significant role in Joe’s life and career. In a 2022 interview with NPR, Fat Joe recalled his brother’s contributions to the music scene: “When he would go DJ at the legendary jams, my brother would carry milk crates that had vinyl,” Joe shared. “Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel — they call me Little Angel.”
In an emotional Instagram post, Fat Joe confirmed his brother’s passing, writing, “On the AM of Thanksgiving, my Big Brother Angel aka the Money Man Passed Away. You walked so that the Terror Squad could run. You were the most giving person I ever known.” The album will serve as a tribute to Angel’s legacy, honoring the bond they shared and the profound influence he had on Joe’s journey.
In addition to the emotional tribute to his brother, Fat Joe has shared that he drew inspiration from other sources when crafting the new album. During an Instagram Live session with actor Michael Rainey Jr. in October, Joe discussed the rappers who motivate him when working on new music. “Whenever I make an album, I always put up a poster of Nas, a poster of JAY-Z and one of Eminem,” he explained. “And I be like, ‘Yo, I gotta be as good as them or even better. In my own mind. I could be delusional, but I do that. I shoot for the stars.’”
Fat Joe has consistently been at the forefront of hip-hop, and with The World Changed On Me, he aims to add to his legacy. The album, which has been highly anticipated since his last release in 2021, will feature personal themes and sounds that reflect his evolution as an artist. Though the initial release date was set for earlier this year, fans are now counting down the days until December 13 to experience this powerful new chapter in Fat Joe’s storied career.
