Fat Joe is set to be honored with the key to New York City on August 20th, but the announcement has stirred some controversy. The Bronx-born rapper revealed on Instagram that he will receive this prestigious accolade at a special event at Orchard Beach, where he will also perform a free concert starting at 6 p.m., with doors opening an hour earlier.
In a follow-up video, Fat Joe shared that his upcoming recognition has not been without its critics. Despite his well-established reputation as a New York rap legend and dedicated philanthropist, Joe acknowledged some pushback regarding his award. “I get the key to the city [on] the 20th and, boy, was that a hard one. Hip Hop got a black eye,” he said.
“The mayor and his crew, his right-hand girl, got me the key to the city. Everybody was a little upset. But I don’t know another guy who keeps it realer with the streets of New York than Fat Joe, who feeds more people, opens more businesses. I don’t know what to tell you guys.” Joe did not elaborate on who was dissatisfied with the decision.
This situation brings to mind a similar controversy involving Mayor Eric Adams and Diddy. Earlier this year, Adams faced public pressure to rescind the key to the city he awarded to Diddy after a video emerged showing Diddy assaulting his former partner, Cassie, in 2016. Following the video’s release, Adams condemned the violence and decided to revoke Diddy’s key, marking the first time someone had lost this honor. In a letter dated June 4, Adams stated that the key is reserved for those who demonstrate exceptional service and character. After careful review, the committee decided to nullify Diddy’s award. Diddy returned the key on June 10, according to TMZ.